“From ‘Peaky Blinders’ to ‘Oppenheimer’: Cillian Murphy’s Impactful Films and TV Journey”
Cillian Murphy is an Irish actor known for his intense performances, chiseled features, and versatility on screen. From gritty dramas to mind-bending thrillers, Murphy brings a unique intensity to every role he portrays. Murphy’s career has spanned a wide range of genres, earning him critical acclaim and a dedicated fan base. In this article, we’ll take a closer look into his filmography, exploring both critically acclaimed television series and thought-provoking movies.
Movies:
Small Things Like These (2024)
In 1985 devoted father Bill Furlong discovers disturbing secrets kept by the local convent and uncovers shocking truths of his own. Learn More.
Oppenheimer (2023)
A biographical drama about J. Robert Oppenheimer, the father of the atomic bomb. Murphy portrays J. Robert Oppenheimer, the brilliant but morally conflicted physicist leading the Manhattan Project.
Kensuke’s Kingdom (2023)
An adventure drama based on Michael Morpurgo’s novel about a young boy’s friendship with an elderly man on a remote island. Murphy plays Michael, the father who shares the adventurous story of his friendship with Kensuke with his son.
A Quiet Place Part II (2020)
A horror sequel where survivors face new threats in a post-apocalyptic world dominated by sound-sensitive creatures. Murphy portrays Emmett, a survivalist who helps a family navigate the dangers of a post-apocalyptic world.
Anna (2019)
A thriller about a young woman who becomes a government assassin. Murphy plays Lenny Miller, a CIA operative with a complex relationship with the titular assassin.
The Overcoat (2018)
A drama based on Nikolai Gogol’s short story about a man’s obsession with a new coat. Murphy likely portrays Akaky Akakievich, a low-ranking civil servant whose life is transformed by a new coat.
The Delinquent Season (2018)
A drama focusing on two couples dealing with infidelity and the complexities of modern relationships. Murphy plays Chris, one half of a couple struggling to navigate infidelity and relationship challenges.
Dunkirk (2017)
A war film directed by Christopher Nolan, depicting the evacuation of Allied soldiers from Dunkirk during WWII. Murphy portrays “Shivering Soldier,” a traumatized soldier rescued from the Dunkirk evacuation.
The Party (2017)
A black comedy about a gathering of friends that takes unexpected turns. Murphy plays Tom, a man with a secret that unravels during a tense gathering of friends.
Free Fire (2016)
A crime thriller where an arms deal in a deserted warehouse goes wrong, leading to a tense shootout. Murphy plays Chris, an IRA member caught in a violent shootout during an arms deal.
Anthropoid (2016)
A WWII thriller based on the true story of Operation Anthropoid, the mission to assassinate SS General Reinhard Heydrich. Murphy portrays Jozef Gabčík, one of the Czechoslovak soldiers assigned to assassinate SS General Reinhard Heydrich.
In the Heart of the Sea (2015)
A historical adventure film based on the sinking of the whaling ship Essex, which inspired Herman Melville’s “Moby-Dick”. Murphy plays Matthew Joy, the second mate on the ill-fated whaling ship Essex.
Transcendence (2014)
A sci-fi thriller about a scientist who uploads his consciousness into a computer. Murphy plays Agent Donald Buchanan, an FBI agent investigating a rogue AI.
Red Lights (2012)
A psychological thriller about two paranormal investigators facing off against a renowned psychic. Murphy plays Tom Buckley, a physicist and paranormal investigator.
The Dark Knight Rises (2012)
A superhero film where Batman must save Gotham City from the terrorist leader Bane. Murphy reprises his role as Dr. Jonathan Crane/The Scarecrow, a villainous character from the Batman universe.
In Time (2011)
A dystopian thriller where time has become the universal currency, and people stop aging at 25. Murphy plays Timekeeper Raymond Leon, a law enforcement officer in a dystopian society.
Retreat (2011)
A psychological thriller set on a remote island where a couple is trapped with a soldier claiming a deadly virus is spreading. Murphy plays Martin, one half of a couple trapped on the island with a soldier who may not be telling the truth about the virus.
Winter’s Bone (2010)
A drama following a young woman’s quest to find her missing father in the Ozark Mountains. Murphy was not in this film; you might be thinking of a different actor.
Inception (2010):
A sci-fi thriller about dream infiltration directed by Christopher Nolan. Cillian Murphy plays Robert Fischer, the heir targeted for inception by the main team.
Perrier’s Bounty (2009)
A dark comedy about a man forced to go on the run with his eccentric friend after a gangster puts a price on his head. Murphy plays Michael McCrea, a young man on the run from gangsters.
The Dark Knight (2008)
A superhero film directed by Christopher Nolan, featuring Batman battling the Joker in Gotham City. Cillian Murphy reprises his role as Dr. Jonathan Crane, the Scarecrow, one of the villains aiding the Joker.
Sunshine (2007)
A sci-fi thriller about a crew sent to reignite the dying sun with a nuclear bomb. Murphy plays Robert Capa, a physicist and crew member of the spacecraft Icarus II.
The Wind That Shakes the Barley (2006)
A historical drama set during the Irish War of Independence and the subsequent Civil War. Murphy plays Damien O’Donovan, a young Irishman drawn into the fight for independence against British rule.
Breakfast on Pluto (2005)
A comedy-drama following the life of a transgender woman in 1970s Ireland. Murphy plays Patrick “Kitten” Braden, the transgender protagonist navigating life and searching for love and acceptance.
Red Eye (2005)
A thriller about a woman held captive by a stranger on a flight. Murphy plays Jackson Rippner, a charming but menacing stranger who terrorizes the film’s protagonist during a flight.
Batman Begins (2005)
A superhero origin story focusing on Batman’s early years and his fight against crime in Gotham City. Murphy plays Dr. Jonathan Crane/The Scarecrow, a villainous character and psychiatrist who uses fear as a weapon.
Intermission (2003)
A dark comedy-drama featuring multiple interconnected stories set in Dublin. Murphy plays John, a young man caught up in various interconnected stories of love, crime, and redemption in Dublin.
28 Days Later (2002)
A post-apocalyptic horror film where a virus outbreak turns humans into rage-filled zombies. Murphy plays Jim, a bicycle courier who wakes up from a coma to find London deserted and overrun by zombies.
Disco Pigs (2001)
A drama following the intense and destructive friendship between two teenagers in Cork, Ireland. Murphy plays Darren “Pig,” a troubled teenager who shares a close and intense friendship with Runt, played by Elaine Cassidy.
The Trench (1999)
A British war drama set in World War I trenches, focusing on soldiers awaiting battle. Cillian Murphy plays Rag Rookwood, a young British soldier.
Sweety Barrett (1998)
Cillian Murphy’s film debut came in the 1998 Irish drama “Sweety Barrett.” He played a minor role as Pat the Barman, serving drinks and likely witnessing some of the events that unfold in the film.
Television Series:
Peaky Blinders (2013-2022)
A crime drama set in post-WWI Birmingham, following the rise to power of the Shelby crime family. Murphy plays Thomas Shelby, the ambitious and cunning leader of the Shelby crime family.
The Way We Live Now (2001)
A period drama based on Anthony Trollope’s novel about Victorian society’s corruption. Murphy plays Paul Montague, a young man entangled in the corrupt world of Victorian high society.
Masterpiece Theatre (2002)
An anthology drama series featuring various adaptations of classic novels and plays. Murphy has appeared in various episodes and roles within this anthology series, often portraying characters from classic literature.
Others:
Peaky Blinders: The King’s Ransom (2022) – Game
A film spin-off of the popular TV series, continuing the story of the Shelby family’s criminal exploits. Reprising his role as Thomas Shelby, Murphy continues to lead the Shelby family through new criminal endeavors.
All of This Unreal Time (2021) – Short Film
A short film exploring themes of love and loss. Learn More
A World of Calm (2020) – Documentary
A relaxing series that combines narration with calming visuals to promote relaxation and mindfulness. Murphy serves as a narrator, guiding viewers through soothing and meditative stories.
The Meetings of the Waters (2017) – Music Video
Cillian Murphy delivers a one-person performance in Fionn Regan’s music video of “The Meetings of The Water”. A drama about a man confronting his past while on a journey to scatter his mother’s ashes. Murphy plays a man on a personal journey to scatter his mother’s ashes, confronting his past along the way.
Conclusion
Cillian Murphy’s career is a testament to his incredible talent and dedication to his craft. Whether he’s fighting zombies, battling Batman, or leading a criminal empire, Murphy’s performances are always ravishing, leaving a lasting impression on audiences worldwide.
