Following his prestigious role in Peaky Blinders, Cillian Murphy got engaged with Christopher Nolan’s atomic bomb drama Oppenheimer for more than a year. While the movie is finally set to release on 21st July 2023, on the silver screen, Murphy is being praised for staying sane throughout the production process.
Cillian Murphy previously claimed that the responsibility of his titular role in the movie was overwhelming for him. And while Christopher Nolan’s movies are known to intentionally perplex the audience, it is certainly imaginable what the actor went through. However, Murphy claimed to face an intellectual limit when it came to understanding nuclear science, thus, that’s when he started focusing on perfection.
Cillian Murphy Struggled To Understand Nuclear Science
Appearing in Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer as the Manhattan Project leader J. Robert Oppenheimer, Cillian Murphy reflected upon his self-doubts, while filming the exemplary movie. Although the upcoming drama purposefully skipped the overall science behind the making of an atomic bomb, to avoid confusion, the movie definitely had some information on nuclear science.
Reflecting upon the scientific information that went into filming, Cillian Murphy mentioned feeling overwhelmed, due to his intellectual limitations. The actor mentioned how he prepared by doing “an awful lot of reading” to do justice to his character in Oppenheimer. Claiming to have a normal level of education, Murphy found it nerve-wracking to portray a nuclear physicist.
“I’m interested in the man and what [inventing the atomic bomb] does to the individual. The mechanics of it, that’s not really for me – I don’t have the intellectual capability to understand them.” Cillian Murphy stated.
After previously working with Christopher Nolan, the actor was sure that he would enjoy the entire process and experience. He knew he would be guided through every step and have a mentor. However, Murphy still had his own doubts, since Nolan’s movies often turn out to be difficult to fathom. Nonetheless, diving into the challenge, the Peaky Blinders actor decided to focus on the perfection of the film rather than the scientific part, which is beyond his understanding.
Cillian Murphy Focused On Mannerisms And Psyche
Without forcing his mind to understand the project from Christopher Nolan‘s perspective, Cillian Murphy decided to focus on things that he is good at. Thus, trying to do justice to his character, Murphy began focusing on the mannerisms and psyche of Oppenheimer.
“I had dinner with all these geniuses. I’ll never understand quantum mechanics, but I was interested in what science does to their perspective.” Cillian Murphy stated.
Diverting his mind from the core scientific element of the movie, Murphy focused on the human element. Figuring out the psychology of the scientists and looking at the world through their perspective, the actor tried to deliver an authentic performance as a nuclear physicist.
Claiming to enjoy working with Nolan, Murphy stated, “I’ll always turn up for Chris, whatever the size of the part. Chris will call me up and I’m there”. Thus, after playing supporting roles in Nolan’s Inception, Dunkirk, and The Dark Knight, Murphy returned to finally become a torchbearer in the acclaimed filmmaker’s upcoming project.
Oppenheimer is scheduled to release in theatres on 21st July 2023.
Source: The Guardian
