Pierce Brosnan intrigued by Polanski

Feb 8, 2010, 16:41 GMT

Pierce Brosnan was "intrigued" by Roman Polanski's "baggage".

The actor worked with the troubled filmmaker - who is currently under house arrest in Switzerland awaiting possible extradition to America over his conviction for statutory rape 30 years ago - on 'The Ghost Writer' and hopes the director will be treated well by authorities.

He said: "Roman is iconic in the world of filmmaking. His vocabulary is pure cinema. He knows the medium so well. But he carries so much baggage from his own life that you find him even more intriguing and captivating.

"There's a sadness to the whole situation. What happened years ago was wrong in every way. I just wish him the best and hope that he finds closure for this time in his life. We got on beautifully together although I can't say I know him that well even though I certainly knew his history.

"My heart goes out to his family, to his wife and his children. I hope this chapter can be closed quickly and that justice will be served with some dignity and compassion."

The 56-year-old star also spoke about his early interest in acting, claiming it stemmed from his duties with the local Catholic church.

He explained to Parade.com: "Growing up in Ireland, the Catholic religion was central to my life. I was in the choir and I was also an altar boy. The sheer spectacle of the mass had a profound effect on my life. Actually, helping serve mass and singing were my first performances -- and, of course, I was in costume. I believe that's why I'm an actor! I suddenly figured it out!"

Roman was taken into custody at Zurich airport last September at the request of US authorities, who are still attempting to sentence him for the alleged sexual assault of a 13-year-old girl in 1977.