Hope this scene doesn't need too many takes! Colin Farrell crawls out of freezing cold water on the set of A Winter's Tale

A more lily-livered actor would probably have allowed a stunt double to take the pain of the freezing cold water.
But plucky Colin Farrell, 36, dragged himself through the icy depths of New York's East River in a scene from his forthcoming movie, A Winter's Tale.
The Irishman was out of his depth as he filmed the dramatic scene, and given the glacial temperatures in New York, we can only hope he didn't need to do many re-takes.

Method man: Colin Farrell crawled out of the icy water in New York as he filmed A Winter's Tale on Tuesday in New York

Even hardened New Yorkers are struggling with the cold, and the temperature of the river would have been painful to endure.

The actor has had to grow his hair long but shave underneath it for his role in the film.
In his new movie Winter's Tale - based on a novel with the same title - Colin forms a special bond with the horse who acts as his character, Peter Lake's, guardian angel.

Out of his depth: Colin did this horrible stunt all by himself, many actors would have got a double into the cold water

Ouch: Colin looked to be in pain as he made his way across the icy river

He's there: The plucky Irishman made it to the shore but did he have to go back in for a retake?

The unusual tale flicks between 19th century and a present day, but altered, New York, and is the directorial debut of the Oscar-winning writer of A Beautiful Mind, Akiva Goldsman - who also wrote the screenplay.
The love story follows Colin's character who falls for a dying young woman - played by Downton Abbey's Jessica Brown Findlay - after breaking into her Manhattan mansion.
White Collar star Matt Bomer, as well as Will Smith and Russell Crowe - who is a good friend of the director - also play smaller roles in the film.
As the film is about his character's close bond with the large white horse, Colin has done his fair share of riding in recent months.

And he's back: Poor old Colin is back in the icy water

Still handsome: Despite his odd hairstyle and drenched appearance, Colin looked as handsome as ever

Luckily the actor was already quite a skilled rider as he honed his skills prior to filming the 2004 movie Alexander - which also co-stared Angelina Jolie and Val Kilmer. On that production, director Oliver Stone made the actor ride ride horses for months to perfect his equestrian skills.
However, Colin will not have much time for horsing around once filming for Winter's Tale ends, the star is already signed on to two more features, Miss Julie with Jessica Chastain and, it has just been announced, that the star has just committed to supernatural thriller Solace.
He will star opposite Sir Anthony Hopkins in the serial killer thriller which tells the story of a a former doctor with psychic abilities he has to help the FBI solve a case. 

Back on the horse: Colin mounted his white steed again to film even more riding scenes

Dashing: The actor looked dashing in his black suit as he took the reins

Ever the professional: Colin certainly looked comfortable on the horse whilst filming his scenes