Anything that's different from your own realm of experience as a human being whether it's driving a car or a boat or using guns anything that separates you from yourself and leads you more towards this character's existence is a big help.
Then when I went to Iraq and saw the strength and character the men and women in our military service exhibit every day and their belief in what they're doing I knew I wanted to get that on film and share it with everyone. They are my inspiration.