B.L. I really enjoyed this film. It almost seemed liked you were playing three different characters because he goes through such an arc and change of personality. How on earth did you begin to relate to this guy? There was so much to do and learn for this role.
J.C. You're right. From the acting to the fencing scenes there was a lot to do. I had no previous experience (fencing) at all but I used my athletic background to attempt to start doing that. But the most important part of the story is the heart of the character. I went into learning and reading about Alexander Dumas, the author of the book, and Napoleon. There was a lot going on with both of those guys. Napoleon came from Corsica and went to a military school and he wasn't accepted by the Parisians. There was something about the way he spoke, and he had that fire inside like I am going to show you (in the film). Well I'm familiar with that, coming to Hollywood and people telling me you know, you're not right, you're just kind of green, so I took that feeling of I'm gonna show you that I can do it.

B.L. This film was shot completely out of sequence. One day you were a Count, the next in a prison with long beard. Was that a bit of a hinderance for you?
J.C I was continuously in a blur because I didn't know if we were getting it all down right. We were continually re-writing and writing scenes and there were just tons of adjustments. Plus it was a very strenuous shooting schedule and there was not a lot of rest. At the end of the film Guy (Pearce) came up to me and he says, (does an Australian accent) “Jim, sometimes when I finish a movie I know exactly that this is going to be great or this is going to be bad. But I have no idea what this movie is going to be.” And I told him that I felt exactly the same way.

B.L. Well — it all turned out for the best. You were saying that you did draw on your athletic abilities. You are an avid basketball player and I know that when you were in Toronto shooting Angel Eyes you worked out every day like a fiend. But in this film you fence and you did a very convincing job of it. How difficult was that for you and Guy?
J.C. It was just timing and learning all the blocks, perrys, learning all of them. I remember saying to Guy — you're athletic, I'm athletic, let's use that and lift up the performance... And Guy is religious in his work ethic. He's always on top of it. So I felt a comradely sense with him that he was going to give everything he had and we were lucky that Kevin Reynolds (the director) surrounded me with such a great cast.

B.L So all in all, was this the most challenging role you've had so far in your career?
J.C. Oh, by far — but so rewarding. I learned a lot and had a wonderful time making this movie.

B.L. Up next — we'll see you in High Crimes with Ashley Judd and Morgan Freeman.
J.C. Yes, an entirely different movie, but also wonderful to work on. I have to say, since The Thin Red Line, I have had some great opportunities and I don't take anything for granted.

B.L. We'll look forward to that and best of luck with The Count of Monte Cristo - this is definitely going to make people sit up and take notice of your versatile acting talents.