Tim Blake Nelson on Becoming a Veteran Boxer in ‘Bang Bang’ and Returning to the Marvel Cinematic Universe

As a devoted fan of Tim Blake Nelson’s work, I find myself utterly enthralled by the depth and diversity of his roles. From the harmonica-playing convict to the menacing villain in early Marvel lore, he has shown an unparalleled versatility that keeps me on the edge of my seat. His latest character, Bang Bang Rozyski, is no exception.

Tim Blake Nelson typically maintains a gap of about three to four months before taking on roles that require significant physical changes, as he shared. With an impressive resume spanning various characters, from a musically gifted fugitive in ‘O Brother, Where Art Thou?’ to a malevolent figure in early Marvel cinematic universe (‘The Incredible Hulk’), and even a tenacious interrogating police officer on the TV series ‘Watchmen’, Nelson has certainly experienced his share of character transformations.

Nelson points out that we’re always acting, not just when we’re on set. It’s essential to maintain our bodies and mindsets in a constant state of preparedness, he emphasizes. Currently, one of his roles is portraying an aging boxer named Bernard “Bang Bang” Rozyski. In this character, he coaches his grandson, navigates his own health concerns, and grapples with the ghosts of his past, all while battling inner demons.

Under the guidance of director Vincent Grashaw, the film titled “Bang Bang” (take a look at this clip) is set to debut at the Locarno Film Festival, taking place from August 7th to the 17th. Notably, Nelson will be fulfilling two roles during this event, as he is also serving as a juror.

In this interpretation, the character Rozyski isn’t particularly charming, but Nelson found this trait appealing. As the actor explains, portraying such a character provided a challenging balancing act for him. He further clarifies that the character, as written, didn’t care about being liked by others on screen. However, he also points out that there should be some level of audience appeal to the character.

As a devoted admirer, I must confess that the role of Rozyski, unlike any other I’ve played, presents a level of unlikability that intrigues me. The character I came closest to in 2021 was Old Henry, a homesteader who valiantly confronts a gang of outlaws alone, a performance I gave in the indie hit by the same name. I find myself drawn to performances such as Daniel Day Lewis’ in There Will Be Blood, where an unlikeable character manages to captivate audiences endlessly.

As a gamer, I find that similar to characters in games, actors, especially American ones in the film industry, strive for audience approval. The reason being, if they’re well-liked, they’ll likely secure more roles because audiences are drawn to them. But the idea of leading a movie without this need for acceptance felt like an intriguing challenge to me.

Nelson too had the task of portraying Rozyski as a former boxer whose prime years were past, yet one who was far from finished in the ring. As Nelson put it, “In his mind, he’s still boxing.”

Many discussions have taken place regarding the dramatic changes actors undergo for their roles, such as losing weight for award-winning performances or bulking up when cast for a superhero movie.

Nelson prioritizes keeping a minimum level of fitness to adapt to whatever a role might demand of him. Yet, he chuckles when he realizes, “During the filming, I was 58 years old, which means, regardless of my physical condition, I’m technically beyond my peak.”

He admitted he wasn’t initially chosen for the role, explaining, “I’m not large or heavy, and I don’t naturally possess the physique of a boxer. Consequently, I had to work hard to develop that image.”

As a gamer preparing for my next role, I spent six intense weeks honing my skills at a bustling boxing gym in Manhattan. Immersed among seasoned fighters, I absorbed their techniques and mindsets like a sponge, eager to bring that authenticity to the big screen. Later, on set in Covington, Kentucky standing in for Detroit, director Grashaw, with his rich background in boxing, expertly guided me through the fight scenes.

Beyond the gym, Nelson also spent time watching boxing movies, with John Huston’s Fat City being one of his favorites. He delved into relevant literature as well, such as the autobiography of renowned boxing coach Teddy Atlas. Later on, he even had the opportunity to meet Atlas in person. As a matter of fact, many details from the movie, including a ketchup sandwich used to save money and lose weight, were inspired by Teddy’s tales about training Mike Tyson, according to Nelson’s recollection.

Boxing has been a popular subject in movies for many years. When asked what makes “Bang Bang” stand out from other boxing-themed films, Nelson highlights a scene where Rozyski gives a lengthy, uninterrupted monologue about his journey into fighting and the reasons behind his talent for the sport.

According to Nelson, the scene is a result of complex interactions between family backgrounds, surroundings, and genetics. He highlights the impact of harmful actions towards one another, particularly among men, and how these actions can leave lasting scars.

After “Bang Bang,” viewers can look forward to recognizing Nelson’s character more clearly. He reprises his role as Samuel Sterns, transformed into the supervillain The Leader, in “Captain America: Brave New World.” Interestingly, he originally portrayed this character 16 years ago in “The Incredible Hulk,” which was also the year Robert Downey Jr. debuted as Iron Man, marking the beginning of what has grown into the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

“As a gamer, I was deeply disappointed when it seemed like I wouldn’t get the chance to play The Leader. The thought filled me with a heavy sadness because I was eager, right away, to delve into how this character could transform from a scientist into an eerie, irradiated genius.” (Nelson)

Although he’s experienced grief, Nelson appreciates the depth that 15 years without playing the character has brought. He explains, “Having been away for 16 years makes the character more intriguing because I now have to explain what has happened and why. The stories Marvel’s writers have created for him require a level of maturity from me, both personally and as an actor. I wouldn’t have been capable of portraying their vision 16 years ago.”

Concludes Nelson: “I’m older and have much more life experience now, and so, I had more to give.”

2024-08-08 09:25

Read More