Tommy Lee Jones - Tommy Lee Jones: Steven Spielberg is 'damn good'

Tommy Lee Jones: Steven Spielberg is 'damn good'

Tommy Lee Jones thinks Steven Spielberg is a ''damn good'' director.

The 'No Country For Old Men' actor didn't hesitate to sign up for the filmmaker's biopic about legendary US President 'Lincoln' as he admires Spielberg's deft camera skills and knew the film would be a success.

He said: ''I'm always happy to have a job. I'm always looking for work. And he's very good! He's a good shooter. He knows his way around a movie set. We've known each other for quite some time. I knew what to expect. There's nothing surprising. He's just damn good.''

Tommy admitted getting into character as congressman Thaddeus Stevens was a tricky task and he followed in leading man Daniel Day Lewis' footsteps by taking ''months'' to learn all about the radical Republican.

He explained to Total Film magazine: ''I read the screenplay thoroughly, several times a day, for months and it was clear what his function was within the narrative. He's a radical abolitionist, and provides a contrast to Lincoln. He brings a sense of urgency to the issues, then emotionalises and intellectualizes them.''

The 66-year-old actor has been nominated for a Best Supporting Actor Oscar for the role, but says he doesn't like to discuss it as he worries about jinxing the awards.

Tommy admitted: ''Of course! I like to hear that kind of talk but I don't think about it or speak of it.''