DIRECTOR Oliver Stone's 2004 mega-turkey Alexander was decimated by the critics and forgotten about at the box office, and it certainly put a crimp in the career of its star, Colin Farrell. Stone, who defended Farrell mightily after the critics had their say, is still doing so, and says the Irish hunk poured his heart and soul into playing the part of the Greek leader.

"The guy literally, and much to his credit, could tumble into the makeup chair in the morning with no sleep. He'd sleep for an hour during makeup and then be perfect, and alert, and then he'd know the other person's lines as well as his own. There's something extraordinary in his makeup," Stone says of Farrell, according to a posting on Ireland Online.

"Colin really killed himself in that performance and he did a great job. He was shattered (by the criticism). But I hope he comes back and I think he will. It was a rough as any young actor could have to go through."

Farrell's latest film, Cassandra's Dream, written and directed by Woody Allen, will premiere later this month at the Venice Film Festival. It will then head to the big Toronto fest in September.