Russell Brand researched addiction for 'Arthur'

Russell Brand has joked that he researched alcoholism in order to prepare to portray a drunken playboy in Arthur.

The star, who recently attested to the dangers of addiction, told reporters at a press conference that the movie's light tone sends up the more comedic elements of excessive drinking.

"I am such a thorough actor that I did two decades of research into alcoholism, just to make sure it was 100% right," he said. "The difference, of course, is that Arthur is a fictional alcoholic and has much more latitude for clowning and fun, and often his adventures don't lead to broken glass and howling women, although he is arrested, at the beginning of the film."

Brand further explained that, in spite of the broad comedy present in the film remake, he was very conscious of trying not to glorify alcoholism.

He explained: "It was very important that we established a context where the alcoholism was humourous and good fun, but was not irresponsibly portrayed. This is 2011, and it's important to see a resolution to the problem of Arthur's alcoholism. As a recovering alcoholic myself, I was particularly happy with how that was rendered."

The actor recently claimed that it was an honour to reprise the role first made famous by Oscar-nominee Dudley Moore.

Arthur is now playing in the US and debuts on April 22 in UK cinemas.

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Watch the trailer for Arthur below: