Timberlake: Class Clown Of 'Alpha Dog'

(CBS)  Justin Timberlake's new film, "Alpha Dog," is a dark tale, inspired by a true story about a drug dealer who kidnaps the brother of one of his deadbeat customers.

Timberlake plays Frankie Ballenbacher, a member of the dealer's gang who befriends the kidnapped teen.

The singer and actor said he was attracted to the role of being a feel-good character in a far-from-feel-good film.

"What I felt like I brought to the character that was unique to the film was assuring the audience that everything was OK," Timberlake told The Showbuzz's Karina Mahtani-Mitchell. "Like having a sense of humor and making everything light. That's who Frankie is in that group of people. I think he's sort of the class clown."

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The film's director, Nick Cassavetes, thought Timberlake would be perfect for the film.

"To me, the toughest character to embody in the story is Frankie, because he befriends the kid and allows these events to happen," said Cassavetes. "I told Justin that I wanted him to do it, and he called me back a few seconds later and said he was in."

"Alpha Dog," which opens Jan. 12, was written and directed by Cassavetes and stars Bruce Willis and Sharon Stone.