Here the translation of the article from "TV Sorrisi e Canzoni"....  my thanks to Mary F for checking my English. -- Daniela

“In the ring I learned to cry” - Article and photo by Armando Gallo

Something extraordinary happened on June 13,1935 at Madison Square Garden in NYC: The fight for the title of heavyweight champion of the world between ferocious Max Baer, who had won the title against Carnera, and Jim Braddock, the symbol of millions of Americans who were defeated by the Depression’s heavy poverty but who had a desperate will to redeem themselves. That night Braddock, nicknamed Cinderella Man as his family and he lived on welfare money in a room and a kitchen, won the title through 15 hard and legendary rounds. Today “Cinderella Man” is a movie directed by Ron Howard and played by the always amazing and highly adaptable Russell Crowe that “Sorrisi” has met during his promotion tour in the USA. The movie will be presented at Venice International Film Festival in September.

What attracted you in Braddock’s story?

“I love this character more than any other I've played. I read this script in 1997 and since then anything I read about him moved me. I liked the man, his love for his family and for his wife Mae. I liked the fact that he became a boxer not for the fame but to survive. I liked how he raised his family in the same home in New Jersey that he bought with the money he won from the world title.”

It’s so fascinating to see you playing Braddock. You really became Braddock, how do you do it?

“I clear my mind of anything else, and I start to create the character with all the research. I’m fond of acting, I get goose bumps any time I arrive at a new film’s set.”

 

Besides the physical training, you had also a mental preparation…

“I did. I wanted to be the character in every aspect. This man went back to the ring with an empty stomach to feed his family, to pay the electricity bill, and to buy milk for his children; and he knocked out a great boxer. His strength and his courage were something to discover. The physical training was meticulous.”

How was it?

“Six months of the gym; boxing, running and weight lifting. Then I  continued during the 5 months of filming. It’s been hard. It was always painful and getting punched in the head is something I don’t want to do again.”

This movie portrays a great marriage. Did you learn something from it?

“I love Jim and his wife Mae’s love story. He adored his wife till her death in 1974, but for my marriage I have my parent’s as an example.  They’ve been married for 45 years now. I probably waited so long to marry Danielle because I wanted to make sure that I only did it once”

 

You’ve been a father for 18 months now…

“I love being a dad. I cannot understand how I managed to cope without giving and getting so many cuddles every day. It’s something incredible to look in Charles’ eyes.”

 

You were supposed to film “Eucalyptus” with Nicole Kidman but… what happened?

“Something was wrong and there’s no need for less than good movies. Nicole and I have wanted to work together for 15 years, hopefully it will happen while we're still young.  Baz Luhrmann would be a great captain if only he were to propose a good project for us and soon, please!”

(thanks to Mary F for checking my English)