Cillian Murphy Left Voicemails in Character to Perfect Tommy Shelby’s Voice—Here’s Why It Worked

Cillian Murphy’s portrayal of Thomas Shelby in the BBC hit series Peaky Blinders is a masterclass in character immersion, and one of the most iconic elements of his performance is his spot-on Brummie accent. As an Irishman hailing from Cork, Murphy’s journey to perfecting the Birmingham dialect was a crucial part of his preparation, and his commitment to authenticity shines through in every line of dialogue. This article explores Murphy’s voice training process, as revealed through interviews and his own reflections.

Context and Motivation: A Commitment to Authenticity

Peaky Blinders, set in post-World War I Birmingham, required Murphy to inhabit the role of Tommy Shelby, a complex gangster with deep regional ties to the city. Known for his versatile acting range, Murphy was not only tasked with capturing Tommy’s fierce demeanor and psychological depth but also with giving him a voice that rang true to his working-class, Midlands roots.

Murphy’s native Cork accent was a significant obstacle to achieving this, as it is distinctly different from the Brummie accent that defines Tommy Shelby. Understanding that this portrayal would be pivotal to his character’s authenticity, Murphy took a proactive approach to mastering the accent, seeking guidance and tools that would allow him to perfectly capture the sound of Birmingham in the 1920s.

Methodology of Voice Training: Immersive and Iterative

Murphy’s approach to accent training was unique and immersive. His primary source of inspiration came from actual conversations in Birmingham, thanks to the show’s creator, Steven Knight. In a 2022 interview with Radio Times, Murphy explained how his voice training involved traveling to Birmingham’s historic Garrison pub—an iconic location featured in the show. There, Murphy spent time recording conversations between locals, capturing a wide range of sounds, including patrons drinking, singing Birmingham City songs, and storytelling.

To replicate the rhythm and cadence of these conversations, Murphy used an iPhone to record the various dialogues. These recordings were an invaluable resource for Murphy to refine his accent at home. To ensure he was staying true to the dialect, Murphy engaged in a feedback loop with Knight, leaving voicemails in the Brummie accent and waiting for the show’s creator to assess and suggest improvements.

Murphy’s iterative process, which included constantly revisiting the recordings and adjusting his accent, was crucial to the success of his portrayal. He dedicated himself to the accent with the same rigor that he applied to every other aspect of his performance, striving to make his transformation from Cork to Birmingham as seamless and believable as possible.

Impact and Reception: A Performance Praised by Critics

The results of Murphy’s dedication are evident in the success of Peaky Blinders and the critical reception of his portrayal of Tommy Shelby. His performance has been lauded not only for its emotional depth but also for the authenticity of the accent. In 2023, Murphy was nominated for a BAFTA for Best Lead Actor, with many critics citing his nuanced Brummie accent as one of the key factors in his compelling portrayal.

The way Murphy uses his voice to convey power, vulnerability, and menace has captivated audiences, further cementing his role as one of television’s most memorable antiheroes. His accent has become so associated with the character that it’s hard to imagine anyone else stepping into Tommy Shelby’s shoes.

Additional Insights and Comparisons: Fan Theories and Interpretations

While Murphy’s own interviews provide the most in-depth look into his voice training, other sources, such as online forums like Reddit, offer fan interpretations of his choices. Some fans have speculated that Murphy lowered his pitch for Tommy to give him a more imposing presence, a choice that added to the character’s gravitas. Though these interpretations are interesting, they remain fan-driven theories rather than direct quotes from the actor himself.

Conclusion: The Power of Preparation

Cillian Murphy’s commitment to mastering the Brummie accent for Peaky Blinders exemplifies the dedication required to bring a character to life authentically. His detailed approach, which involved immersive fieldwork and continuous refinement, not only shaped the character of Tommy Shelby but also contributed to the overall success of the show. Murphy’s portrayal is a testament to the power of preparation, and his dedication to perfecting the smallest details, like Tommy’s accent, has undoubtedly left a lasting impact on Peaky Blinders and its audience.