Will Smith Talks About "Ali"

Will Smith, who describes the filming of his new movie, "Ali," as "really grueling," says he endured one particularly painful blow during the shooting of a fight scene.

Smith plays boxer Muhammad Ali in the biopic, directed by Michael Mann ("The Insider"). He's received a Golden Globe nomination for best dramatic actor for his performance.

"Usually you see a guy get hit and his head flies back," he told reporters recently. "But I put my chin down and he hit me, like, almost on the top of my forehead and my head compressed down onto my shoulders." He said it felt like "an electrical shock from the base of my neck down to the tips of both elbows."

The actor added 30 pounds of muscle to transform his body into a nearly perfect replica of Ali's. He also learned to box and studied Ali's Islamic faith to prepare for the role.

"I desire perfection. I desire being the best that I can possibly be," Smith said. "I don't wanna take time to eat, I don't wanna take time to sleep, I wanna let the other guy be eatin' and sleepin' while I'm working and while I'm trying to achieve my best earthly perfection."