Cast of “American Sniper” Discuss Importance of Film at NYC Premiere

Warner Bros/American Roadshow(NEW YORK) — On Monday night at New York City’s Lincoln Center, the cast of American Sniper hit the red carpet to attend the film’s premiere. The movie centers on the life of Navy SEAL Chris Kyle, the deadliest sniper in U.S. military history, who served four tours during the Iraq War.

Star Bradley Cooper gained over 40 pounds for the role, and had to do extensive training.

“It was a journey and it took a lot of focus, but it pales in comparison to what the men and women do in our Armed Forces,” Cooper said of his preparation for the film. “But it was a little glimmer of the sacrifice that helped me sort of get my way into Chris’ shoes.”

Cooper said the most emotional moment during filming was “probably when the vets came on set and it all made it very immediate. But I have to say the whole thing was pretty emotional; the whole thing.”

Cooper discovered the story of Kyle through his friend, screenwriter Jason Hall. The Oscar-nominated actor immediately got on board, and after a reported 20 months, convinced Kyle’s family to support the project. It was especially hard since Kyle was shot dead at a Texas shooting range by a former Marine suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder.

“I mean it’s something to tell a man’s story and he was murdered Feb. 2, 2013 — I mean it was just a second ago,” Cooper said Monday. “And to sit and talk to his parents and try to really have them put the trust in you that you’re going to do his son proud it was a responsibility and it was emotional.”

Sienna Miller portrays Kyle’s wife Taya. Their marriage is depicted as being full of challenges as Taya tries to deal with Chris’ changes when he returns from combat. Miller said the real-life Taya made it easy to play her on the big screen.

“Well you try and be as honest as possible. Taya was very open. She gave us access to all of their email correspondence,” Miller explained. “She said, ‘I know it’s difficult to talk about this, but let’s talk about everything.’ I mean she very easy to investigate. And I love her, so it was not hard to do. She’s amazing.”

Director Clint Eastwood told ABC News Radio the film is important for the U.S. right now. “American society doesn’t really understand the war and they don’t understand where we are,” he said. “As is stated in the film, half of the country doesn’t even know there is a war going on.”

American Sniper hits theaters on Christmas Day, opening nationally on Jan. 16.

Follow @ABCNewsRadio
Copyright 2014 ABC News Radio