Cillian Murphy, renowned for his immersive performances in intense and often somber roles, revealed a crucial rule he abides by while on set—a need for a sense of lightness. In an interview with the Los Angeles Times, the actor highlighted the significance of a relaxed atmosphere, especially given the weight of the characters he typically portrays.
“I can’t work unless there’s a lightness around the set,” Murphy emphasized, acknowledging the demanding nature of the serious roles he undertakes. “A lot of the films I do are quite heavy and go to some dark, challenging places, and you have to be relaxed to do that.”
For Murphy, maintaining ease is vital. “I don’t walk around in a state of angst,” he clarified. “I need to feel at ease. I can’t be in that dark place all the time. I don’t have the stamina for it.”
This approach was particularly essential during the filming of Christopher Nolan’s epic Oppenheimer, where Murphy portrayed the complex character of American scientist J. Robert Oppenheimer in the narrative of the atomic bomb’s development.
Amidst the weighty moments on set, Murphy found solace in his co-star Emily Blunt, who played Oppenheimer’s wife, Kitty, in the film. He lauded Blunt as “one of the funniest people” he’s encountered, their camaraderie fostering a close friendship and providing much-needed levity during intense scenes.
Reflecting on the year, Murphy and Blunt found themselves part of a unique cinematic phenomenon, with Oppenheimer and Greta Gerwig’s Barbie releasing in theaters on the same July weekend, affectionately dubbed “Barbenheimer.”
“To be part of a movie that people went to see multiple times and part of a great moment for cinema, that frenzy for those two films, was just lovely,” expressed Murphy, cherishing the experience. “I don’t know if we’ll ever see it again, but I’d like to hope so.”
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