Movie producers don't require their casts to have a strong sense of spirituality when they make a supernatural thriller. But the cast of "Fallen" says one might be recommended, even for the audiences who watch it.
The film, which opens nationwide in theaters this weekend, is a unique mishmash of two different movie genres, serial killer suspense-thrillers and horror. It follows the efforts of John Hobbes (Denzel Washington), a Philadelphia homicide detective trying to stop Azazel, a murderous fallen angel who can switch "host" bodies at will and who is trying to possess him.Washington said that both he and co-star Embeth Davidtz, who plays Gretta Milano, a theological expert helping Hobbes in his investigation, had their share of eerie experiences while making the movie.
"We had lots and lots of discussions about things that kept happening, like someone was trying to tell us something," Washington said during round-table interviews held to publicize the film.
Probably the most memorable incident during the production happened when Davidtz's shoes were moved to different locations throughout her hotel room while she was sleeping.
"No one would take credit for it, so I was definitely spooked," she said. "That evening I had been reading up on Azazel and was up late, and I had this weird feeling that someone else was in the room. I was definitely surprised when I woke up the next morning."
Despite that, and some other odd incidents, both actors said the film was still a rewarding experience. And Gregory Hoblit, who directed the movie, said the two brought approaches that were needed to bring their characters to life.
"They're fairly religious people, with definite opinions on how the world and universe operates, and they kind of based their characters on that," he said. "I'm not sure that the movie would have worked without them. They gave (me and screenwriter Nicholas Kazan) some very important insights into how (the characters) should react in certain situations."
Yet Washington said he and the character of Hobbes couldn't be more different from each other.
"He is a facts guy who only accepts what he sees. But as these strange murders occur, he's forced to admit to himself that there might be something out there that he can't explain," he said. "That's what made him an interesting character to play for me - he's a skeptic who learns to believe. And I have been in that position in my life before."
Despite his willingness to discuss spirituality, Washington will not reveal his particular religious beliefs. But he does offer his own unique take on the subject.
"I do believe that it's better to help people rather than hurt them. And I think having some sort of spiritual practice helps remind you to do that every day," Washington said.
"And though I don't know exactly what makes the sun rise every day, I'm glad that it happens. My beliefs help me appreciate it and all the things I've been blessed with."