Cillian Murphy on Producing, Starring in ‘Small Things Like These’

Cillian Murphy on Producing, Starring in ‘Small Things Like These’ \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ Cillian Murphy’s admiration for Claire Keegan’s novel ‘Small Things Like These’ led him to produce and star in its film adaptation. Alongside his new production company, Big Things Films, Murphy explores themes of guilt, trauma, and societal complicity, showcasing his passion for meaningful storytelling.

Inside Cillian Murphy’s New Film ‘Small Things Like’ These: Quick Looks

• Inspiration: Murphy was a fan of Claire Keegan’s novel, which explores guilt and trauma in 1985 Ireland.
• New Production Company: Murphy launched Big Things Films to bring Keegan’s complex story to the screen.
• Character Depth: Murphy’s role dives into themes of repressed trauma and reluctant heroism.
• Creative Collaborators: Murphy reunited with longtime collaborators for an authentic storytelling experience.
• Matt Damon’s Role: Damon’s production company, Artists Equity, joined the project after a unique pitch from Murphy.
• Oscar Impact: Murphy reflects on how his recent Oscar win and Oppenheimer’s success may have bolstered interest in the film.

Deep Look

When Cillian Murphy first read Small Things Like These, Claire Keegan’s Booker Prize-nominated novel, he wasn’t searching for a film project. Instead, he was captivated by Keegan’s work as a fan, drawn to the prose and its exploration of guilt, trauma, and complicity against the backdrop of Ireland’s infamous Magdalene laundries. The novella, set in 1985, follows a man wrestling with unresolved trauma who is unable to ignore the injustice he sees during Christmastime. Murphy’s appreciation for Keegan’s storytelling lingered, and when he discovered the rights to the novel were available, he took it as a sign. The Irish actor, who had been considering launching his own production company, saw an opportunity to make a significant statement with this adaptation.

In a nod to Small Things Like These, Murphy and his producing partner Alan Moloney named their company “Big Things Films.” The name reflects their ambition, Murphy joked, saying, “If you call it Small Things Films, it would show a real lack of ambition.” Their inaugural film, Small Things Like These, releases in North American theaters on Friday. Murphy sees the movie as a deeply layered narrative, one that he hopes will resonate with audiences beyond its modest setup. “It’s a seemingly simple story, but it’s incredibly complex,” Murphy said. “It touches on society, complicity, shame, guilt, and secrecy. There’s so much there for audiences.”

Murphy’s role in Small Things Like These offered him the opportunity to portray a complex character shaped by his past and his mother’s experience with charity in a society marred by dark secrets. The protagonist’s actions aren’t heroic in the traditional sense, and Murphy was drawn to the understated nature of his character’s journey. Referencing Keegan’s own words, he explained, “Someone said ‘it’s such a heroic act,’ and she said ‘no, he’s just a man having a nervous breakdown.’ I thought that was really smart.” Murphy aimed to capture the authenticity of this portrayal, highlighting how middle age often brings unresolved issues to the surface, especially for men who, like his character, face their past and mortality.

Behind the camera, Murphy assembled a team of trusted collaborators. Director Tim Mielants, known for his work on Peaky Blinders, was a natural fit, as were playwright Enda Walsh and actor Eileen Walsh, both longtime friends with whom Murphy had worked on earlier projects like Disco Pigs. Murphy explained his preference for working with familiar faces, saying, “I’m a serial re-collaborator. You get the best work from trust and friendship.” The deep-rooted history Murphy shares with these artists enriches the film’s authenticity, making the portrayal of a married couple with a 20-year history feel genuine and nuanced.

Another major supporter of Small Things Like These is actor Matt Damon, who came on board through his production company, Artists Equity. Murphy pitched the project to Damon in an unconventional setting: while on a night shoot for Oppenheimer. The two were in the desert, waiting for the rain to pass, when Murphy mentioned the script to Damon. “He’s got such great taste and really understands these types of stories,” Murphy recalled. Damon’s immediate interest was pivotal, bringing additional industry weight and experience to the production.

Murphy, who won an Oscar for his performance in Oppenheimer, is still adjusting to the attention and success following that role. While he isn’t certain how his recent accolades have influenced interest in Small Things Like These, he hopes that the success enables him to pursue more meaningful stories. Reflecting on his Oscar win, Murphy described the experience as “hugely humbling” and “almost passive,” acknowledging that the recognition brings opportunities to create films with a strong perspective.

His next projects include Steve, based on Max Porter’s novel Shy, and a return to his iconic role in the Peaky Blinders movie, currently filming. Murphy’s commitment to storytelling that challenges social norms and explores deep-seated issues is evident in the projects he’s choosing to champion. With Small Things Like These, he has taken a bold step into production, aiming to deliver a story that resonates with audiences while celebrating the richness of Keegan’s original work.

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