In a recent interview with GQ, Cillian Murphy expressed his dissatisfaction with the traditional press tour model in Hollywood. The Oppenheimer star believes it is time for the industry to reinvent the wheel and find new ways to engage audiences and promote films.
Murphy admitted that he was somewhat relieved when the SAG-AFTRA strike prevented him from attending Oppenheimer's opening weekend. He pointed out that the success of his films, such as Oppenheimer and Barbie, which both set records at the box office last summer, suggests that traditional press tours may not even be necessary anymore.
The actor also drew parallels to his experience with the popular TV show Peaky Blinders. Murphy noted that the show initially had no advertising and was a small production on BBC Two. However, it gained popularity through word-of-mouth, which he believes is a testament to the power of genuine conversations about art and work.
While Murphy doesn't dislike the idea of press altogether, he finds the superficial and repetitive nature of many press interviews to be monotonous. He revealed that he loves discussing his work and art but struggles with the generic question, 'Tell me about yourself…'
In a related note, Murphy explained why he has stopped taking photos with fans on the street. He believes that a simple hello and conversation are more meaningful than a photo record of every encounter. This decision has significantly impacted his life and allowed him to have more genuine interactions with people.
Furthermore, unlike many actors, Murphy does not enjoy watching his own performances. He admitted that he hasn't seen many of his films, particularly those that were negatively received. However, he did mention his experience in the film Red Eye, where he played a terrorist. While he felt the movie was not particularly good, Murphy loved working with Rachel McAdams and appreciated the duality of his character.
McAdams, commenting on Murphy's performance in Red Eye, mentioned that the nicest people can sometimes make the best villains. Murphy has previously shared his thoughts on the film, acknowledging its schlocky nature but praising McAdams' excellent work.
In conclusion, Cillian Murphy's thoughts on press tours and his approach to engaging with fans shed light on his desire for a more meaningful and genuine connection with audiences. He believes in the power of word-of-mouth and conversations about art and work. As an actor, Murphy values the experience of making films over the need for recognition and constantly watching himself on screen.
