Woody Harrelson Talks His Character Haymitch In THE HUNGER GAMES

Woody Harrelson is currently making promotional rounds for his new movie, RAMPART but of course LA Times had to ask him about his next movie, my most anticipated movie of the year, THE HUNGER GAMES, in which he plays drunk Haymitch Abernathy who trains District 12 contenders, Katniss and Peeta.
I’ve read the book and I can picture Woody has Haymitch, although I’d have to somewhat agree with my friend who’s also read the book and said that she thinks Philip Seymour Hoffman would’ve been a better choice.
Anyways, Woody describes his character and his approach..

“He’s got a drinking problem and he’s got some issues and he’s damaged, but I didn’t want to do it totally like your typical version of an alcoholic in a movie.“

THE HUNGER GAMES is based on Suzanne Collins‘ book, adapted for the screen by Billy Ray and director Gary Ross.
Woody explained what it is about THE HUNGER GAMES filming experience that was awesome.

“It’s good writing and it just keeps you on the edge. And making [the movie] was a fun experience with just really cool people. I was really impressed by everybody that was associated with it. The look of everything is amazing too. The wardrobe is incredible and the makeup, the [stuff] they came up with is mind-blowing. The imagination behind the hair and the makeup and set decoration, it was just really impressive. It’s the work of brilliant people. I only saw one scene — that’s all they had me in to do, just loop [the sound for] one scene — and that scene looked great. I don’t know how the whole movie is going to turn out but it’s Gary Ross so I’m sure it’s going to turn out great.“

About THE HUNGER GAMES
Every year in the ruins of what was once North America, the evil Capitol of the nation of Panem forces each of its twelve districts to send a teenage boy and girl to compete in the Hunger Games. A twisted punishment for a past uprising and an ongoing government intimidation tactic, The Hunger Games are a nationally televised event in which “Tributes” must fight with one another until one survivor remains.

Pitted against highly-trained Tributes who have prepared for these Games their entire lives, Katniss is forced to rely upon her sharp instincts as well as the mentorship of drunken former victor Haymitch Abernathy. If she’s ever to return home to District 12, Katniss must make impossible choices in the arena that weigh survival against humanity and life against love.

THE HUNGER GAMES is directed by Gary Ross, and produced by Nina Jacobson’s Color Force in tandem with producer Jon Kilik. Suzanne Collins’ best-selling novel, the first in a trilogy published by Scholastic that has over 16 million copies in print in the United States alone, has developed a massive global following.

Lionsgate will release THE HUNGER GAMES on March 23, 2012.