Liam Neeson was thought to be sick in September because of his gaunt and "scarily thin" appearance. It turns out the actor has intentionally scraped off the pounds for his role in Martin Scorsese's "Silence." The actor recently opened up about his experience with the film.
Variety did a cover on the 4th Annual Los Cabos International Film Festival this past weekend, giving them an opportunity to talk to Neeson about "Silence" and his sudden weight loss.
According to Collider, Neeson, who dropped twenty pounds for his role in "Silence," was tested immensely when it comes to his physical limitations. However, he wasn't alone in this department.
"Martin wanted us all to look a bit more gaunt, which [Adam Driver & Andrew Garfield] did as well. I know Adam went to the extreme," Liam Neeson told the publication.
"He's an ex marine and when he's given an order, he follows it through. He was like something out of Auschwitz. Martin requires this level of [dedication] and I think it pays off," the actor added.
Liam also explained how it is working with the legendary director.
"Martin is intimidating. He's legendary - so as a performer you have to get over that. I had to get over that...He require[s] absolute silence on set, like everybody has to stop work when he's giving a direction or explaining a scene," said the 63-year-old.
"I mean everybody - the guy that's painting 400 yards away has to stop. If he hears one tiny sound it's shattered for him so he commands that respect. He commands that silence and especially for this film it was necessary," he added.
Variety also spoke with producer Gaston Pavlovich at the press conference. Pavlovich reportedly revealed that "Silence" is almost done, adding that Scorsese is in the middle of the film's editing process. The director is also placing the finishing touches on the director's cut. The producer added that "Silence" would have an estimated runtime of "two hours and ten minutes".
"The hope is for the film to premiere at the 2016 Cannes Film Festival," he added. However, they are not putting any pressure on Scorsese and he could finish the film whenever he deems it ready.
According to Cinema Blend, "Silence" is akin to Scorsese's Frank Sinatra biopic and "The Irishman," in a sense that Martin Scorsese has taken years developing the film.
Production for "Silence" reportedly took place earlier this year, and the editing has been going on for quite some time.
"Silence" is based on Shusaku Endo's novel of the same name. Set in 17th century Japan, "Silence" tells the story of two Jesuit priests who goes to Japan to evangelize their faith and find their mentor. However, they face unexpected violence and persecution in the Asian countr.
According to Neeson, a central question that pervades "Silence" is whether there is a god. Neeson adds that this question has also affected him personally.
The screenplay for "Silence" was penned by Jay Cocks, who has worked with Scorsese on the film "Gangs of New York" way back 2002
"Silence" is expected to be released late 2016.
Check out a first look at Liam Neeson in "Silence" here.
