Cillian Murphy, an enigmatic actor whose name is synonymous with intensity, is known to most for his captivating performances in roles like Thomas Shelby in Peaky Blinders or Robert Fischer in Christopher Nolan’s Inception. With his sharp cheekbones, piercing blue eyes, and a voice that can carry both menace and melancholy, Murphy has crafted a career marked by a seamless blend of charm and gravitas. Yet, beneath the surface of his powerful screen presence, there lies another facet of this talented artist that often goes unnoticed by the public: his profound passion for literature and poetry. This often overlooked yet deeply personal aspect of Murphy’s life enriches not only his own world but also adds layers to his performances on screen.
While fans and critics are mesmerized by his acting chops, few know of his affinity for the written word. For Cillian Murphy, literature and poetry are not mere pastimes but a wellspring of inspiration that inform his art, nourish his soul, and sharpen his perception of the world.
Murphy’s Literary Interests
Since his rise to stardom, Murphy has spoken about his insatiable love for reading. Unlike some actors who may confine their intellectual pursuits to the realm of scripts and screenplays, Murphy’s reading habits stretch far beyond the film industry. His tastes are eclectic, ranging from classic literature to modern novels, spanning the spectrum of fiction, non-fiction, and poetry. Whether it’s getting lost in the complex narratives of James Joyce or reflecting on the simple yet profound beauty of Seamus Heaney’s poetry, Murphy finds solace and inspiration in words.
In numerous interviews, Murphy has confessed to his love for the works of William Faulkner, a titan of Southern American literature, whose intricate, layered storytelling and rich characterization have deeply influenced the actor’s thinking. Faulkner’s dense, emotional prose reflects the complexity of human experience, something that Murphy undoubtedly draws upon when inhabiting the roles of complicated, flawed characters like Tommy Shelby.
Similarly, Murphy has also spoken fondly of Russian literature, in particular, the existential works of Fyodor Dostoevsky. Characters such as Raskolnikov from Crime and Punishment or Ivan from The Brothers Karamazov embody moral ambiguity, deep introspection, and intense emotional conflict—qualities that echo in Murphy’s performances. His gravitation toward these heavy literary figures is no surprise, given his penchant for roles that explore the darker, more complex aspects of human nature.
Yet it’s not only fiction that captivates Cillian Murphy. Poetry holds a special place in his heart, something he describes as a more intimate, personal experience than reading novels. The works of poets like W.B. Yeats and Ted Hughes have left a deep impression on him, often serving as sources of introspection and inspiration. This love for poetry aligns with Murphy’s broader intellectual curiosity, and through the lens of his favorite poets, he explores themes of identity, existentialism, and the human condition.
The Importance of Poetry in His Life
While novels and essays are a window into Murphy’s intellectual leanings, poetry represents a more emotional connection for the actor. It’s not just the act of reading poetry that resonates with him—it’s also the practice of reciting it, whether privately or during public readings. For Murphy, poetry is a form of expression that taps into a different layer of consciousness, offering a more abstract yet deeply resonant reflection on life.
Seamus Heaney, one of Ireland’s most revered poets, stands as a towering influence for Murphy. Heaney’s poems often explore themes of memory, identity, and the rural Irish landscape, and these resonate with Murphy’s own experience growing up in Cork, Ireland. Reciting Heaney’s poetry allows Murphy to return to his roots, to reconnect with the language and rhythms that shaped his early years. In interviews, Murphy has cited Heaney’s collection North as one of his favorites, praising its ability to blend history with the personal, the political with the emotional. There’s a certain gravitas to Heaney’s words, one that speaks to the human soul in a way that transcends mere storytelling—qualities that Murphy himself strives to embody in his acting.
Additionally, Murphy’s appreciation for poetry is not confined to Irish poets alone. He has also expressed admiration for the works of Ted Hughes, whose visceral, often brutal depictions of nature and human emotions seem to mirror the raw intensity Murphy brings to his roles. Whether it’s the internal conflict of a character or the external tension in a dramatic scene, Murphy’s engagement with Hughes’ works likely feeds into the actor’s understanding of violence, both emotional and physical, as a storytelling device.
Connection to Acting
For an actor of Murphy’s caliber, it’s clear that his literary interests serve a dual purpose: they enrich his personal life, but they also directly impact his craft. His love of poetry and literature informs his approach to acting, deepening his understanding of narrative structure, character motivation, and emotional depth. It’s not simply about learning lines or hitting the right emotional notes; for Murphy, the process of preparing for a role is an intellectual exercise as much as it is a creative one.
The influence of literature is most apparent in the way Murphy approaches character development. For instance, when discussing his portrayal of Tommy Shelby, the antihero of Peaky Blinders, Murphy has spoken about how he drew from literary figures, particularly tragic heroes from classical and modern literature. Shelby is a character filled with contradictions—ruthless yet vulnerable, calculating yet deeply emotional—and this layered complexity is something Murphy has likely honed from his readings of literary giants like Shakespeare, whose flawed protagonists are timeless in their emotional depth and moral ambiguity.
Beyond the technical aspects of acting, Murphy’s love for literature fosters a greater appreciation for the art of storytelling. Just as a well-written novel captivates its readers through rich character arcs and emotional resonance, Murphy’s performances do the same. His ability to convey unspoken emotions, to draw audiences into the psyche of his characters, is reminiscent of how a poet evokes profound feelings with a few carefully chosen words. In essence, Murphy doesn’t just perform a role—he embodies it, breathing life into characters in ways that are both visceral and cerebral, much like a great piece of literature lingers in the minds of its readers long after the last page is turned.
Cillian Murphy’s Influence Beyond the Screen
Murphy’s intellectual pursuits have extended beyond the personal realm, inspiring his fans and peers alike. While he has never been one to aggressively promote his love for literature or poetry, those who follow his career closely know of his quiet efforts to bring attention to the arts. Whether it’s through interviews where he speaks of his favorite authors or through public poetry readings, Murphy subtly encourages his audience to explore the rich world of literature and poetry.
One notable example of this was his participation in public readings of Seamus Heaney’s works. These events, attended by literary enthusiasts and fans of the actor alike, showcased Murphy’s deep respect for poetry and his desire to share that passion with others. By using his platform to bring attention to poets like Heaney, Murphy plays a role in ensuring that these voices continue to be heard and appreciated by new generations.
Furthermore, Murphy’s choice of projects often reflects his literary tastes. Films like The Wind That Shakes the Barley, which tells the story of the Irish War of Independence, or Anthropoid, based on the true story of a World War II mission, align with his appreciation for history, politics, and the complexities of human experience—themes frequently explored in the works of the authors he admires.
Conclusion
Cillian Murphy’s reputation as a talented actor is well established, but it’s his intellectual pursuits that add depth to his artistic persona. His love for literature and poetry informs his approach to acting, offering him new ways to connect with characters and stories, while also providing a deeper well of emotional and intellectual material to draw from. Through his quiet but steadfast promotion of the written word, Murphy invites his fans to look beyond the screen and explore the timeless beauty of language, literature, and poetry. In doing so, he not only enriches his own life but also inspires others to dive into the literary world that has given him so much.
As audiences continue to follow Murphy’s career, they would do well to explore the books and poems that have shaped his worldview—perhaps discovering, as he has, that the written word offers its own kind of magic, just as powerful as any performance on the silver screen.
