Cillian Murphy, known for his roles in Peaky Blinders and the upcoming film Oppenheimer, has expressed his discontent with the current state of Hollywood press tours. In a recent interview with GQ, Murphy described the press tour model as “broken” and highlighted the monotony that has crept into the process.
The actor admitted that he felt relieved when the SAG-AFTRA strike prevented him from attending Oppenheimer‘s opening weekend, suggesting that the film’s success spoke for itself without the need for extensive press coverage. He cited the example of Peaky Blinders, a show that gained popularity through word-of-mouth rather than traditional advertising.
Murphy emphasized that he enjoys discussing his work and art but finds the superficiality of typical press tour questions unhelpful. He referenced Joanne Woodward’s quote, “‘Acting is like sex — do it, don’t talk about it,'” to illustrate his point.
In addition to his views on press tours, Murphy revealed that he no longer takes photos with fans on the street. Instead, he prefers to have brief conversations, believing that a photo record of his whereabouts is unnecessary.
Despite his success, Murphy remains humble and critical of his own work. He admitted to not watching many of his films, including Red Eye, which he described as a “good, B movie.” Despite his reservations about the film, Murphy’s performance has been praised, highlighting his versatility as an actor.
Overall, Murphy’s candid comments offer a glimpse into the challenges and frustrations faced by actors in the entertainment industry, shedding light on the complexities of fame and public perception.