Cillian Murphy Reveals the Scene That Left Him ‘Pretty Broken’ in His Latest Film

Cillian Murphy’s portrayal of Bill Furlong in Small Things Like These (2024) offers a striking look into the emotional and psychological toll of playing complex, morally conflicted characters. Directed by Tim Mielants and adapted from Claire Keegan’s novel, the film delves into the disturbing history of Ireland’s Magdalene Laundries. Premiering at the 74th Berlin International Film Festival and released in the UK and Ireland later that year, the film explores the life of a coal merchant in 1985 who uncovers harrowing secrets at a local convent. For Murphy, who also produced the film, the role proved emotionally demanding and highlighted the intense nature of portraying such a heavy character.

Emotional Weight as the Primary Challenge

The hardest part of filming Small Things Like These, according to Murphy, was the emotional weight of his character. In a revealing interview with Vanity Fair, he admitted that following his physically and mentally taxing performance in Oppenheimer (2023), he was left “pretty broken” and “worn out.” The weight of playing a character like Bill Furlong, who faces personal trauma and moral dilemmas, proved to be a significant challenge. Murphy revealed that it “exact[ed] a bit of a cost” on him psychologically, explaining that his mind struggled to understand the emotions he was required to embody. This was especially apparent after filming an emotionally draining scene set in a barber shop, where Furlong’s internal conflict is laid bare.

Specific Scenes and Their Impact

Certain scenes in the film were particularly taxing for Murphy, with the barber shop scene standing out as especially difficult. In this emotionally charged moment, Murphy had to convey the profound inner turmoil of his character, a task that required not only technical skill but a deep emotional commitment. The scene’s impact aligns with critical reviews, such as one from Roger Ebert’s website, which praised Murphy’s performance as both “extremely expressive and deeply inward-looking.” Murphy’s ability to portray such emotional depth garnered praise from his co-stars as well. Emily Watson, who won the Silver Bear for Best Supporting Actress at the Berlin Film Festival, compared Murphy’s on-set presence to that of “a simmering, unexploded bomb,” further underscoring the emotional demands of his performance.

Production and Adaptation Challenges

While the emotional demands on Murphy were substantial, his role as a producer added another layer of complexity to the project. Ensuring the film remained faithful to Claire Keegan’s “beautiful, beautiful, perfect novella” was a challenge Murphy took to heart. According to Irish Central, this responsibility loomed large, particularly during the UK premiere in London. As a producer, Murphy was dedicated to maintaining the essence of the book while adapting it for the screen. The task of balancing fidelity to the source material with cinematic storytelling required careful consideration and was perhaps one of the most intricate aspects of his involvement.

Filming in Ireland: A Double-Edged Sword

Filming in Ireland itself provided both a sense of homecoming and a heightened emotional context. Locations like New Ross and Enniscorthy brought a familiarity that helped Murphy adjust after the grueling demands of Oppenheimer. However, this sense of comfort did not alleviate the intense psychological strain of playing Bill Furlong. The film’s setting in 1985, capturing the oppressive atmosphere of small-town Ireland, added to the tension. Reviews from The Guardian noted how the film conjures “an 80s small-town Ireland that’s as hazardous as a haunted house,” amplifying the psychological demands placed on Murphy’s character.

A Comparative Analysis with Oppenheimer

Murphy’s experience filming Small Things Like These is markedly different from his time on Oppenheimer, where the physical demands of the role were perhaps more prominent. Small Things Like These, described as a “small, independent movie” by Deadline, required a different type of commitment, focusing more on emotional immersion than the rapid pace and intense preparation of Oppenheimer. Despite the differences in scale, both roles share a common thread: the need for deep emotional resonance. For Murphy, the challenge of character immersion remains a recurring and powerful element in his career.

Critical Reception and Actor Immersion

The critical reception of Small Things Like These has been overwhelmingly positive, with a 93% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Murphy’s performance has been hailed as one of the film’s standout elements, with critics praising his ability to portray the emotional depth of his character. His commitment to the role and the authenticity he brought to the performance has earned him accolades from both reviewers and colleagues alike.

In the end, Cillian Murphy’s work in Small Things Like These serves as a testament to his dedication and the emotional depth he brings to every role. As both an actor and producer, Murphy’s ability to navigate the psychological complexities of his character—combined with the film’s powerful historical context—offers a compelling look at the emotional toll of bringing such a harrowing story to the screen.