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Cillian Murphy is an Irish actor celebrated for his captivating performances in both film and television. He has appeared in critically acclaimed films like “Inception”, “28 Days Later”, and “A Quiet Place Part II”. His portrayal of Thomas Shelby, the formidable gang leader in the British TV series “Peaky Blinders”, has earned him widespread recognition.
Though he has often remained somewhat under the radar in mainstream projects, Cillian Murphy’s finest films highlight his exceptional talent and ability to bring characters to life. His latest role in “Oppenheimer”, directed by Christopher Nolan, tops Rotten Tomatoes‘ ranking of his best films. This box office success has exceeded expectations, partly due to the “Barbenheimer” phenomenon, which attracted audiences globally.
How does Murphy’s performance in “Oppenheimer” stack up against his other roles? This new role showcases his remarkable versatility and further solidifies his place as a beloved actor among fans.
1. ‘On the Edge’ (2001) = (Rating: 63%)
“On the Edge”, directed by John Carney, is a dramedy that marks his solo directorial debut. The film tackles important mental health issues among young people, with Cillian Murphy portraying the role of Jonathan Breech. After a suicide attempt, Jonathan finds himself in a Dublin mental health facility, where he struggles to connect with others but unexpectedly falls in love, slowly rediscovering hope.
Released in 2001, the movie focuses on Jonathan’s evolving relationships, which provide him with new perspectives on life. Murphy’s portrayal of Jonathan captures vulnerability and profound despair, gradually transforming into hope. While not widely recognised, this film is a must-watch for Cillian Murphy fans, demonstrating his ability to take on complex and challenging roles.
2. ‘The Delinquent Season’ (2018) = (Rating: 67%)
“The Delinquent Season” is an Irish romantic drama that delves into two complex relationships, with Cillian Murphy playing the role of Jim. Directed by Mark O’Rourke, this 2018 film follows Jim’s emotionally charged journey as his extramarital affair comes to light, affecting not only his marriage but also his other personal relationships.
Murphy delivers a powerful performance as a man grappling with his mistakes, effortlessly leading this character-driven narrative. While “The Delinquent Season” may be a lesser-known film in Murphy’s career, it highlights his versatility and talent for portraying complex, multi-dimensional characters. His nuanced performance elevates the film, making it a must-watch for fans of intimate romantic dramas.
3. ‘Free Fire’ (2016) = (Rating: 70%)
Directed by Ben Wheatley, “Free Fire” is a darkly comedic crime thriller featuring a star-studded cast, including Armie Hammer, Brie Larson, and Cillian Murphy. Set in a gritty 1970s warehouse, Murphy plays Chris, who becomes entangled in a chaotic arms deal that quickly escalates into a violent shootout.
Murphy excels in his portrayal of Chris, a tough character whose frustration mounts as the chaos unfolds. His performance brings depth to the film’s mayhem, presenting a resourceful yet somewhat predictable character. While “Free Fire” may not offer much in terms of novelty or originality, it remains a fun, mindless action flick, making it perfect for a popcorn movie night.
4. ‘Girl with a Pearl Earring’ (2003) = (Rating: 73%)
“Girl with a Pearl Earring” follows Griet (played by Scarlett Johansson), a young woman who becomes the muse of the renowned Dutch painter Johannes Vermeer (portrayed by Colin Firth). In the film, Cillian Murphy plays Pieter, a butcher’s son who is in love with Griet and becomes jealous of her relationship with Vermeer.
Murphy displays his versatility by portraying Pieter’s complex emotions—his deep love for Griet and his jealousy of her connection with Vermeer. The film is a must-watch for those who appreciate stunning cinematography, often reflecting Vermeer’s actual paintings through its masterful use of colour and lighting. Based on Tracy Chevalier’s novel, “Girl with a Pearl Earring” is an underrated romantic drama that delves into the complexities of human emotion.
5. ‘Intermission’ (2003) = (Rating: 74%)
“Intermission”, directed by John Crowley, is a crime-comedy film starring Cillian Murphy as John, a young man who undergoes a dramatic transformation after his girlfriend breaks up with him. As he spirals into a dark path, he tries to win back her love while becoming entangled in a police investigation involving multiple crimes.
“Intermission” delves into the complexities of relationships, the pain of loss, and the consequences of our decisions, ultimately leading to an unexpected and gripping conclusion. The film was praised for its dark and witty humour, sharp writing, and Murphy’s stellar performance as John, demonstrating his remarkable emotional depth.
6. ‘Sunshine’ (2007) = (Rating: 76%)
“Sunshine”, directed by Danny Boyle, is a science-fiction thriller renowned for its breathtaking visual effects, powerful performances, and compelling storyline. The film follows a group of astronauts on a mission to reignite the dying sun and save humanity from extinction. During their journey, they discover the wreckage of a previously lost ship on the same mission and uncover startling secrets within.
Cillian Murphy plays Robert Capa, a physicist entrusted with launching a nuclear payload to reignite the sun. Murphy’s portrayal captures the complexity of a man struggling with inner turmoil and the overwhelming responsibility he carries. His performance adds profound depth and humanity to the thrilling narrative, making “Sunshine” a must-watch for fans of science fiction and thrillers.
7. ‘Red Eye’ (2005) = (Rating: 79%)
The 2005 thriller “Red Eye”, directed by Wes Craven, centres on Lisa Reisert (played by Rachel McAdams) as she finds herself trapped on a red-eye flight with an assassin named Jackson Rippner (Cillian Murphy). Jackson threatens to harm Lisa’s father unless she helps him carry out his assassination plan. Watch as Lisa attempts to outwit Jackson and save her father.
Cillian Murphy delivers a powerful performance, revealing the inner demons concealed beneath his character’s complex persona. While “Red Eye” features some uneven pacing, it remains a genuinely tense thriller and showcases a different side of Murphy’s acting. This film is a must-watch for Cillian Murphy fans.
8. ‘The Party’ (2017) = (Rating: 82%)
In “The Party”, politician Janet (Kristin Scott Thomas) hosts a celebration to mark her new ministerial position. However, her husband Tom (Cillian Murphy) harbours a secret that could derail the event and expose hidden truths about their relationship. As the party progresses, Tom’s secrets begin to surface, adding layers of witty and sarcastic humour to the narrative.
Directed by Sally Potter, “The Party” has earned praise for its sharp writing and Cillian Murphy’s skilful portrayal of Tom, effortlessly conveying a wide range of emotions. The film highlights Murphy’s versatility in playing any character he takes on. Though it is a black-and-white comedy, “The Party” often goes unnoticed, yet it surprises viewers with unexpected moments and sharp wit.
9. ‘Batman Begins’ (2005) = (Rating: 85%)
In Christopher Nolan’s “Batman Begins,” Cillian Murphy takes on the role of Scarecrow, one of Batman’s (played by Christian Bale) notorious adversaries. While the primary focus is on Batman’s battle with Ra’s Al Ghul (Liam Neeson), Murphy’s portrayal of the secondary villain Scarecrow leaves a lasting impact.
Murphy masterfully brings Scarecrow to life, portraying a villain who feeds on instilling fear in others. His performance highlights his acting range, especially as he transitions from feigned stoicism to confronting his fears. Though his role isn’t major, Murphy’s presence is both significant and memorable, leaving fans eagerly anticipating more of the character in future instalments.
10. ‘Inception’ (2010) = (Rating: 87%)
“Inception”, a 2010 science-fiction thriller directed by Christopher Nolan, follows Dom Cobb (Leonardo DiCaprio) and his team as they attempt to implant an idea into the mind of Robert Fischer through the process of “inception.” Initially appearing as a vulnerable heir, Fischer reveals himself to be a strong adversary as the story unfolds.
The film uniquely delves into lucid dreaming, providing a captivating experience for viewers. Cillian Murphy’s portrayal of Fischer, the wealthy and complex antagonist, received widespread praise, cementing his reputation as one of the best actors of his generation. Although not the main character, Murphy effortlessly steals the scene, skillfully portraying Fischer’s vulnerability with natural ease.
Conclusion
Cillian Murphy has delivered exceptional performances across a wide range of films, showcasing his remarkable versatility and talent as an actor. From intense thrillers to thought-provoking dramas, Murphy’s presence on screen consistently captivates audiences. Whether portraying complex characters or taking on scene-stealing supporting roles, his performances have left a lasting impression on both viewers and critics.
As highlighted by the top-rated films listed above, Murphy has firmly established himself as a versatile and accomplished actor, capable of embracing a variety of roles with depth and nuance. His ability to portray characters with authenticity and complexity has earned him a well-deserved reputation as one of the most talented actors of his generation.
From his early performances in acclaimed indie films to his more recent roles in blockbuster hits, Murphy continues to impress audiences with his outstanding talent and unwavering dedication to his craft. As fans eagerly await his future projects, it’s clear that Cillian Murphy’s contributions to cinema will be celebrated for many years to come.
