A Moment With Cillian Murphy
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?
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!
How would you describe Christopher Nolan as a director?
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.
Have you seen him change over the course of working with him these years on different projects?
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 patronises 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.
Why do you think Oppenheimer’s story resonates and connects with us all?
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.
Interview courtesy of Universal Studios