Music helped Kingsley relax after tough scenes

Oscar nominee Ben Kingsley listened to a CD of piano music recorded by Jonathan Ahdout, who plays his son in "House of Sand and Fog," to relax after some of the film's more violent scenes.

"(He) is a very, very accomplished composer and musician. So . . . I listened to his music in the trailer," Kingsley told reporters in Los Angeles recently.

A scene where his character attempts suicide by placing a plastic bag over his head was especially difficult, the 60-year-old actor said.

Kingsley is nominated for a best actor Oscar for his portrayal of a stern and unforgiving former Iranian Air Force colonel in "House of Sand and Fog," also starring Jennifer Connelly.