With a quiet intensity that mirrors his diverse on-screen roles, Cillian Murphy is among the most enigmatic actors in present-day Hollywood. Especially due to his chameleon-like ability to transform into any character. From a menacing villain in Batman Begins to a tortured hero in both Oppenheimer and Peaky Blinders, he has managed to captivate audiences with each new portrayal. Not to forget the reserved demeanor he possesses off-screen that has heightened the intrigue surrounding the mysterious yet talented Irishman.

As it turns out, Murphy’s exceptional abilities stem from an artistic revolution he experienced within himself. 

How Cillian Murphy evolved from his early years on stage

In an interview with Irish Times, Cillian Murphy delved into his early years in his hometown of Cork. It was there that he joined the band: The Sons of Mr Green Genes. For Murphy, “playing live music” became his stepping stone into the world of performing on stage. He revealed to have “always felt comfortable on stage”. So, the Inception actor did not feel it necessary to “go to drama school”. Instead, he went from “playing live” in his band to the theater and subsequently movies. 

Despite a lack of formal training, to become a favorite of one of Hollywood’s biggest directors: Christopher Nolan, is no small feat. However, even from a young age, he would feel completely at ease playing his guitar at “family gatherings”. Besides his experimentation with music, Murphy did not feel he was a “particularly outgoing” child. That does not seem to have changed even today. Yet, he never held back when it came to music. 

Moreover, performing an energetic set with his band was rather exhilarating for him. 

Surfing the energy with The Sons of Mr Green Genes

In the initial chapters of his life, Murphy spent a significant chunk reveling in the joy of creating music. According to him “the unspoken, non-verbal connection” one gets to build with the audience would energize him. As he came to “love” that feeling, he got better at “surfing that energy” through his band’s shows. Well, those “vibrations” only increased his vigor for perfecting his craft. 

When his band turned down a “deal” from a label, the 47-year-old then graduated to enter the realm of theater. Known for his humility, even today he only considers himself a “hobbyist” when it comes to music. Still, the dedication that he carried for his craft once, helps him combine depth and authenticity in his acting performances. This is certainly reflected in his genuine passion for storytelling. 

Did you feel that the Oppenheimer star’s acting skills reflect an absence of drama school training? Share your thoughts in the comments.