Actor Cillian Murphy discusses his roles in Oppenheimer and Peaky Blinders, his music background, and creative journey. He reflects on early theater experiences, impact of Radiohead, and challenges of intense acting roles. Murphy also talks about family support, solitude, and shares favorite music and literary picks for a desert island.
Cillian Murphy's journey from music to acting showcases his diverse creative evolution.
Family support and personal grounding are crucial for Murphy in balancing intense acting roles.
Deep dives
Killian Murphy's Creative Journey and Musical Influences
Killian Murphy, known for his versatile acting, discusses his upbringing in Cork, his early ambition to be a musician, and his transition to acting through roles like Ender Welch's Disco Pigs. Music played a significant role in his life, with tracks like Paul Simon's 'Boy in the Bubble' triggering childhood memories. Murphy's immersion in music, from traditional Irish tunes to modern bands like The Frank and Walters, showcases his deep connection to musical inspiration.
Killian Murphy's Evolution from Musician to Actor
Despite an initial interest in music and being part of a band like Sons of Mr. Green Genes, Murphy's path shifted towards acting after turning down a record deal. His experience in theatre, starting with Pat Keenan's production of 'A Clockwork Orange,' led him to challenging and transformative roles like Dr. Jonathan Crane in 'Batman Begins.' Murphy's journey from music to acting reflects his diverse creative evolution.
Embracing Vulnerability and Artistic Exploration
Murphy delves into the essence of vulnerability in his performances, citing its power as an actor's tool. Roles like those in Ken Loach's 'The Wind That Shakes the Barley' pushed him to profound exploration, allowing real emotions to surface, aligning with Ken's unconventional shooting methods. Murphy's willingness to embody characters authentically illustrates his dedication to the craft.
Finding Comfort in Family and Facing the Future
Balancing intense roles like Tommy Shelby in 'Peaky Blinders' with personal life, Murphy highlights the importance of family support in navigating the challenges of fame and intensive acting. His connection to his wife and children grounds him, providing a safe haven amidst the noise of the industry. Murphy's contemplation of his desert island selections underscores his introspective nature and quest for creative sustenance.
Cillian Murphy has received global acclaim for his performance in the title role of Christopher Nolan’s epic film Oppenheimer. He has been nominated for an Oscar, which follows the best actor award he picked up at this year’s Golden Globes. On the small screen he played the Birmingham gangster Thomas Shelby for a decade in the BAFTA-winning Peaky Blinders, which made him a household name.
Cillian was born in Cork in 1976 and initially music was his creative outlet. His band Sons of Mr Green Genes, which he formed with his younger brother, was offered a five album record deal, but the boys’ parents thought his brother was too young and vetoed a career in music.
Cillian changed tack and in 1996 was cast as Pig in Enda Walsh’s play Disco Pigs, reprising the role in a film version in 2001. His breakthrough film role came playing Jim the bicycle courier in Danny Boyle’s 28 Days Later in 2002 which he followed up with a starring role in Ken Loach’s the Wind that Shakes the Barley.
In 2005 he played Dr Jonathan Crane - Scarecrow - in Christopher Nolan’s film Batman Begins, which was the start of their continuing creative collaboration.
Cillian lives in Ireland with his wife, the artist Yvonne McGuinness, and their two sons.
DISC ONE: The Boy in the Bubble - Paul Simon
DISC TWO: The Wandering Minstrel - Séamus Ennis
DISC THREE: Walter’s Trip - The Frank and Walters
DISC FOUR: Bullet the Blue Sky - U2
DISC FIVE: Somebody to Love - Queen
DISC SIX: Everything in its Right Place - Radiohead
DISC SEVEN: We Can Work it Out - The Beatles
DISC EIGHT: If I Was A Painter - Lisa O’Neill
BOOK CHOICE: Samuel Beckett: The Complete Dramatic Works
LUXURY ITEM: An acoustic guitar and strings
CASTAWAY'S FAVOURITE: We Can Work it Out - The Beatles
Presenter Lauren Laverne
Producer Paula McGinley
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