(Cover) - EN Showbiz - Colin Farrell expected a scene in his new movie in which his character fights with paparazzi to be more fun to shoot than it actually was.

The Irish actors private life has hit the headlines just as much as his professional one in the past, with him being open about his years of wild partying. He has spent time in rehab, and a sex tape of him was made public.

Colin admits what hes been through has made him keen to keep his personal life private. It was for this reason he thought he would enjoy beating up photographers for a scene in London Boulevard in which he plays Mitchell, who is being courted by a London mob boss to join his crew. However, when shooting took place it wasnt the cathartic experience hed expected.

In reading that, I thought I would have more fun - that more of a sense of weak, diluted, personal justice would be felt," he explained. "I've had my run-ins with the good boys with the cameras over the years, so it made me laugh.

"I know I enjoyed the concept of somebody getting physical retribution in that way. But in doing it, it just became another scene. I was invested enough in Mitch that I didn't have my own personal relationship to it anymore."

Colin spent a lot of time preparing for the role, mixing with people he wouldnt usually meet to get some perspective on the part. He spent time with people who have had dealings with the law, which helped him get a good feel for the part.

The star came away feeling it was important for the movie to have a sense of camaraderie between the characters, as that was the main thing he witnessed.

I've met many people through the years who have a plethora of experiences that I could draw from," he told the BBC. "For this film I spent a little time with a couple of lads in London who had their beefs with the law back in the day. The one thing I saw was the level of brotherhood in this criminal world. There's a great sense of unity and community - a real sense of location and belonging." (C) Cover Media