Cillian Murphy’s ability to grab the complete attention of his viewers has helped him become one of the most respected actors in Hollywood. His talent as an actor is very rare, having some of the most psychologically complex roles in his filmography. From starring in Peaky Blinders to playing Robert J. Oppenheimer, and even Scarecrow, it is safe to say that his characters are versatile.
Despite this, there is one theme that has followed every single one of his roles; traumatic events. During a recent interview, the actor touched on this fact well-known in his fandom. It would seem that this theme was very international on his part and he would not have it any other way.
Cillian Murphy’s Characters Are Connected Through One Thread
Cillian Murphy has been labeled as one of the most talented actors of all time by Christopher Nolan. An honor as high as this does not come easy, and it would seem that the actor understands this. Recently, he did an exclusive piece with GQ where he went into great detail about his personal and professional life, something that is extremely rare for him. Here, he talked about a specific pattern that fans have noticed about the characters that he plays.
When looking back at his roles, regardless of how far back, there is one consistent trait in all of them. A thread of darkness that ties them all together; a constant shadow in their eyes. All the characters that Murphy takes up, often share the theme of some serious traumatic event in their lives.
From Tommy Shelby coming from war and becoming a gangster, a ‘shivering soldier’ suffering from PTSD in Dunkirk, and in Oppenheimer, a man who destroyed the world.
Cillian Murphy Is Intentional With His Characters’ Darkness
It may not be too far-fetched to say that playing such dark characters leaves a mark on Cillian Murphy. Many have suffered much greater turmoil for roles much brighter than these. It would seem, however, that he would not have it any other way. Speaking on the subject, the actor confessed that he enjoys the suffering that roles as complex as these bring him.
While some actors are in the business to gain recognition and entertain, Murphy does not enjoy a role until he is deeply affected by it.
“I don’t really go for pure entertainment. I love when it makes you feel a little bit fucked-up. Not in a horror-genre way, but in a psychological, existential way. That’s what I love in all the work that I enjoy and the work that I try to make.” said Cillian Murphy.
The effect that he looks for only comes from characters who leave a lasting impact. He clarified what he meant by this, stating that he was not looking to play characters in horror films as they would not bring about the same effect. Rather, he looks for characters who have a psyche that not only leaves an impression on him but also on the audience. This is what he strives for when looking for a role.
