The first two photos have been released for Out of the Furnace, featuring stars Christian Bale and Woody Harrelson. Christian Bale stars as Russell Baze, an ex-con who tries to find his missing brother (Casey Affleck), and tangles with local criminal Curtis (Woody Harrelson) in the process. Take a look at these photos, then read on to see what director Scott Cooper and Christian Bale had to say about these characters.

Out of the Furnace Photo 1
Out of the Furnace Photo 2

Director Scott Cooper first spoke about how his thriller focuses on the real heroes of America's working class.

"You often find superheroic people wearing capes and costumes in film today. But working-class Americans are the real heroes. This is the story of this man who works in a blast furnace, but with themes of justice, retribution and courage."

Christian Bale spoke about his character Russell Baze, whose power comes from the strength of his fortitude.

"Russell is not of that personality, nor does he wish to be. But he finds himself having to confront these people in order to do the right thing. He's only got his own fortitude and will power, nothing else."

Production took place in Braddock, Pennsylvania, to capture the working-class spirit of this steel town, where Christian Bale actually got to experience working in a "steel furnace."

"It's long hours, unhealthy conditions and intense heat. It's dangerous work. The guys had recently lost a friend who had died on the job. But there's a great bond. And they have a love for it, despite the hardships."

Scott Cooper also spoke about Christian Bale's commitment to the character, listening to recordings he made of a local Braddock man to get the unique accent down.

"You'd think he was listening to Daft Punk or something with his headphones on, but it was these recordings. He would listen to it endlessly, even between takes."

The director also revealed the film is a testament to these resilliant steel workers.

"It shows the plight of the citizens of Braddock. They have banded together and emerged stronger now. It's much like the process of what steel undergoes - intense heat which emerges stronger as it comes out of the furnace."