Master Class: Cillian Murphy Unveils Powerful Technique to Conquer an Intense Scene

Summary

Cillian Murphy recalls feeling nervous about filming a scene in Oppenheimer in which he would have to deliver lines in Dutch.

Actor Murphy chose to seek assistance from Dutch-speaking cinematographer Hoyte van Hoytema in order to translate a portion of the speech into Dutch. In addition, Hoytema recorded the translated version for Murphy to repeatedly listen to. Over a span of three months, Murphy made it a routine to listen to the recording every morning, ensuring that he ingrained it in his memory. As a result, he confidently asserts that he will never forget it. This collaboration between Murphy and Nolan can be considered the pinnacle of their professional partnership, as Murphy's portrayal of Oppenheimer in the film proved to be an impeccable choice.

Cillian Murphy, star of Oppenheimer, shares his experience of conquering a difficult scene during the filming of Christopher Nolan's acclaimed historical drama. Released in the summer with tremendous acclaim and box office success, Nolan's latest masterpiece delves into the fascinating journey of J. Robert Oppenheimer, the renowned American theoretical physicist hailed as the mastermind behind the atomic bomb. Throughout the film, Murphy brings the titular character to life, earning high accolades for his outstanding performance.

In Jada Yuan's Unleashing Oppenheimer: Inside Christopher Nolan's Explosive Atomic-Age Thriller (via Slash Film), Murphy expresses his anxiety about filming a particular scene in Oppenheimer where he would need to speak Dutch.

During preproduction, Murphy recalls discussing the Dutch scene with Christopher Nolan, expressing his concerns. Nolan's response reflected his meticulous approach and high expectations, as he asked, "What are you going to do about this Dutch scene?" This exchange exemplifies Nolan's dedication and his belief in holding everyone accountable to perform at their best.

The solution, as it turns out, involved enlisting the help of Hoyte van Hoytema, the movie's Dutch-speaking cinematographer. He translated a portion of Oppenheimer's lecture into Dutch and recorded himself reciting the words for Murphy. "I would listen to it and repeat it every morning for about three months," Murphy reminisced. "Even now, I can still say it. It's one of those things that I will never forget because I practiced it so many times."

Why Cillian Murphy Is The Perfect Oppenheimer

Having collaborated with Nolan for years, Murphy's first venture with the director was on Batman Begins. Throughout various Nolan projects, the actor had primarily played supporting roles in both Dark Knight sequels, as well as in Inception and Dunkirk. Nevertheless, it was not until Oppenheimer that Murphy had the opportunity to tackle a challenging leading role for Nolan, which could be seen as the culmination of his outstanding performances over the span of several decades.

Murphy's portrayal of Oppenheimer is captivating, showcasing his ability to embody characters with complex and dark pasts. This unique trait perfectly suited Nolan's exploration into the depths of Oppenheimer's life, unafraid to depict his flaws and sense of guilt surrounding his creation.

What sets Murphy apart is his ability to not only capture Oppenheimer's inner turmoil but also his intellectual brilliance. Despite his imperfections, Oppenheimer is exceptionally gifted, and Murphy skillfully conveys this, particularly in the scene where he converses in Dutch. It remains to be seen how Oppenheimer will be received during awards season, but Murphy is already emerging as a strong contender for Best Actor at the Oscars.

Source: Unleashing Oppenheimer: Inside Christopher Nolan's Explosive Atomic-Age Thriller by Jada Yuan (via Slash Film)