Cillian Murphy’s Journey with Christopher Nolan
Cillian Murphy, the enigmatic actor with striking cheekbones and captivating blue eyes, is celebrated for more than his role as Thomas Shelby in the cult-favorite series, “Peaky Blinders”. Apart from this iconic portrayal, Murphy’s collaboration with filmmaker Christopher Nolan has often been the talk of Hollywood. From donning the mask of Scarecrow in the Batman Trilogy to depicting the tormented soul in “Dunkirk”, their cinematic partnership has spawned some unforgettable moments on the big screen.
From Thomas Shelby to the ‘Shivering Soldier’
In 2017, Nolan’s war epic “Dunkirk” had audiences and critics alike in awe. But for Murphy, the project was far more than just another film. In an introspective chat with GQ Magazine, the Irish actor took a trip down memory lane, recounting his experience portraying a character known only as the “Shivering Soldier”.
This character, nameless yet impactful, was an embodiment of countless soldiers’ trauma and horror during World War II. Speaking on the character’s traumatic state, Murphy shared, “Your mind boggles as to what this character must have witnessed to get into that state.”
When Nolan approached Murphy for the role, the actor revealed he was no stranger to the weight of such a character. Drawing parallels to Tommy Shelby from “Peaky Blinders”, a World War I veteran, Murphy commented on the shared traumas, noting how both characters managed their horrors differently. He remarked, “He’s medicating. He turns his trauma into this insatiable ambition.”
The Experience of Watching ‘Dunkirk’ on the Big Screen
Witnessing oneself on the silver screen is a different experience for every actor, but for Murphy, viewing “Dunkirk” was truly immersive. He admitted that even with his face prominently displayed on Imax screens, he was completely engrossed in the film. Sharing his thoughts, Murphy mused, “It helps because it’s an ensemble piece and you only appear in bits and pieces of it, so you’re not constantly wondering, ‘Why are my ears like that?'”
From Dunkirk’s Shores to Oppenheimer’s Labs
Having won over audiences in “Dunkirk“, Murphy’s next collaboration with Nolan was eagerly awaited. And they didn’t have to wait long. In Nolan’s latest venture, “Oppenheimer”, Murphy steps into the shoes of J. Robert Oppenheimer, the father of the atomic bomb. Garnering applause from all corners, Murphy’s performance further cemented his place as one of the industry’s most versatile talents.
In a career peppered with diverse roles, Cillian Murphy’s association with Christopher Nolan stands out as a testament to the actor’s range and the director’s vision. Their shared journey, from the dark alleys of Gotham to the sandy beaches of Dunkirk and the intense world of atomic research, promises to be one of modern cinema’s most compelling partnerships.
