Shane
A destruction the world had never experienced before.
Cillian Murphy stars as J. Robert Oppenheimer and is assigned to work on the top-secret Manhattan Project. Oppenheimer and a team of scientists spend years developing and designing the atomic bomb.
Their work comes to fruition on July 16, 1945…
Thanks to Universal Pictures STG was able to have a chat to Cillian Murphy.
STG: What has it meant for you to portray the lead character of J. Robert Oppenheimer in Christopher Nolan’s new movie, surrounded by such an extraordinary cast?
Cillian Murphy: It’s a dream, really. I never imagined to be working with all these actors in one movie. I think it’s one of the greatest modern ensembles that Christopher Nolan has put together. But that just shows you how everybody wants to work with Chris. These actors will turn up because they love his movies and his writing. He’s an incredible director! So, yes, it was a gift for me every day. Also, when you wake up knowing you are doing a scene with Matt Damon, Kenneth Branagh, Emily Blunt, or Gary Oldman, it’s just kind of electrifying. So, you have to turn up the volume on your own performance a little bit.
STG: And what did you think of the film when you saw it completed?
Cillian Murphy: Well, with Chris there is no video village or monitors or anything like that. Obviously, it’s film cameras; so, you don’t see any playback. The first frame of the movie that I saw was the first trailer. And then, when I finally got to see the finished film, it was completely overwhelming. But, because there had been a gap between wrapping the movie and watching it, I suppose I had some distance. I hate looking at myself, and I don’t really know any actor that enjoys the experience, but I found I was completely blown away by Oppenheimer.
It’s a truly essential, cinematic, and immersive experience – particularly in IMAX. And I felt that. I would like to watch it maybe once more with an audience.
STG: Why do you think it is so important for audiences to experience OPPENHEIMER in cinemas?
Cillian Murphy: For me, it’s the best way to experience a film – in a darkened space with strangers. There’s just no interruption: you’re not going to answer the door or make a cup of tea.
You’re invested, you paid your money, you’ve got your snacks, and you’re there. There’s something hugely romantic about it to me, and there always will be. Also, I think what’s extra special about this movie is that it’s talking about the world. It’s really digging up what it means to be human and our responsibility as humans on this planet, and what we do with the power that we can harness – which in this case is this extraordinary destructive and appalling weapon. I think it was Truffaut who said that we go to films not only to escape from life, but also to learn about life. And I believe Oppenheimer is one of those great movies that is incredibly entertaining, but also makes you think.
STG: How would you describe Christopher Nolan as a director?
Cillian Murphy: Well, I think he’s kind of the ideal director because he writes, directs, and produces the movies. He’s incredible visually, and he is extraordinary with actors.
Very few directors have all those talents in one person.
STG: Have you seen him change over the course of working with him these years on different projects?
Cillian Murphy: I guess he’s become more and more confident in the sort of stories that he wants to tell. And I think he’s more and more confident in making films within the studio system that actually challenge the audience. I have always loved that he has presupposed the level of intelligence with audiences, knowing they are smart enough to go with him, and he never patronizes them.
He’s never prescriptive or didactic in his movies. They are always kind of a challenge to you; so, you need to do the work, but the reward you get is terrific. I’ve learned so much from him. Working with Chris has changed my creative and professional life, and I hope I continue.
STG: Why do you think Oppenheimer’s story resonates and connects with us all?
Cillian Murphy: Yes, there’s a universality to it that people connect to. People understand the themes that are in this movie. There are big questions being asked of the audience, and no answers being given – which I think is always excellent filmmaking. But it’s also a thriller and a love story, and to me there are elements of horror in there as well.
So, all that just resonates with an audience. And I think the period setting, however familiar or not you may be with what happened in 1945, will wrap you up in it too. This movie grabs you by the throat from the beginning, and you just don’t take a breath from start to finish. We are now living in a nuclear age because of what happened then. I mean, Oppenheimer changed the world, and we are living with the fallout of that event ever since.
Oppenheimer is a 2023 biographical thriller film written and directed by Christopher Nolan and is in cinemas now.