Barry Keoghan Breaks Down His Most Iconic Characters | GQ

Barry Keoghan breaks down a few of his most iconic characters from 'The Banshees of Inisherin,' 'The Killing of a Sacred Deer,' 'Saltburn,' 'Eternals,' 'The Green Knight,' 'Dunkirk' and 'The Batman.'
00:00 Barry Keoghan's Iconic Characters
00:14 The Banshees of Inisherin
02:21 The Killing of a Sacred Deer
03:46 Saltburn
07:31 Eternals
08:32 The Green Knight
10:12 Dunkirk
11:35 The Batman
Director: Graham Corrigan
Director of Photography: Francis Bernal
Editor: Graham Mooney
Talent: Barry Keoghan
Senior Producer: Elizabeth Halberstadt
Creative Producer: Jean-Luc Lukunku
Coordinating Producer: Sam Dennis
Line Producer: Jen Santos
Production Manager: James Pipitone
Production Coordinator: Tania Jones
Talent Booker: Ernesto Macias, Dana Mathews
Camera Operator: Matthew Dinneny
Gaffer: Vincent Cota
Sound Mixer: Gabe Quiroga
Production Assistant: Ashley Vidal
Post Production Supervisor: Rachael Knight
Post Production Coordinator: Ian Bryant
Supervising Editor: Rob Lombardi
Additional Editor: Jason Malizia
Assistant Editor: Justin Symonds
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[@lanagievski1540]

I love that he’s made a career of playing weird little guys

[@someguy42093]

Would you sleep with emerald fennell?

[@toast3591]

I’ve never seen someone play freaky little men like Barry does

[@dx315]

@@toast3591 I feel like Paul Dano comes in a very close second. I can't decide which one I enjoy watching more though lol

[@Rarara191]

He is in reality a weird guy

[@someguy42093]

@@Rarara191 with a weird nose

[@nunuonroad9969]

Dude was born to make us feel uneasy

[@kubahavelka9556]

He's quickly becoming one of my favorite young actors, such a great selection of roles

[@k4duty]

Not that young, 31 now I believe

[@chloeamanda1999]

@@k4duty31 is young if you’re comparing him to actors in their 50s and 60s

[@k4duty]

@@chloeamanda1999 🙃

[@joeboonmusic4004]

@@k4duty 31 is hardly elderly

[@k4duty]

@@joeboonmusic4004 didn’t say that, but he’s not young

[@CS-er3ib]

His enthusiasm when offered Joker is refreshing. I know Joker fatigue is real but I think he can easily give us a memorable Joker.

[@1openborder]

And the design was awful

[@CS-er3ib]

@@1openborder agree to disagree

[@muffinmc4462]

@@1openborder It was hidden behind a dirty panel of glass. It's meant to be obscured and look that way.

[@kalencwil3924]

He’s super short. I dunno

[@MKP-gp9gp]

When was the Joker specifically required to be tall? @@kalencwil3924

[@stayphia]

the fact that he's only 30 and is already able to do a gq video breaking down his most iconic characters. give him 10 more years and he's gonna be too powerful.

[@PlannedObsolescence]

He’s 31, but close enough. lol

[@duewest1998]

​@@PlannedObsolescencethank you for your service. What you do is indispensable

[@JonJonJonJonJonJonJonJon]

Shut up

[@PlannedObsolescence]

@@duewest1998 You're welcome. It's an honor.

[@arj-]

@@PlannedObsolescence😂😂😂😂

[@JesusShuttlesworth]

His performance in 'The Killing of a Sacred Deer' was one of the best portrayals of a psychopath that I've seen in recent memory.

[@markustran777]

An autistic one

[@harveyfish318]

Where can I watch this

[@bruhmoment2052]

@@harveyfish318Netflix

[@emiel255]

The most accurate portrayals of a psychopath that I have see are 3 people: Lalo Salamanca Anton Chigurh Lou Bloom

[@OFFICIALMOEJOSE]

@@emiel255Jake was great as Lou

[@davidgomersall7185]

He was absolutely mesmerising in Saltburn. He shifted so fluidly between the facets of his characters personality it was like watching five different actors playing five aspects of the same person. An incredible performance

[@wecandothiswarriors]

Just a naturally talented actor

[@laacolee]

it feels good to see him getting the recognition he deserves. my heart feels warm seeing him blow up. i doubt it will but i hope hollywood doesn’t change him because he seems so humble and seems like an all around great guy

[@mateusubira1828]

@@nobodiesbandwhat?

[@nobodiesband]

@mateusubira1828 he robbed one of my friends with a knife as a teenager, at summerhill flats in Dublin

[@ploopy8780]

​@ladies.theband whether this is true or not it would have been ~15 years ago anyway, i'm sure he's not in the same place anymore

[@farhan022692]

@@nobodiesband Are we supposed to just believe you? Any other proof?

[@Jeremy252]

Hollywood doesn't really change people. It just amplifies who they already were.

[@avastans]

The fact that he's worked with THIS many iconic directors already is a testament to his amazing talent! Can't wait to see where he goes next, he's a brilliant actor. And Oscar nominated!

[@someguy42093]

I hate his nose so much.

[@bobbarker5803]

His performance in Killing of a Sacred Deer is phenomenal.

[@Sharpe1502]

That was the first thing I saw him in and I just thought, “This dude is outshining Colin Farrell and Nicole Kidman. Who is this guy?!” And I was always excited to see him pop up in different stuff. I’m glad he’s starting to get starring roles.

[@sandrahatherley2184]

Yes, and he was quite a bit younger then.

[@robertriteman3227]

Everyone in that film was at the top of their craft.

[@laserbidet]

"Well there goes that dream" has gotta be one of the single most heartbreaking lines/line deliveries I've seen in the last decade or so

[@Youokhun]

I feel the same, but seems not many people I know have seen it 😢

[@jolttsp]

His breath control in that dialog breaks me.

[@davidLPST]

Oh yes…wonderful

[@bonniemarshall3498]

Yes I felt it down in my bones.

[@kristenjazdzewski6701]

He is an unbelievably talented actor. It seems to come quite natural to him. I think it’s amazing he stated you can’t judge the character when you’re playing him but he seemed genuinely disgusted at what Oliver did with the tub scene in saltburn. His ability to completely put his own morals, opinions and judgements aside to play a character so well is just pure talent.

[@adderblack39]

Wonderful actor,I'll watch anything he's in

[@sandrahatherley2184]

me too

[@onthamic1]

Can’t wait to see what he does next and in the years to come.

[@lillymsf5946]

It's hard finding actors who are out-of-the-blue exceptional in everything they do, Barry's def one of them he was just fantastic in this

[@domnickdempsey5853]

should watch love hate an irish series hes in

[@adderblack39]

@@domnickdempsey5853 watched it through twice, superb

[@DebNKY]

He's a doll. So talented, so watchable.

[@someguy42093]

He has a weird nose

[@tibabaojomo5823]

​@@someguy42093 this is such a weird thing to say?

[@someguy42093]

@@tibabaojomo5823 I’m just saying. It’s like a round Rudolph thing. It’s so weird looking.

[@faaarrrh]

​@someguy42093 classic sign of someone who isn't happy with their own appearance

[@sp-1973]

​@someguy42093 yeah, but I bet he's still a thousand times better looking than you!!

[@pandoraclock4355]

He is such an instinctual actor. So magnetic. We are witnessing of one the best actor of our generation I call it.

[@brandonheyward4022]

If they ever remake Clockwork Orange he BETTER be in it

[@helgaalbenix6835]

YES NOW I NEED IT

[@izshtar]

if they ever remake Clockwork, i hope they pick as Yorgos the Director.

[@bravediomedes217]

They’ll put Evan Peters in it. He looks just like Malcolm McDowell.

[@profdredacted]

he is hell of a character i strongly believe that he can understand and play every type of perspective

[@markdaly1648]

He had a very tough upbringing. 14 Foster homes, drugs and crime and partying. But he is working hard to turn his life around

[@wecandothiswarriors]

He has admitted that acting helps him deal with childhood trauma

[@sandrahatherley2184]

14 foster homes? wow@@markdaly1648

[@kidcaldwell]

The Killing Of A Sacred Deer is his best performance imo! an even crazier version of the type of character he played in Saltburn

[@sandrahatherley2184]

Different type of character

[@robertriteman3227]

Everyone in that film was at the top of their craft.

[@kevinlakeman5043]

Too bad it's a twisto POC movie.

[@laacolee]

gosh this man is such a charm!! there is something about him that leaves me infatuated with him, so handsome and an amazing personality. he will go far in the acting industry. his upbringing story is so sad yet so motivational. one of my favorite actors ever!! 🤍 ready to see him in more upcoming projects and see him work with more amazing directors!! i really hope he works with greta gerwig soon

[@sandrahatherley2184]

Didn't he just do that in Saltlburn?

[@PlannedObsolescence]

@@sandrahatherley2184 Emerald Fennell directed Saltburn.

[@SleepFan771]

I've been a fan of Barry Keoghan since American Animals! He's phenomenal in The Banshees of Inisherin & Saltburn.

[@EMMYK1916]

You should watch him in Love/Hate, his first production. Plays a scumbag scrote.

[@sandrahatherley2184]

Saw both movies...prefer Saltburn

[@charliepaice6930]

Disappointed to not see American Animals mentioned..

[@flygrace]

@@charliepaice6930 Or Chernobyl.

[@TPHB5011]

Watch him in love/hate

[@lillymsf5946]

It's very admirable to hear his take on those intense scenes in Saltburn. You find a lot of actors when they talk about difficult stuff to film they wave it away saying that it an was amusing portion of their career and they're proud to have given it a shot but its so refreshing to hear Barry talk in depth about how he got into Oliver's head. Not to say all actors do this but you rarely hear this level of openness about a character, particularly one of this disturbing nature

[@valeriac3445]

“It’s not a normal thing to see, but it’s a normal thing to do” 💯 Love Barry! Can’t wait for this portrayal of Joker 🃏

[@channingchills]

Marvel’s Eternals was pretty much universally panned by the core fan base, but it’s one of my favorite superhero films ever. Barry doesn’t have that many scenes, but the ones he has he just pants the screen with acting chops. I wish his boxing scenes hadn’t been cut.

[@pamelalansbury94]

I really wish they had done individual movies or a series with Eternals. It was sooo long. Each performance was interesting it was just so much to take in at once.

[@pouetpouetdaddy5]

there is something so real about him. He's moving all the time

[@AnxiousKoala]

He has ADHD and it's hard for him to sit still. He has mentioned in other interviews how he fiddles with his hair a lot and doesn't realize it, then hair and makeup get annoyed.

[@Imagummybearpop]

wondered why i loved him so much hahaha@@AnxiousKoala

[@pearl.jasmine]

There's something so compelling and attractive about him, can't wait to see what he does next! Proud of you Barry ❤

[@tastyneck]

Congrats to Barry, a very talented actor who had a rough upbringing, for all his success. Guy is a huge talent.

[@keithcollins5180]

Boo-hoo my parents weren’t perfect you don’t know what rough is

[@brownsey1]

​@keithcollins5180 It's okay, Keith, this wasn't about you.

[@jorge-wh4pf]

​@@keithcollins5180 narcissism at its finest

[@lillymsf5946]

What rough upbringing did he have if u don't mind me asking?

[@isabelleeee7557]

@@lillymsf5946mum was an addict i think (she passed) and he went through the system a lot (13 foster homes or something)

[@Arii_h]

I first saw Barry in The Killing of a Sacred Deer and knew right away that he'd grow to be an incredible actor, he was already killing it in that role. He chooses intriguing roles with psychological depth and shines in all of them. Can't wait to see him in his future projects, truly a great talent!

[@sandrahatherley2184]

Excited for that

[@JamesSmith-bl6rd]

Love hate was his big break though.

[@robertriteman3227]

Everyone in that film was at the top of their craft.

[@eamonndeane587]

I can't wait to see Barry play Druig again. His chemistry with Lauren Ridloff as Makkari was pure magic for me.

[@cococamcam8660]

He was Def my fave

[@mrkenjichan]

This guy will win an Oscar one day.

[@Charlotte-ql8gx]

The little giggles while quoting his characters are so sweet. He‘s great!

[@g.d.2059]

Just watched Saltburn, he's amazing. The plot was obvious but it was nice to see it all unravel.

[@jj-if6it]

Yeah I was just thinking, it wasn't a twist it was pretty obvious what he was doing...

[@sp-1973]

I've watched it 6 times, I'm absolutely smitted with him. ❤❤

[@Youokhun]

Wasn’t obvious to me! I didn’t get any spoilers and went with it all. The twist for me was that his parents were alive and well and middle class!

[@christianliteratus]

The moment I see that short performance of his as "The Joker" his name will forever be scarred on my mind. That was a scary brilliant adaptation of Joker.

[@MrSuzuki17]

He's not traditionally attractive, but he's got that charm, that charisma, that makes you drawn to him, in addition to his ever-growing talents.

[@bria6777]

Yes

[@carasheehan8383]

I never really found him attractive until I saw him at the Golden Globes recently. He had on one of the best looks of the night and just looked different lol I was like oh okay 👀

[@flygrace]

@@carasheehan8383 He seems to be a bit of a chameleon. Rowan Atkinson has that quality too, can look handsome or a clown.

[@pamelalansbury94]

I would watch a movie about those two spending eons together

[@witchybitch6162]

I find him incredibly attractive, and I adore his nose

[@kuro2522]

Not a single bad movie this dude is amazing

[@calzone3843]

Him and Cosmo Jarvis are great in Calm with Horses

[@Ffwoa]

There’s something so authentic abut him that he brings to all his performances too

[@SebBrandenberg]

Love the jumper he's wearing

[@johnbelushi3652]

Anyone any idea what brand that is?

[@alessiaceccarelli4624]

I think Barry is one of the most versatile actors at the moment. Truly in love with him 😩😩

[@yousral8486]

i love how versatile Barry Keoghan is, i've recenty re watched all of his films and i was truly blown away by his performances. Although we all love the dark thrillers and freaky little caracters i would love to see him in something lighter like a rom com cause he truly has the charisma for it

[@sandrahatherley2184]

Like him in all kinds of roles...🍟

[@Daniella040]

I want a movie or series with Barry and Cillian

[@Handorodangooo]

Loved him since seeing him play 'Pavel' in HBO's 'Chernobyl'

[@noname888]

he’s my favorite actor I’ve loved watching him grow & showcase incrediblely genuine performances. I’m so glad he’s getting more & more recognition and I can’t wait to see his next projects especially the one inspired by his own life… I’m so proud ❤️

[@thesnagglewolf]

"Tweren't enough!" I love that so much.

[@79dmcjr]

Crazy how many iconic films he's been in

[@karenscobie9194]

This bloke is outstanding. It's like he studied the craft but surpassed his teachers and peers effortlessly. He is a chameleon in the art of acting. A few greats compare.

[@talicecue]

knowing his background story, he’s truly an underdog to me and it makes me so happy seeing him get recognition well deserved

[@ckotcher1]

what’s his background story?

[@MiucciaPradaify]

@@ckotcher1 His mother struggled with drug addiction and died when he was 12. With his brother Eric, he spent seven years in foster care, in 13 foster homes, before being raised by their grandmother, aunt, and older sister Gemma.

[@giveusanepleasebob992]

​@@MiucciaPradaifybrilliant actor, him, Tom Hardy and Paul anderson are my favourites. I'm glad he's managed to bag himself a move to the USA. He's probably twigged on that the UK and Ireland are just cess pits now full of new arrivals off boats. Seems to be the trend with all our folks that make it. I'm pleased for him, future looks very bright for Barry.

[@user-jw4vd2qm2e]

Every movie he's done, his character is spectacular. He has a great back story as well. Brilliant to watch!

[@ckotcher1]

What’s his back story???

[@hannahmate7961]

Orphan I think

[@tetrapolis]

@@ckotcher1 mom died when he was 12 to drug addiction, lived in 13 foster homes and he made it

[@ckotcher1]

@@tetrapolis aww Bless his heart. No wonder he’s such a great actor… Is his father still alive?

[@Sharpe1502]

“I have 5 moleskin notebooks on him.” As a writing nerd/stationary freak, that was one of the hottest things I’ve ever heard.

[@thesinfulyogini2073]

New link unlocked forsure

[@michaeldecarlo4594]

Glad this dude is starting to get global recognition.. Love his acting style.. He’ll definitely win an Oscar at some point in his career

[@NextToToddliness]

Easily my favorite actor of the past several years, Keoghan is such a brilliant and talented artist.

[@pavlinahrebackova3000]

He is very talented, gifted, at such a young age he already has an amazing career and very challenging roles. His changes according to the characters are amazing. I wish him nothing but the best, because actors with such difficult roles often have mental problems because of it.

[@pavlinahrebackova3000]

and btw am I the only one who sees him as a clear Peaky Blinders member?

[@aidankeohane3370]

First saw him about 15 years ago in an Irish tv series called Love/Hate Had a feeling about him then. So happy to see how far he’s come.

[@DarrenBates]

He went viral around Ireland for that. Was a great introduction to the Irish public for him.

[@Terry2227]

I love that he’s made a career thus far of playing weird characters. There’s something very charismatic about him on screen playing these odd guys.

[@nightview93]

his little "whoa-oh" at the end haha

[@Sheytopia]

The Banshees of Inisherin is completely underrated. Too few people talk about it!

[@lauramcguan]

It was so funny 😂

[@Sheytopia]

@@lauramcguan at times, yes, but also deeply disturbing and relatable in some ways. It was a great movie!

[@sammoore5136]

Fantastic film

[@laboglis4083]

6:04 his disgusted expression lmaoo 😭

[@mjh136]

Can’t wait to see him playing the Joker! He seems so interested in being in the movie that its exciting!! I love when actor are passionate about projects

[@browbaby]

He already has…?

[@limbsforsecond]

​@@browbaby I'm sure they mean they're for him to actually be a bigger part in the trilogy.

[@user-vt2rl9sp3c]

The design of the joker costume doesn’t gimme much hope tbh

[@ginnimm41]

So exciting having such an artist on our screens!

[@TheOneHereNow]

Barry friggin slaying the fit again. Can I have your sweater. 😂

[@samiithjyl3273]

He was spectacular in saltburn. He made me fan.

[@anappleiam4214]

It's awesome that he's so young and he's already doing this

[@nicolew6899]

Every movie he's done, his character is spectacular. He has a great back story as well. Brilliant to watch! ❤

[@malcolmmarshall8886]

He's a fantastic guy. God bless him.

[@dgayle17]

Barry is going to be making a lot more great movies. He's fantastic in everything I've seen him in.

[@brucecaudill1958]

How in the world did he not get nominated for Saltburn is beyond me.

[@adematti]

Barry is such a brilliant actor. I look forward to watching his future projects! ❤

[@GeorgeG14]

Need more of him. Would love to see him as a lead in a tv series with a fully fleshed out character across multiple seasons

[@willisnjim]

What a guy. seems to talk with such openness. Going to go watch some of his stuff! 🙌🏾

[@CDN296]

Saltburn was such a crazy , depraved and psychological film . Worth the watch

[@MargaretMargaretMargaret]

I can't get enough of Barry!!! He's SUBLIME!!!❤

[@szekp]

Amazing actor, not to mention beautiful. I loved Saltburn. Can’t wait to see what he does next.

[@IceBreakBottle]

It has been a long time since I've been impressed by a new young actor. This guy is something special

[@g0thisaa703]

barry is brilliant. he is utterly talented... one of the best actors out there 💗

[@maxmuller3466]

So many great roles for such a young actor

[@Jkenzie17]

I love you sm barry so proud of how far you’ve come ❤😊

[@eliciac4984]

i clicked SO fast - he is one of my absolute faves and is in all my favorite movies! Cant wait to see where he goes next

[@kboyer1011]

Bary Keoghan is certainly one of the 5 best young men acting today.

[@JackDobie]

I honestly can't wait to see what becomes of him. The best upcoming young actor.

[@alejandrojames1588]

He’s 31

[@seamusin1697]

​@@alejandrojames1588That is still relatively young and he looks younger than his age to begin with.

[@ameliebyrne]

​@@seamusin1697 he can easily play an 18 year old

[@WillCaraos]

Such a versatile actor. Guy is gonna go far

[@aashiqahparker2174]

I love watching interviews of Barry, he's so sweet, he talks well and is totally a cutie!

[@Doodledoodle888]

He’s so attractive 😭😭😭❤️❤️❤️

[@jessicawessica1412]

Need an extended version of that dance scene. Cinematic Oscar gold.

[@camlair5018]

Needed to get the Saltburn breakdown from Barry ASAP 😅

[@patrickryan5570]

Wonderful interview - he has a very high level of intuitive intelligence when it comes to acting - he is a natural talent and an artist who knows his own strengths - I just hope he doesn't burn himself out too quickly - the camera loves him and his face is fantastically unique...

[@oceanblue5853]

👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼♥️

[@ririschannelx]

He’s just so genuine, hard not to like tbh

[@user-vt2lm1md7t]

Was waiting for this!!

[@jimjohns9051]

Hope Barry keeps up the learning, he would be great on stage for a few years

[@rachaelharrison2090]

Loved him in Top Boy. Smallish role but brilliantly done.

[@xXkashmoney99Xx]

Just watched Saltburn, absolutely amazing performance! I am now a huge fan and will watch anything Barry is in.

[@zamiadams4343]

Such an amazing young actor, superb.

[@VanessaButtino]

He absolutely broke my heart in Banshees

[@janb92]

Banshees is one of my favorite movies!! Loved him in that so much

[@SamDavies94]

Glad he's got years of interesting roles to tackle! Terrific actor, I loved Banshees/Deer/Saltburn

[@lacroixdreams3520]

He’s so articulate and professional when he talks about his roles

[@livro46]

Praying for full film about Druig

[@ceced1417]

He is an amazing actor and will be around for a long time!

[@TheTantsui]

You carried Saltburn to the NEXT LEVEL!!

[@chailugares5118]

I like actors who plays interesting characters to solidly build their filmography. Going through his now. ☺️

[@jenny-bu4le]

the amount of times the jeremy allen white ad has played during this video. I KID YOU NOT. at least six times

[@donnajohnson3927]

Barry, you are brilliant, and my most revered actor! Thank you for your thrilling performances!❤

[@kylaroo2935]

the universe knew i needed more barry content☝🏽😌