(Cover) - EN Showbiz - Clive Owen embodies the "bad guy" fully when portraying villainous characters.

The 46-year-old Oscar nominated actor appears opposite Jason Statham in new action thriller Killer Elite. Portraying the film's villain Spike was not a one-dimensional experience for Clive. The actor makes it a point to become deeply entrenched in all facets of his character's personality.

"Whenever I play a part in a film, I never think he is the bad guy," Clive told MTV News. "You have to always find a reason and understand why he's doing what he's doing."

Relying on his craft is only part of Clive's approach with this role. Costume was of extreme importance to the actor, as his character Spike's facial hair provided ample inspiration.

"Listen, some people do a lot of research [on characters] they spend a lot of time," Clive joked. "I just pinned everything on that moustache. I'll stand by it. If it fails, I go down."

Killer Elite starring Clive, Jason and Robert De Niro will be released in US theatres on September 23. (C) Cover Media