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In the decade since he was "discovered" by Joel Schumaker, Colin Farrell has worked with many of Hollywood's biggest directors, earned a place among the top celebrity bad boys of all time, become a father, and, lately, found his mellower side. It's been one hell of a ride, he tells DONALD CLARKE

Now off the drink, following a decade of festivities, Farrell himself has a child with special needs. Young James Padraig – whose mother, like the equivalent character in Ondine, is separated from dad – has a rare, serious neuro-genetic disorder.