Title: Robert Downey Jr. Praises Co-Star Cillian Murphy for his Role in “Oppenheimer”
Date: July 25, 2023 | 5:45am
Author: Nika Shakhnazarova
Actor Robert Downey Jr. has expressed admiration for his “Oppenheimer” co-star Cillian Murphy, calling his performance a remarkable sacrifice. Murphy portrays J. Robert Oppenheimer, the renowned physicist and father of the atomic bomb, in the three-hour Christopher Nolan-directed film.
Set against the backdrop of World War II, the movie delves into the development and subsequent deployment of the atomic bomb, which played a pivotal role in ending the war. Downey Jr., who plays Lewis Strauss, chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission, commended Murphy for his commitment to the role.
“I have never witnessed a greater sacrifice by a lead actor in my career,” Downey Jr. told People magazine. “He knew it was going to be a behemoth ask when Chris called him. But I think he also had the humility that is required to survive playing a role like this.”
The intense dedication Murphy displayed to his craft was evident to the entire cast. Florence Pugh, who plays one of Oppenheimer’s love interests in the film, echoed Downey Jr.’s sentiments, describing working with Murphy as “hugely impressive.” Pugh revealed that Murphy’s meticulous preparation and deep understanding of his character made for one of the best experiences she has had.
Murphy’s commitment to portraying Oppenheimer extended beyond his performance. To accurately resemble the legendary scientist, he followed a strict diet, limiting his food intake. His co-star Emily Blunt, who played Oppenheimer’s wife Kitty, revealed that Murphy’s transformation was remarkable due to his scarcely eating anything. Blunt described his appearance during filming as emaciated.
In a May interview with the New York Times, Murphy discussed the challenges of embodying Oppenheimer’s distinct physicality and silhouette. He explained how he had to lose a significant amount of weight and worked closely with the costume and tailoring departments to achieve the desired look.
As Murphy continues to receive rave reviews for his portrayal of Oppenheimer, his performance in “Oppenheimer” is proving to be a testament to his talent and dedication. The film, with its star-studded cast, is expected to make a significant impact on audiences when it premieres in the coming months.
Overall, “Oppenheimer” promises to be a thought-provoking and powerful cinematic experience, thanks in no small part to Cillian Murphy’s extraordinary commitment to his role.