Clive Owen describes 'precious time' with children

British actor Clive Owen says he spends time with his children as much as possible when not working because he misses them so much during filming.

British actor Clive Owen says he spends time with his children as much as possible when not working because he misses them so much during filming.

The Sin City star also spoke about what he looks for in roles, while promoting his latest film at a US comic book convention.

He travelled from his London home to the San Diego Convention Centre to talk about his new movie: the pulpy, gun-filled Shoot ’Em Up, in cinemas on September 7.

Owen, 42, plays Mr Smith, an angry anti-hero who shoots every type of weapon in every way imaginable as he battles to protect a newborn baby from the ’bad guy’, played by Paul Giamatti.

Owen’s character is aided by a prostitute (Monica Bellucci), with whom he shares a tenderly damaged love affair.

The actor, who also starred in Closer with Jude Law, said the script was “probably the wildest, freshest script I’ve read in years”.

“I like the fact that it unashamedly says from the outset: don’t take this too seriously,” he said.

Owen, who did most of his own stunts for the film, said he had to train hard for the challenge set by writer-director Michael Davis.

He said: “I was in a harness for 10 days being spun around and flung and all that stuff at the end. It was physically demanding for sure.”

In choosing roles, Owen said he is not interested in “route one, everything very obvious, the good guy and he’s clearly good”.

“I’m always into sort of a bit of conflict,” he said. “And I think there’s something hugely attractive about playing a guy like this because the bottom line is he’s the cool guy with no name.”

But out of work, his two daughters, aged eight and 10, are his priority.

“I miss them so badly when I have to go and shoot,” he said. “It becomes very precious just hanging with them, spending time with them, because it costs when you have to go off and make a movie.”

more courts articles

Man (25) in court charged with murdering his father and attempted murder of mother Man (25) in court charged with murdering his father and attempted murder of mother
Man appears in court charged with false imprisonment of woman in van Man appears in court charged with false imprisonment of woman in van
Man in court over alleged false imprisonment of woman Man in court over alleged false imprisonment of woman

More in this section

Smartwatch with health app. Glowing neon icon on brick wall background Health watch: How much health data is healthy? 
Cork's wild salmon warrior Sally Ferns Barnes looks to the future Cork's wild salmon warrior Sally Ferns Barnes looks to the future
(C)2024 Disney. Disneyland Paris – Disneyland Hotel Re-Opening Watch: Iconic Disneyland Paris hotel re-opens after two year renovation
ieParenting Logo
Writers ieParenting

Our team of experts are on hand to offer advice and answer your questions here

Your digital cookbook

ieStyle Live 2021 Logo
ieStyle Live 2021 Logo

IE Logo
Outdoor Trails

Discover the great outdoors on Ireland's best walking trails

IE Logo
Outdoor Trails

Lifestyle
Newsletter

The best food, health, entertainment and lifestyle content from the Irish Examiner, direct to your inbox.

Sign up
Cookie Policy Privacy Policy Brand Safety FAQ Help Contact Us Terms and Conditions

© Examiner Echo Group Limited