When you think of Liam Neeson, you’re likely to conjure up images of the intense action hero in movies like Taken or his newest film Retribution. However, in a candid chat with Conan O’Brien, the seasoned actor peeled back some personal layers, discussing his teenage years and religious experiences. This insightful conversation not only shed light on Neeson’s past but also touched on his thoughts about certain aspects of contemporary cinema.
A Priest, A Confession, and a Shocking Reaction
Growing up Catholic in Ireland, Neeson reminisced about his time as an altar boy, emphasizing the significance of a visiting African missionary priest. The entire community viewed this as a unique opportunity, with many flocking to make their confessions. Neeson, who was about 15 at the time, had a particularly unforgettable encounter.
As he candidly shared with O’Brien, Neeson had recently learned about self-pleasure. “I had looked up the appropriate word… ‘Masturbate’? ‘Masturbation’? Okay. That seems harmless enough.” However, when Neeson mentioned this in his confession, the priest’s reaction was far from understanding.
Neeson vividly remembered the priest’s shock, recounting, “‘You what?!’ This guy — literally, I mean, he almost said things like, ‘The grass will grow over the palm of your hand before you’re 21! Stop that evil practice!'”
Neeson emphasized the priest’s volume and the embarrassment he felt, knowing that older women outside the confessional could hear every word. Following this ordeal, he proclaimed, “That was the last time I ever went.” O’Brien’s simple response to Neeson’s story: “I think that’ll do it.”
Neeson’s Discomfort with Film’s Intimate Sequences
Segueing into Neeson’s current cinema experiences, the conversation veered towards intimate scenes in movies. Despite his vast filmography, Neeson admitted his discomfort when it comes to sex scenes, both on and off the screen.
He confessed, “I’ll be honest, when I see a sex scene, I just can’t look at them. I just get embarrassed. I know they are choreographed and stuff, but I don’t need to see that.”
Latest Thriller: Retribution
In Retribution, Neeson once again embraces his action-hero avatar. The movie’s premise revolves around a stranger threatening Neeson’s character via phone, revealing a bomb placed beneath his car seat. The film is described as “an immersive ticking clock thriller that straps audiences in for a high-octane ride of redemption and revenge.”
Retribution is captivating audiences in theaters now.
