Academy Award winner Cillian Murphy has said he is open to people “sending ideas” for Cork stories that could inspire his next film project.
Speaking to the Irish Examiner at the Dublin premiere of his latest film, Small Things Like These, the Ballintemple man said he’d been “put on the spot” when asked if he had any Cork stories – or Cork actors – he’d like to highlight in future but was open to the prospect.
The 47-year-old was on the red carpet at The Lighthouse Cinema in Smithfield to promote his film adaption of the Claire Keegan novella of the same name. The story, which is on this year’s Leaving Certificate curriculum, depicts one man’s journey to confronting the horrors of the Magdalene Laundries, and ultimately, putting his head above the parapet to save one girl from its horrors.
Asked on Tuesday whether he believes there is a message for viewers to take away from the film given what is happening in Gaza and other parts of the world at the moment, he said he didn’t want to be “prescriptive”.
Cillian Murphy pictured at the Irish premiere of Small Things Like These at The Light House Cinema, Dublin. Picture: Brian McEvoy
“I think it should ask questions, and it should be provocative and it should get people thinking,” he said.
While he was reluctant to make direct comparisons himself with the ongoing genocide, he said “audiences are super smart”.
“People see those resonances. We don’t have to point them out”.
The actor went on to say he believes the film highlights “the power of the individual”.
“We all have these devices, our voice and our social media platforms, but sometimes people are reluctant to speak their mind.
“But I think [speaking up] still is powerful.”
Murphy’s fellow actor, Eileen Walsh, who first worked with the actor 28 years ago on Disco Pigs, and plays his wife in the adaption, was also on the carpet tonight.
Walsh said she hoped the film would bring the story of the Magdalene Laundries to a wider audience.
Eileen Walsh pictured at the Irish premiere of Small Things Like These at The Light House Cinema, Dublin. Picture: Brian McEvoy
“I’ve met numerous people quite recently who are still very much affected by the Catholic Church and the story of what this film is, people who were quite literally shaking with the anger still in them… there are people who still need to be heard and I think this film will help get their voices out”.
Walsh added she believed Murphy has been “very clever” in using his high profile in the film industry post-Oscars win to not only launch his own production company but to “give small stories a huge platform”.
Prolific Irish producer Alan Moloney, who is the co-founder of production company Big Things Films alongside Murphy, gave a simple answer when asked why he keeps working with the Cork man.
“He’s got taste, he’s really smart, and he’s a great actor.”
