Cillian Murphy: The 60 Minutes Interview

60 Minutes
19 Feb 202413:31
EducationalLearning
32 Likes 10 Comments

TLDRThe video script provides an in-depth look into the life and career of Killian Murphy, an accomplished Irish actor who gained widespread recognition for his portrayal of J. Robert Oppenheimer in the film 'Oppenheimer'. With 13 Oscar nominations, the film has solidified Murphy's status as a leading actor in Hollywood. Despite his fame, Murphy remains grounded, preferring to view himself as an actor rather than a movie star. The script explores his journey from his early days in theater to his current success, highlighting his dedication to his craft, his empathetic approach to character portrayal, and his collaborative relationship with director Christopher Nolan. Murphy's commitment to authenticity is evident in his meticulous preparation for roles, including significant weight loss for 'Oppenheimer'. The narrative also touches on his personal life, his family, and his deep connection to his Irish roots, which he considers integral to his identity and values. As Murphy continues to select roles that challenge and inspire him, his work ethic, fueled by joy rather than fear, is a testament to his passion for storytelling and the transformative power of art.

Takeaways
  • 🌟 Killian Murphy's performance in the film 'Oppenheimer' led to significant recognition, including a Golden Globe award and an Oscar nomination for Best Actor.
  • 🎭 Murphy has been acting for nearly 30 years and is known for his dedication to his craft, often immersing himself deeply into his roles.
  • 📚 He values the power of storytelling and the impact it can have on people's lives, having experienced it himself through novels, movies, and music.
  • 🍻 Murphy's Irish roots and the culture of storytelling are significant influences on his life and work.
  • 🎼 He believes there's a continuum between the music in the pub and his work in films like 'Oppenheimer', viewing them as forms of expression.
  • 🎬 Murphy's collaboration with director Christopher Nolan spans six films, including 'Dunkirk', 'Inception', and the Batman series.
  • 🎭 For his role as J. Robert Oppenheimer, Murphy underwent a physical transformation, losing 28 lbs to accurately portray the character.
  • 📚 Murphy's preparation for roles includes extensive research, such as reading, listening to lectures, and even performing for his dog, Scout.
  • 🏆 His acting philosophy emphasizes the importance of instinct and not over-planning, allowing for a natural and emotional response to each scene.
  • 🌐 Murphy's rise to fame includes a standout role in the TV series 'Peaky Blinders', where he played the complex character Thomas Shelby.
  • 🏆 Despite his success, Murphy maintains a humble perspective, viewing himself as an actor rather than a movie star, and credits his achievements to hard work rather than mere talent.
Q & A

  • In which year did the film 'Oppenheimer' become a blockbuster?

    -The film 'Oppenheimer' became a blockbuster in the year 2023.

  • How many Oscar nominations did the film 'Oppenheimer' receive?

    -The film 'Oppenheimer' received 13 Oscar nominations.

  • What award did Killian Murphy win before the Oscars for his role in 'Oppenheimer'?

    -Killian Murphy won a Golden Globe award before the Oscars for his role in 'Oppenheimer'.

  • What is the significance of Ireland's Dingle Peninsula in the context of the script?

    -Ireland's Dingle Peninsula is significant as it represents Killian Murphy's roots and the ancient storytelling tradition of Ireland, which has influenced his life and career.

  • What is the name of Killian Murphy's labrador, and why was it chosen?

    -Killian Murphy's labrador is named Scout, after the character in the novel 'To Kill a Mockingbird'.

  • What does Killian Murphy believe is the power of good art?

    -Killian Murphy believes that the power of good art is its ability to connect with people, make them feel seen or heard, and potentially change their lives.

  • How many films has Killian Murphy worked on with director Christopher Nolan?

    -Killian Murphy has worked on six films with director Christopher Nolan.

  • What physical transformation did Killian Murphy undergo for his role in 'Oppenheimer'?

    -Killian Murphy lost 28 lbs to achieve the silhouette required for his character in 'Oppenheimer'.

  • What is the name of the actress who plays Oppenheimer's wife in the film?

    -Emily Blunt plays the role of Oppenheimer's tormented wife in the film.

  • What was the title of the first play in which Killian Murphy performed?

    -The first play in which Killian Murphy performed was titled 'Disco Pigs'.

  • What TV series did Killian Murphy star in that significantly boosted his career?

    -Killian Murphy starred in the TV series 'Peaky Blinders', which significantly boosted his career.

  • What is the title of the novel on which Killian Murphy's next film is based?

    -Killian Murphy's next film is based on the novel 'Small Things Like These'.

Outlines
00:00
🌟 The Rise of Killian Murphy

The first paragraph introduces the global recognition of Killian Murphy following the success of the film 'Oppenheimer,' which garnered 13 Oscar nominations, including Best Actor for Murphy. Despite a 30-year career, it was his portrayal of the physicist J. Robert Oppenheimer that brought him significant acclaim. The paragraph also touches on Murphy's personal life, his love for storytelling, and his approach to acting, emphasizing the importance of empathy and the transformative power of art. It concludes with Murphy's commitment to his craft, as demonstrated by his preparation for the role, which included significant weight loss and extensive research.

05:00
🎭 Acting Instincts and the Power of Performance

This paragraph delves into Killian Murphy's acting philosophy, emphasizing the importance of instinct and spontaneity in his craft. Murphy believes that predetermined plans can limit an actor's performance, advocating for a more organic approach. The narrative highlights Murphy's collaborative work with director Christopher Nolan, their shared risk-taking in filmmaking, and the actor's dedication to fully inhabiting his roles. The paragraph also includes insights from Emily Blunt, who co-starred with Murphy in 'Oppenheimer,' and discusses the complexity of the emotions Murphy portrays, particularly in the aftermath of the atomic bomb scene. It explores Murphy's beginnings in acting, from his first play 'Disco Pigs' to his decision to forgo law school for a career in theater.

10:02
🎬 The Journey of an Actor: From Theater to Stardom

The final paragraph reflects on the journey of Killian Murphy's acting career, which spans over three decades. It discusses the advice Murphy received early in his career about the time it takes to truly become an actor, not just in terms of technique and experience but also in personal growth and understanding of life. The paragraph also mentions Murphy's next role in a film adaptation of the novel 'Small Things Like These,' where he plays a character deeply affected by injustice. It includes comments from Eileen Walsh, Murphy's co-star in 'Disco Pigs,' who reflects on his work ethic and the joy that seems to drive it. The narrative concludes by pondering the potential of a 'gold' award in Murphy's future, acknowledging his evolution from an actor to a movie star, a term he doesn't fully embrace, preferring to see himself as an actor first and foremost.

Mindmap
Keywords
💡Killian Murphy
Killian Murphy is an Irish actor who has gained significant recognition and fame for his work in the film industry. He is the central figure in the video, having been nominated for an Oscar for his role in the film 'Oppenheimer.' His dedication to his craft is highlighted by his willingness to take on challenging roles and his commitment to fully embodying the characters he portrays.
💡Oppenheimer
The film 'Oppenheimer' is a significant focus of the video, as it is the movie for which Killian Murphy received an Oscar nomination. The film is a dramatic portrayal of the life of physicist J. Robert Oppenheimer, who was instrumental in the creation of the atomic bomb. Murphy's portrayal of Oppenheimer is noted for its depth and complexity, reflecting the dual nature of pride and regret associated with the development of such a powerful weapon.
💡Irish Roots
Killian Murphy's Irish roots are mentioned as a foundational aspect of his identity and artistry. The video discusses how his cultural background has influenced his approach to acting and storytelling. His connection to Ireland is further emphasized by the mention of the Dingle Peninsula and the country's rich history of oral storytelling, which is suggested to be a source of inspiration for Murphy's performances.
💡Golden Globe
The Golden Globe is an award that recognizes excellence in film and television, both domestically and internationally. In the video, it is mentioned that Killian Murphy has won a Golden Globe, indicating his high level of achievement and recognition in the acting community. This award is part of the narrative that showcases Murphy's rise to fame and critical acclaim.
💡Christopher Nolan
Christopher Nolan is a renowned filmmaker known for his complex and thought-provoking movies. In the context of the video, Nolan is the writer and director of 'Oppenheimer,' which stars Killian Murphy. Their collaboration is highlighted as an example of Murphy's willingness to take risks in his career, as he agreed to work on the film before even reading the script, demonstrating trust and commitment to the project.
💡Method Acting
Method acting is an approach to acting in which actors fully immerse themselves in their characters, often employing instinct and emotional memory to create a realistic portrayal. The video discusses how Killian Murphy uses this technique, particularly noting his preparation for the role of J. Robert Oppenheimer, which included significant weight loss and intensive research into the character's life and work.
💡Empathy in Acting
Empathy is a key concept in the video, as it is central to the way Killian Murphy approaches his roles. He discusses the importance of putting oneself in another's shoes, which is a fundamental aspect of storytelling and character development. Murphy's ability to empathize with his characters allows him to deliver performances that resonate with audiences on a deep emotional level.
💡Peaky Blinders
Peaky Blinders is a British television series in which Killian Murphy plays the lead role of Thomas Shelby. The series is mentioned as a significant part of Murphy's career, showcasing his ability to portray complex and multifaceted characters. His performance in the series is noted for its depth and the character's evolution over time, which is a testament to Murphy's skill and versatility as an actor.
💡Artistic Expression
Artistic expression is a recurring theme in the video, with Killian Murphy discussing the power of art to change lives and connect with audiences. He sees a continuum between the music played in an Irish pub and his work in films like 'Oppenheimer,' suggesting that all forms of art are interconnected and have the potential to evoke strong emotional responses.
💡Theatre Background
Killian Murphy's background in theatre is highlighted as an important foundation for his acting career. His first play, 'Disco Pigs,' is mentioned as a pivotal experience that led him to pursue acting over law school. The video describes how his early experiences in theatre taught him to respond to the energy of the room and maintain character, even in the face of unexpected disruptions, which is a valuable skill for an actor.
💡Movie Star vs. Actor
The distinction between being a 'movie star' and an 'actor' is touched upon in the video, with Killian Murphy expressing his preference for the latter term. He views himself as an actor first and foremost, suggesting that the term 'movie star' is more about public perception and fame rather than the craft of acting. This distinction reflects Murphy's focus on his work and his commitment to his art, rather than the celebrity status that often accompanies it.
Highlights

2023 saw the world learn to pronounce 'Killian', an ancient Irish name, as the film 'Oppenheimer' became a blockbuster hit.

Killian Murphy received a Golden Globe and was nominated for an Oscar for his role in 'Oppenheimer'.

Murphy has been working non-stop in the film industry for nearly 30 years.

The film 'Oppenheimer' is described as an epic drama about the atomic bomb, which has significantly raised Murphy's profile.

Murphy's approach to acting involves a deep connection with the stories he portrays.

He believes in the power of good art to change lives and connect with audiences.

Murphy has a strong work ethic and has worked on six films with director Christopher Nolan.

For his role in 'Oppenheimer', Murphy lost 28 lbs to achieve the character's silhouette.

Murphy's acting philosophy includes not predetermining his character's actions and relying on instinct.

Emily Blunt, who plays Oppenheimer's wife in the film, describes Murphy's acting as visceral and immersive.

Murphy's favorite scene in 'Oppenheimer' is the one where the character addresses the people at Los Alamos after the bomb has been dropped.

He believes that acting agility was discovered in his hometown of Cork, where his parents were involved in education.

Murphy's first play, 'Disco Pigs', was a significant stepping stone in his acting career.

He learned to respond to the energy in the room and maintain character, even with distractions.

Murphy's role in the series 'Peaky Blinders' as Thomas Shelby showcased his ability to create a sympathetic yet monstrous character.

His work on 'Peaky Blinders' spanned 10 years and allowed him to mature as an actor.

Murphy's next film is based on the novel 'Small Things Like These', where he plays a character tormented by injustice.

Murphy's acting journey began with a band performance in high school, which led him to acting classes.

He views the term 'movie star' as something attributed by others, preferring to see himself as an actor.

Transcripts

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Cillian MurphyOppenheimerIrish ActorHollywood BlockbusterGolden GlobeOscar NomineeMethod ActingCharacter TransformationIrish Pub CultureAtomic BombChristopher NolanPeaky BlindersTheatrical RootsPerformance ArtActor's Journey