Cillian Murphy’s career is a masterclass in cinematic storytelling. From his chilling portrayal of the villainous Scarecrow in The Dark Knight trilogy to his haunting role as the haunted soldier in Dunkirk, Murphy has captivated audiences with his raw, emotionally charged performances. But it is his portrayal of Tommy Shelby in the television series Peaky Blinders that solidifies his status as one of the most compelling actors of his generation. While his performances are undeniably impressive, one of the lesser discussed aspects of his work lies in the integral role that music and sound design play in shaping his characters and the worlds they inhabit.

Music, often considered a mere backdrop to a scene, takes center stage in many of Murphy’s roles, subtly enhancing his performances and deepening the emotional resonance of the narratives. Nowhere is this more evident than in Peaky Blinders, where the synergy between music and storytelling has become a defining feature of the series. Beyond the on-screen drama, the unique soundscape created in collaboration with composers, sound designers, and a carefully curated selection of contemporary artists, has contributed significantly to the show’s success and cultural impact.

In this article, we’ll explore how music and sound design elevate Cillian Murphy’s performances, from Peaky Blinders to his other iconic films. We’ll examine the role of music in deepening the portrayal of his complex characters, the use of sound as a storytelling tool, and how these elements not only set the tone for his roles but become characters in their own right.

1. Cillian Murphy’s Filmography and the Role of Music

Cillian Murphy’s impressive filmography spans a variety of genres, showcasing his ability to adapt to diverse roles with a remarkable depth of emotion. Whether playing a villain or a hero, Murphy’s intensity and nuanced performances make each character memorable.

In Christopher Nolan’s Inception (2010), Murphy plays Robert Fischer, a key figure in a heist that takes place in the labyrinth of dreams. The film is a visual spectacle, but its success is deeply intertwined with the iconic sound design by Hans Zimmer, whose music creates a sense of tension, uncertainty, and urgency. The sound of the iconic time-bending score, particularly the deep, resonant notes of Time, mirrors Fischer’s own struggles with the past and the manipulation of his subconscious. Here, Murphy’s character is defined not just by his actions but by the ambient and musical cues that surround him, giving a deeper, almost metaphysical sense of his emotional journey.

In Dunkirk (2017), also directed by Nolan, Murphy takes on the role of a soldier suffering from shell shock during the evacuation of Dunkirk in World War II. The film’s sound design, again composed by Hans Zimmer, uses a unique ticking clock motif to build tension and urgency. The relentless ticking sound is omnipresent, reinforcing the soldiers’ race against time and the harrowing physical and emotional experience they face. The combination of Murphy’s intense performance and Zimmer’s score elevates the film’s emotional impact, portraying the raw fragility of human life under extreme stress.

While the use of music and sound in both Inception and Dunkirk complements Murphy’s performances, it is in Peaky Blinders where the relationship between Murphy’s character and music truly takes center stage. Tommy Shelby, the complex anti-hero of the series, is defined not only by his actions but by the music that accompanies his every move. The show’s choice of soundtrack plays a significant role in creating an atmosphere that is as turbulent, dangerous, and unpredictable as Shelby himself.

2. The Music of Peaky Blinders

Peaky Blinders is set against the backdrop of post-World War I Birmingham, England, during the 1920s, a time of political upheaval and societal change. On the surface, it’s a world defined by crime, class struggle, and shifting allegiances, but the music of the show plays a crucial role in transforming this historical setting into a modern, almost mythic narrative.

One of the show’s defining features is its unconventional use of contemporary music, with tracks from bands like Arctic Monkeys, Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, and The White Stripes. This contrast between the 1920s setting and modern rock music creates a timeless, edgy atmosphere that sets the tone for the entire series. The brooding, anthemic rock songs resonate with the gritty, defiant spirit of the Shelby family, mirroring their struggle to maintain power in an ever-changing world.

For example, in the opening credits of Peaky Blinders, the music of Nick Cave’s “Red Right Hand” plays over images of Tommy Shelby walking through the streets of Birmingham. The track, with its ominous tone and haunting lyrics, serves as the perfect sonic introduction to Murphy’s character—a man who is both a product of his brutal environment and a force of destiny in his own right. The slow, pounding rhythm of the song reflects the calculated steps Tommy Shelby takes to expand his criminal empire, while the dark, foreboding lyrics hint at the moral ambiguity that defines his character.

The music in Peaky Blinders is not just background noise; it is deeply intertwined with the story’s narrative. The song choices mirror the internal struggles of Tommy Shelby, whose stoic, outward persona often hides a storm of emotion. Tracks like “Love Is a Killing Thing” by The Raconteurs or “Lover, You Should’ve Come Over” by Jeff Buckley punctuate key moments in the show, each time deepening the emotional complexity of the character.

The blend of period-specific tracks with modern rock underscores the show’s exploration of time and tradition. The Shelbys may be rooted in the rough, industrial world of 1920s Birmingham, but they are driven by a sense of modern rebellion that transcends eras. The music reflects the timeless nature of their struggle, as well as Tommy’s own desire to forge a new identity for himself and his family. The music is not only reflective of the character’s emotional state but also acts as a signifier of the societal pressures they face.

3. Sound Design as a Storytelling Tool

Sound design in Peaky Blinders is another crucial component in creating its immersive world. From the sound of footsteps echoing in the dimly lit alleyways of Birmingham to the gunshots that ring out in the tense moments of violence, every sound is carefully crafted to enhance the atmosphere of the show.

One of the most striking aspects of the sound design is its ability to heighten suspense and tension. The subtle use of ambient sounds, such as the rhythmic tapping of a cigarette against a metal ashtray or the soft hum of machinery in the background, creates a constant sense of unease. In moments of confrontation or violence, the sharp crack of a gunshot or the metallic clang of a weapon serves as a jarring reminder of the danger that lurks around every corner.

These sounds are not just filler; they are integral to the emotional tone of the series. For example, during Tommy Shelby’s more vulnerable moments, the sound design shifts, drawing the viewer’s attention to his inner turmoil. The silence that sometimes fills these moments becomes deafening, reinforcing the isolation and internal conflict that Tommy experiences. The contrast between silence and the harsh sounds of violence highlights the emotional weight of these moments, intensifying the impact of Murphy’s performance.

Moreover, sound design is used in Peaky Blinders to foreshadow key moments and plot twists. The rustling of a coat, the sharp intake of breath, or the distant sound of an approaching vehicle all serve as subtle cues for what’s to come. These auditory signals work in tandem with the visual storytelling, guiding the audience’s expectations and heightening the tension as the narrative unfolds.

4. Iconic Soundtracks in Cillian Murphy’s Other Films

While Peaky Blinders is the most obvious example of how music and sound design elevate Cillian Murphy’s performances, his other films also feature iconic soundtracks that help define the emotional core of his characters. In Dunkirk, the collaboration between Murphy and composer Hans Zimmer creates an audio-visual experience that is as intense as the action on screen. The relentless ticking of the clock, paired with the swelling orchestral score, serves to ratchet up the tension as the soldiers face impossible odds. Murphy’s portrayal of the shell-shocked soldier is amplified by the ticking motif, which becomes a symbol of both the passage of time and the fragility of life.

In Inception, the music not only underscores the emotional arc of Murphy’s character but also becomes a narrative tool in its own right. The collaboration between Nolan and Zimmer created a soundscape that captures the dreamlike quality of the film, enhancing Murphy’s portrayal of a man caught between the waking world and the dream world. The intricate, layered score mirrors the complex psychological landscape that Murphy’s character inhabits, making the music an essential component of the film’s success.

5. The Emotional Impact on Audiences

The emotional impact of Cillian Murphy’s work is significantly enhanced by the synergy between his acting and the music that accompanies him. The music underscores the emotional complexity of his characters, highlighting themes of power, survival, morality, and inner conflict.

In Peaky Blinders, the music helps to humanize Tommy Shelby, a character who might otherwise appear as a cold, calculating criminal mastermind. The careful selection of songs allows the audience to see the vulnerability beneath his tough exterior, giving depth to Murphy’s performance. The music serves as an emotional bridge between the audience and the character, creating a deeper connection with the narrative.

The emotional weight of Dunkirk is similarly amplified by the score. Zimmer’s use of music to create an emotional landscape for the soldiers, combined with Murphy’s vulnerable performance, elevates the film from a war epic to a poignant meditation on survival, sacrifice, and trauma.

Conclusion

Cillian Murphy’s performances are deeply enriched by the careful integration of music and sound design, turning each of his roles into a multifaceted sensory experience. Music is not just an accompaniment to his performances but an essential element of storytelling, one that adds depth and emotional resonance to his characters. Whether it’s the contemporary rock tracks of Peaky Blinders, the ticking clock in Dunkirk, or the mind-bending score of Inception, music and sound design are not merely background elements—they are central to the stories these films and shows tell. They become characters in their own right, helping to shape the worlds that Cillian Murphy’s characters inhabit, and enhancing the emotional engagement of the audience. Through the interplay of sound and vision, Murphy’s work is transformed into a rich, immersive experience that lingers long after the screen goes dark.