Cillian Murphy Career Retrospective | SAG-AFTRA Foundation Conversations
TLDRIn this engaging interview, actor Cillian Murphy discusses his diverse acting career, spanning from stage to screen. He reflects on his journey, from his early days in theater to working with renowned directors like Christopher Nolan. Murphy shares insights on his role as Oppenheimer, the challenges of character immersion, and the importance of storytelling. He emphasizes the value of on-the-job training for actors and the significance of perseverance and instinct in the creative process.
Takeaways
- 🎬 The actor emphasizes the importance of energy and excitement when approaching a scene, suggesting that confidence is key even when working with renowned actors like Robert De Niro.
- 🏆 He discusses his journey to earning a SAG card, highlighting his initial work in theater and independent Irish films before transitioning to American films like 'Batman Begins'.
- 🎭 The actor's initial passion was music, but after his band didn't take off, he found his way into acting, crediting a drama module and a Cork Theater Company for sparking his interest in theater.
- 🌟 He shares his experience of working with directors like Danny Boyle and Christopher Nolan, noting the importance of collaboration and the impact these relationships had on his career.
- 📽️ The actor speaks about the transition from stage to screen, mentioning the need to modulate performances for film and the challenges of auditioning.
- 🔥 He reflects on the success of '28 Days Later' and how it was a pivotal moment in his career, leading to more opportunities in Hollywood.
- 🎥 The actor talks about his approach to choosing roles, focusing on the script and the director, and his desire to avoid being typecast by taking on diverse characters.
- 📚 He mentions his method of preparation for roles, including extensive research and immersion, and the importance of not being fully prepped to allow for spontaneity on set.
- 🎬 The actor shares his experience working on 'Oppenheimer', detailing the intensive preparation and the challenge of portraying a real-life figure over several decades.
- 🏆 He discusses the impact of 'Peaky Blinders' and how the show's gradual success was a testament to the quality of the writing and the organic growth of the series.
- 🎭 The actor expresses his love for theater and the importance of returning to the stage, despite the demands of his film career, to challenge himself and maintain a connection with live performance.
Q & A
What was Cillian Murphy's first film role and how did he get into acting?
-Cillian Murphy's first film role was in 'Batman Begins'. He initially wanted to be a musician and was part of a band, but after the band fell apart, he pursued acting. He got into acting after attending a drama workshop during a transition year in school, which led to him pestering the head of a Cork Theater Company for an audition, eventually landing a role in a play.
How did Cillian Murphy's experience in theater influence his acting career?
-Murphy's experience in theater was instrumental in his acting career. He believes that being on stage and learning with other great actors through rehearsals and performances provided him with an accelerated learning experience. He also enjoyed the rehearsal process and the creative aspect of character development on stage.
What was Cillian Murphy's first reaction to being offered the role of Jonathan Crane in 'Batman Begins'?
-Cillian Murphy was initially shocked and thought it was an absurd idea for him to audition for Batman. However, after director Christopher Nolan saw something in his screen test, he was offered the role of Jonathan Crane, which he gladly accepted.
How did Cillian Murphy prepare for his role as Oppenheimer in the film 'Oppenheimer'?
-Murphy immersed himself in extensive research about Oppenheimer, including reading books, going through archives, and studying the script. He worked with a dialogue coach to perfect Oppenheimer's voice and focused on bringing out the humanity of the character rather than just the iconography.
What was Cillian Murphy's experience like working with Christopher Nolan on 'Oppenheimer'?
-Murphy found working with Nolan to be a gift and a learning experience. He described Nolan as operating at an extraordinary level of excellence and being very focused. The process was intense, with Nolan providing detailed scripts and expecting excellence from everyone involved.
How did Cillian Murphy approach playing a character in a one-man show?
-Murphy viewed a one-man show as the 'Everest of theater' and wanted to challenge himself. He felt that doing a one-man show allowed him to have complete ownership of the character and the performance, which was both exciting and demanding.
What was Cillian Murphy's strategy for choosing roles in his career?
-Murphy chose roles based on the director, the script, and a desire to avoid repeating himself. He aimed to push himself and explore different characters to grow as an actor, often avoiding roles where he felt he already knew exactly how to play the character.
How did Cillian Murphy handle the pressure of playing multiple characters in 'Peaky Blinders'?
-Murphy found playing multiple characters in 'Peaky Blinders' to be exhausting but loved the journey each time he returned to the role. He saw each season as an opportunity to delve deeper into the character and was proud of the show's evolution over time.
What was Cillian Murphy's experience working with Emily Blunt in 'Oppenheimer'?
-Murphy had a great experience working with Emily Blunt, who he considers one of his favorite actors and people. Their existing relationship and trust allowed them to go to dark and extreme places in their performances together.
How does Cillian Murphy approach the end of a project and leaving a character behind?
-Murphy described the end of a project as an abrupt transition from deep immersion in a character. He mentioned that it can be challenging to get back into real life after spending so much time and energy on a role, but he doesn't have a specific ritual to shake off a character.
What advice would Cillian Murphy give to his 21-year-old self about acting?
-Murphy would advise his younger self to persevere, trust his instincts over his intellect, and understand that making mistakes and taking the wrong job are part of the journey in becoming an actor.
Outlines
🎬 Acting Enthusiasm and Scene Preparation
The speaker emphasizes the importance of having energy and a sense of wonder when acting, especially when sharing a scene with a renowned actor like Robert Denny Jr. They discuss the unpredictability of acting and the human nature of figuring things out as one goes along, rather than walking into a scene with complete certainty. The conversation shifts to the guest's acting journey, from theater to independent films, and the impact of receiving a nomination and the surprise of his children texting him about it.
🏆 The Journey to SAG Membership and Acting Beginnings
The discussion delves into the guest's path to becoming a member of the Screen Actors Guild, highlighting his initial work in theater and independent Irish films before breaking into American cinema. The guest shares anecdotes about his first film experience, the influence of a theater workshop during his school years, and the pivotal role of a Cork Theater Company head who inspired his transition from musician to actor.
🎭 Embracing the Chaos of Live Performances
The guest reflects on his experience with a visceral and wild play, 'Disco Pigs,' which marked his first audition and acting role. He describes the play's impact on his life and how it served as a substitute for playing live music, given its electrifying and physical nature. The conversation also touches on the importance of learning through on-stage experience and the transition from stage to screen acting.
📽️ Transitioning to Film and the Challenges of Auditioning
The guest talks about his gradual transition to film acting, starting with small parts in short films and building up his confidence and experience. He admits to being terrible at auditions initially but credits a supportive casting director in Ireland for helping him get noticed. The conversation also covers his approach to preparing for roles and the importance of being immersive in his performances.
🔄 The Balance of Work and Personal Life in Acting
The guest discusses the all-consuming nature of his work, particularly when preparing for roles that require deep immersion. He admits that this approach may not be the healthiest life-work balance but finds it necessary for delivering a genuine performance. The conversation also touches on the differences between performing in plays and films and the unique challenges each medium presents.
🎨 Diverse Roles and the Avoidance of Typecasting
The guest talks about his strategy for choosing roles, emphasizing the importance of working with great directors and being drawn to scripts that challenge him. He discusses his roles in 'Batman Begins,' 'Breakfast on Pluto,' and 'The Wind That Shakes the Barley,' showcasing his ability to take on diverse and distinct characters to avoid being typecast.
🏆 Returning to the Stage and the Thrill of Live Performances
The guest shares his passion for returning to the stage, highlighting the freshness, danger, and audience connection that theater offers. He discusses his decision to do a one-man show, 'Mr. Min,' with Enda Walsh, viewing it as a challenging endeavor and an opportunity to test his acting abilities.
📺 The Commitment to Long-Term TV Series and the Evolution of Characters
The guest talks about his experience committing to a long-term TV series, 'Peaky Blinders,' and the organic growth of the show over time. He reflects on the gradual increase in the show's popularity and the deep connection he developed with his character, Tommy, over the course of the series.
🌟 The Honor of Working with Renowned Directors and the Magic of Re-collaboration
The guest discusses the privilege of working with esteemed directors like Christopher Nolan and Danny Boyle multiple times. He shares his appreciation for the deepening collaboration that comes with re-collaborating with the same directors and the excitement of taking on new challenges with them.
🎭 The Intensity and Preparation for Portraying a Real-Life Icon
The guest describes the intense preparation process for playing J. Robert Oppenheimer, a real-life icon, in a film by Christopher Nolan. He talks about the extensive research, the importance of understanding Oppenheimer's humanity, and the challenges of embodying such a significant historical figure.
🎬 The Pacing and Focus on Set with a Visionary Director
The guest shares insights into working with Christopher Nolan, highlighting the director's focus, pace, and the unique approach to shooting a film. He discusses the importance of preparation, the collaborative nature of the set, and the support from the crew and fellow actors.
🏆 The Rewarding Journey of an Actor and the Importance of Instinct
In the final paragraph, the guest reflects on his acting journey, emphasizing the importance of trusting one's instincts and the value of perseverance. He shares advice for young actors, encouraging them to take ownership of their art and to learn from every experience, whether it's on stage, screen, or through writing letters to express their passion.
Mindmap
Keywords
💡Actor
💡Theater
💡Character
💡Script
💡Casting
💡Director
💡Film
💡Preparation
💡Confidence
💡Collaboration
💡Production
Highlights
The importance of having energy and being prepared when acting with esteemed actors like Robert Denny Jr.
The value of not knowing exactly what you're going to do when entering a scene, embracing the human aspect of figuring it out as you go.
Killian Scott's journey from musician to actor, including his first acting experience in a theater workshop.
The transformative experience of seeing a production of 'A Clockwork Orange' that led Scott to pursue acting.
Scott's first audition and getting his first role in 'Disco Pigs', highlighting the significance of persistence and seizing opportunities.
The impact of performing in theater and the accelerated learning experience it provides compared to film and television.
Scott's transition from stage to screen, including his first American film and working with renowned directors like Danny Boyle.
The audition process for '28 Days Later' and the importance of wanting a role and the connection with the director and writer.
The physical and mental preparation for the role in '28 Days Later', including getting fit for the intense scenes.
Scott's experience working with Christopher Nolan on 'Batman Begins' and the evolution of their collaboration.
The challenge of playing diverse roles such as a doctor in 'The Wind That Shakes the Barley' and a transgender woman in 'Breakfast on Pluto'.
The process of preparing for the role of Oppenheimer in 'Oppenheimer', including extensive research and script memorization.
The significance of the voice and physicality in character development, especially for a real-life figure like Oppenheimer.
The experience of shooting 'Oppenheimer' with Christopher Nolan, emphasizing the director's unique approach to filmmaking.
The importance of practical effects and real locations in creating authenticity in film, as used in 'Oppenheimer'.
Working with an ensemble cast in 'Oppenheimer' and the dynamics of building trust and chemistry for intense scenes.
Scott's reflections on the process of becoming an actor, the value of on-the-job training, and the lessons learned from various roles and experiences.
Transcripts
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