Cillian Murphy is an Irishman who sought his fortune in law and rock music, but settled on acting. Thus, the world gained one of the most expressive actors of our time.
His characters are complex and multi-layered, reflecting the full emotional range that the artist is capable of. Collaboration with directors such as Christopher Nolan, Danny Boyle and Ken Loach has helped Murphy to assert himself in a wide variety of genres. After all, Cillian Murphy is an actor who is able to exist equally convincingly in post-apocalyptic worlds and historical reconstructions, in fantasy and in auteur cinema. His characters often act in stories with tension, ethical conflict and tragic depth. Each of these roles is a touch to the portrait of an outstanding representative of the illusion of modernity.
On the Edge/On the Edge (2001)
In this Irish drama, Murphy played the role of nineteen-year-old Jonathan Breech, who, after attempting suicide, ends up in a psychiatric hospital. There, he is forced to rebuild his relationships with himself and those around him.
28 Days Later (2002)
Murphy's first big-screen role is as courier Jim, who wakes up from a coma in a post-apocalyptic London ravaged by a rage virus.
The film became a cult classic, pushing the zombie horror genre into the mainstream. After the film's success, leading directors wanted to see the actor on their sets.
Batman Begins (2005)
Initially considered for the role of Batman, Murphy impressed Nolan so much that he was given another key role, that of psychiatrist Jonathan Crane, aka Scarecrow. This antagonist uses a hallucinogenic gas that turns fears into reality. The role of Scarecrow was solidified for Murphy in the trilogy, and he appeared in subsequent installments of the franchise.
The Wind That Shakes the Barley (2006)
A historical drama about Ireland's struggle for independence that won the Palme d'Or at Cannes. Murphy played doctor Damien O'Donovan, who is forced to abandon his career in the midst of the conflict to fight for freedom.
Sunshine (2007)
In the science fiction thriller, Murphy played the role of physicist Robert Capa, one of the members of the mission to revive the dying Sun. His character is the brains of the operation, as well as the emotional center of the picture. Despite the box office failure, the film received good reviews from critics.
Inception (2010)
In a film that was revolutionary in structure and visual style, Murphy played Robert Fisher, a corporate heir who must instill a thought that will change his life.
Murphy's work graced a powerful ensemble cast led by Leonardo DiCaprio.
Peaky Blinders (2013-2022)
Murphy played Thomas Shelby, a charismatic and dangerous leader of a criminal gang in post-war England. It was this role that brought the actor worldwide recognition.
Anthropoid/Anthropoid (2016)
A war drama based on true events—the operation to eliminate Reinhard Heydrich. Murphy played Josef Gabčík, one of two Czech agents sent to Prague.
Dunkirk (2017)
In the epic reenactment of the Allied evacuation of Dunkirk, Murphy played a soldier suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. His character is unnamed. He became the collective image of a psychologically wounded soldier. This was Murphy's fifth collaboration with Nolan.
Oppenheimer/Oppenheimer (2023)
Perhaps the most significant role in the actor's career to date. Murphy played Robert Oppenheimer, a scientist who was at the origins of the creation of the atomic bomb. The film explores the moral dilemma of a scientist caught between science and conscience. For this role, Murphy received an Oscar, finally establishing himself as a great actor.
Small Things Like These (2024)
The story takes place on Christmas Eve 1985. The main character is Bill Furlong, a respectable resident of a small Irish town, a family man and a coal supplier. In the midst of preparations for the busiest season of the year, he receives a routine order from a local monastery.
During the delivery, the man accidentally witnesses disturbing events unfolding behind the monastery walls. He finds out that girls and women who find themselves in difficult life circumstances are being isolated there.
Bill discovers the truth about the harsh punishment system there, which exists under the guise of piety and care. This discovery forces the hero to rethink his responsibility to the people who are deprived of a voice and to make a difficult moral decision.
Джерело: ukr.media
