"Oppenheimer" star Murphy: finally became Nolan's hero

Christopher Nolan's new film "Oppenheimer" starring Cillian Murphy recently recalled this cooperation to the Associated Press. He's been in a supporting role in Nolan's films since he started nearly 20 years ago ("Batman Begins"), but has always been secretly hoping to play his leading man. But this time, Nolan came to him with "Oppenheimer".

Murphy recalled Nolan's invitation this time: "He was very low-key, self-effacing, and adhering to his British style, he just said: 'I wrote this script, it's about Oppenheimer, I want you Come be my Oppenheimer.' That was a great day.

I've been saying to Chris both publicly and privately: If I'm available and you want me to be in your movie, I'm always there, I don't care too much about the number of parts. But what is not known is that deep down, I really want to play his leading role. "

After the conversation between the two, in September 2020, Nolan flew to Dublin, Ireland to find Murphy. Murphy read the physical script of "Oppenheimer" at Nolan's hotel, which he said he had read Best book ever.

Murphy said that he and Nolan have had mutual understanding and trust for many years, and now, "it feels like it's time to take on a bigger task, and it just so happens that ("Oppenheimer") is such a huge task. "

Regarding Robert Oppenheimer, who he played, Murphy said: "You realize that this is a huge task. He is such a complex, contradictory, and iconic person. But you also know that you are the greatest actor in film history." Working with Chris as one of the directors, I feel confident going forward hand in hand with Chris. He has had a huge impact on my life, creatively and professionally, and he has always given me interesting characters, all of which I feel It's challenging, I just love doing his films. Every actor wants to be in his films, to see how it's filmed, how he masters the language of his film, the technical principles of the film, and how he works in the major studios The system spreads a broad canvas and creates very challenging stories about people.” It was also revealed that Nolan said to him: “Let’s find the emotional journey of Oppenheimer’s character together.” So, “We did it. . . . I'm so proud of that performance."

Oppenheimer is a real complex character, Murphy said: "The problem is: how Chris presents it (his behavior and psychology). I think people will be surprised and amazed by what he has produced this time. Regardless of I can't say anything more convincing than seeing this movie in person in an IMAX theater."

In the end he said: "I'm really proud of this movie, what Chris has achieved. Of course it's a special movie, of course because of the past between me and Chris. It's not that we're making Sometimes it’s high fives on set and stuff like that, but it does make me feel special. … Every one of his movies coming out is a big deal, and rightfully so, and whether I’m in it or not, I’m always going to see it.”