In a compelling conversation on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, actor Cillian Murphy shed light on the historical and emotional underpinnings of his role in Dunkirk, the groundbreaking 2017 war film directed by Christopher Nolan. Widely regarded as one of the most intense and immersive cinematic experiences of modern times, Dunkirk tells the story of the miraculous evacuation of Allied forces from the beaches of Dunkirk, France, during World War II. The film’s powerful storytelling, stunning visuals, and remarkable performances have earned it critical acclaim and widespread recognition. Murphy, who plays a shell-shocked soldier, shared his experiences working with Nolan and provided a glimpse into the heart of the film’s narrative.
This conversation not only deepened our understanding of Dunkirk, but it also brought to light the personal and historical significance of the Dunkirk evacuation—a moment in history that continues to resonate with audiences. Here are the main takeaways from Cillian Murphy’s enlightening appearance on The Late Show.
1. The Real History Behind Dunkirk Evacuation
Cillian Murphy began by emphasizing the monumental historical significance of the Dunkirk evacuation, known as Operation Dynamo. In May and June of 1940, more than 330,000 Allied troops—British, French, Belgian, and Canadian soldiers—were trapped on the beaches of Dunkirk by Nazi forces. Facing the real possibility of annihilation, the Allied forces managed to evacuate the majority of their troops, thanks to a massive, improvised operation that included everything from military ships to civilian boats. This remarkable feat, which occurred over the course of nine days, has been hailed as a turning point in World War II, lifting the morale of the Allies and providing them with the manpower necessary to continue fighting.
Murphy pointed out that the Dunkirk evacuation was not just a military success but a moral one, underscoring the resolve and courage of the soldiers, sailors, and civilians involved. “It was a massive loss for the Allies,” Murphy said, “but the operation showed that even in the face of overwhelming odds, survival and hope could still be possible. That’s what the film captures.” In his reflection, Murphy made it clear that Dunkirk was not just about the military operation but about the human spirit in times of crisis.
2. Christopher Nolan’s Attention to Detail
One of the most striking features of Dunkirk is its stunning realism. From the authenticity of the locations to the portrayal of soldiers’ experiences, the film immerses audiences in the brutal reality of war. Murphy credited director Christopher Nolan with bringing this level of realism to the screen. “Nolan’s attention to detail is obsessive, in the best way possible,” he said. “Every aspect of the film—the story, the cinematography, the sound design—was built on a foundation of historical accuracy.”
Nolan’s approach to filmmaking is well-known for its meticulousness, and with Dunkirk, this dedication to realism was especially evident. The decision to shoot the film on location in the very same locations where the evacuation occurred—particularly on the beaches of northern France—allowed the filmmakers to achieve a level of authenticity rarely seen in war films. Additionally, Nolan’s choice to use practical effects whenever possible, including real planes, ships, and explosions, contributed to the visceral feeling that permeates the movie.
Murphy further elaborated on the physicality of the shoot. To accurately portray the soldiers’ plight, the actors underwent extensive training and participated in the action as much as possible. “We were often in the water, in the mud, under fire,” Murphy explained. “Nolan wanted us to experience as much of what those soldiers went through as we could. It made it all feel real—painful, but real.”
3. The Role of the Soldiers in the Film
Dunkirk is distinctive in that it focuses on the ordinary soldiers caught in the chaos of the evacuation rather than the high-ranking officers or strategic decisions. The film’s narrative is largely driven by the human experience of fear, survival, and camaraderie. Murphy’s portrayal of a soldier suffering from post-traumatic stress is a key element of this narrative. His character is introduced as a man shell-shocked by the horrors of war, which becomes a defining trait throughout the film.
Murphy discussed how Nolan avoided glorifying war in favor of showcasing its raw, unvarnished emotional impact. “War is not glorious in Dunkirk,” he noted. “The film doesn’t try to romanticize the violence or the heroism. What it does is show the desperation, the fear, and the profound human cost of it all.”
For Murphy, playing a character haunted by the trauma of war was deeply affecting. “The physical and mental toll of the battle is something that I felt in every scene,” he said. “My character wasn’t just dealing with the fear of the enemy. He was grappling with the emotional scars of what he had witnessed. It’s an experience that many of the soldiers, even after they were evacuated, continued to carry with them for the rest of their lives.”
This humanizing portrayal of soldiers, many of whom were just young men caught in the machinery of war, is a central theme in Dunkirk and one that resonates strongly with audiences.
4. Filming the Intensity of Dunkirk
Filming Dunkirk was an ordeal in itself, with the actors undergoing extreme physical conditions to bring authenticity to the story. Murphy shared that the production was not for the faint of heart, as the cast and crew endured harsh weather, long hours, and rigorous sequences. Much of the film’s action takes place on the beaches, in the sea, and in the air, and the crew made every effort to ensure that the scenes were as realistic as possible.
“We shot in the water for hours at a time,” Murphy recalled. “Sometimes it was freezing cold, and you couldn’t feel your limbs anymore. But that’s what the soldiers went through. We wanted to put ourselves in their shoes as much as possible.”
The intensity of the scenes was compounded by the real-time structure of the film. Nolan’s decision to tell the story from three different perspectives—land, sea, and air—meant that the audience experienced the evacuation in a way that was uniquely immersive. The use of IMAX cameras, practical effects, and the minimal reliance on CGI made every moment feel tangible and immediate. As a result, the actors found themselves deeply involved in the emotional intensity of the story.
“The film wasn’t just physically exhausting,” Murphy explained. “It was emotionally draining. It’s hard not to feel moved when you’re shooting a scene in the same location where real soldiers fought for their lives.”
5. Personal Reflections on the Film
After filming wrapped, Murphy reflected on the emotional and psychological impact that Dunkirk had on him. As someone who had grown up with an understanding of World War II through history books and documentaries, Murphy found the opportunity to portray such an intense and personal aspect of the war to be both humbling and profound. “It was an experience that changed me,” Murphy said. “I’ve always admired the courage of soldiers, but working on this film gave me a deeper understanding of what they endured, and I carry that with me.”
The success of Dunkirk was not just a testament to the filmmakers’ dedication but also to the soldiers whose stories were being told. Murphy spoke about the immense responsibility of bringing the stories of these men to life. “We were telling the story of real people who fought, who died, who survived. That kind of responsibility weighs on you.”
The actor’s reflections also underscored the teamwork that went into creating such a monumental film. He praised his fellow actors, the production crew, and, of course, Christopher Nolan for their collective effort. “The success of Dunkirk wasn’t just about one person. It was a team effort, and it showed in the final product. It’s a film about survival, about hope, and about the unbreakable human spirit. That’s why it resonated with so many people.”
Conclusion
Cillian Murphy’s insights into Dunkirk offer a deeper understanding of both the film and the historical moment it portrays. The conversation with Stephen Colbert reveals how the film’s impact is not only due to its breathtaking visuals and technical brilliance but also its powerful emotional resonance. By focusing on the humanity of war, Christopher Nolan created a film that honors the courage and sacrifices of those who were part of the Dunkirk evacuation. Murphy’s portrayal of a soldier trapped in the trauma of war serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring cost of conflict. Dunkirk is not just a war film; it is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable adversity. Through his conversation, Murphy helps us appreciate the depth and significance of this cinematic masterpiece and the history it so faithfully brings to life.
