Liam Neeson drew major concern about his health when he was spotted looking frail and gaunt in New York City in July, as HNGN previously reported. However, the 63-year-old actor has revealed that the dramatic weight loss and the "gaunt" appearance is for Martin Scorsese's new film "Silence."
"Martin wanted us all to look a bit more gaunt, which [Adam Driver and Andrew Garfield] did as well," said the "Taken" actor, about dropping 20 pounds during a media briefing for the film, according to Collider.
"I know Adam went to the extreme. 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," Neeson added.
Neeson plays the role of Father Cristóvão Ferreira in "Silence," which follows the story of two Jesuit Portuguese priests who travel to Japan to teach Christianity.
"Martin is intimidating," Neeson went on about the Oscar-winning filmmaker. "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. 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."
The actor said that when he was presented the supporting role in the film, he didn't need to think twice. "Who's going to turn down a job with Martin Scorsese?" Neeson said, "He's a very special director and for actors he's exceptional. His level of concentration and focus, what he prepares for the actors before you come on set is just wonderful."
