How Cillian Murphy Perfected Thomas Shelby

[@joshjmilli]

It’s actually crazy how good Murphy is, especially with the eye movements. It’s so convincing. He carried Peaky Blinders.

[@Victrola66]

So basically he is doing what Al Pacino did with Michael Corleone)

[@Captain_Insano_nomercy]

Same with Travis Fimmel on Vikings. He brought nuance and layers to that character that carried the show

[@mitchellcarter2799]

I disgaree with Ragnar carrying the show. Vikings was quite successful after his depart with Bjorne and Ivar carrying the later half of the series. All three were captivating and multiilayered.

[@whiteheart6827]

Carried?? Auntie Moll is turning over in her grave. It was fabulous casting.

[@redefinitive]

Peaky Blinders had great casting all around. Cillian Murphy didn't "carry" the show because he didn't need to, it was amazing as a whole.

[@elainaworsley470]

The guy delivered a master class on acting in peaky blinders. Pure talent.

[@alexman378]

You really need a very specific kind of actor to pull this off. You give this character to someone else and they’d look like a boring wooden plank, Murphy manages to make it so that while he’s just sitting there with his poker face, you can still feel his mind racing and strategizing.

[@silviaoino2648]

Very well put.

[@just...7588]

Well said!! 🙌

[@singingcat02]

That's partly due to his looks (he has an unusual bone structure and very unusual eyes), but it definitely makes the package for an actor who is literally made to play these kinds of "anti-hero" roles. He's really good at making impassibility interesting, and at making the slightest show of emotion meaningful.

[@alexman378]

@@singingcat02 His face is definitely unique, with a perfect blend of strong and soft features. It’s even more interesting that, as Murphy himself has noted, he doesn’t come across as particularly intimidating in stature, being a pretty short guy, but his attitude and portrayal more than makes up for it. I think it helps the role, because Tommy is constantly underestimated left and right, which would probably not be the case as realistically if he were played by someone who definitely comes across as a very tough guy, with Jason Statham.

[@jenniferflores3360]

Cillian Murphy and Mads Mikkelsen have similar acting skills.They can speak without saying a word.

[@khazngray]

The Priest was the most unnerving villain of the show. Luca was scary but he was more "tangible". The priest really did feel like he knew exactly what happened the moment it happened and seemed like he put Tommy under the most pressure.

[@levisimon5237]

Yes, he is the underrated villain of the show

[@alexjames4770]

I found the Priest himself to be fairly one note, but the idea of the Oddfellows/Section D when it was first introduced seemed crazy. I wish the Priest had simply been the Oddfellow assigned to Tommy, and after they handled him, the rest of Section D tried to take down the Shelbys.

[@jasonmaxwell9244]

Paddy considine. Is an amazing actor and so underrated.

[@danyf.1442]

@@jasonmaxwell9244 hopefully less underrated after House of the dragon, I am sure he will get many more amazing roles in the future!

[@napoleonbonaparte3633]

Season 3 was peak

[@levisimon5237]

Cillian literally lived as Tommy. Period. That I personally feel Tommy is a real person and not a work of fiction. Watching this video made me realize more why the fans love Tommy, so much. It's those subconscious things that appeal. Like the movement of eyes as stated in this video. Can't help but appreciate the acting skills of Cillian Murphy and the writers, who added this depth to Tommy's character.

[@levisimon5237]

@Thomas B yes💯

[@oscark7141]

Well they were all real people

[@-Abduuu]

Everyone has a little Tommy Shelby in them

[@Deelitee]

Oh my gosh!!!! I feel so seen! Yes to everything. I’m in love with Tommy and for so many reasons. Who wouldn’t die to have a brother like that?? He’s so layered and beautiful! 🤩

[@levisimon5237]

@@-Abduuu indeed💯

[@darthplagueis8886]

Tommy, Arthur and Polly are the heart of the show. After the movie Peaky Blinders will be sorely missed.

[@James-kj9hw]

Its a shame season six shat on arthur. It really annoys me hes just crushed down into an addict and barely seen

[@jimmygan801]

@@James-kj9hw he's always dependent on another person tho... emotional anchors are all gone during season 6... he just gone mad in another way.

[@darthplagueis8886]

@@James-kj9hw he´ll have a more powerful role in the movie, i´m sure.

[@ComedyBros5]

@@darthplagueis8886 He better. Him and Jimmy McCavern still need their duel!

[@trinapowell4436]

Cillian and Helen McCroy were magic together.

[@icarian-follies]

He’s one of the best actors of our time imo

[@mashrafi_27]

He is. It's a fact

[@corinnamattison]

Part of why, in my humble opinion, season 6 is so brilliant is that Tommy is at the top of his game and also completely losing it with Ruby being sick etc. He's almost more terrifying when hes out of control than when he's intimidating someone.

[@ComedyBros5]

S6 did phenomenal on closing Tommy's and Michael's arcs. However, it was very poor on closure for every other character in the series.

[@thanosnoctem4473]

@@ComedyBros5 There's still a movie for closure

[@ComedyBros5]

@@thanosnoctem4473 I hope it does just that. It's hard to cover so many character arcs in what'll probably be a 2hr-2.5hr movie.

[@thanosnoctem4473]

@@ComedyBros5 Don't worry, if it doesn't happen in the movie, there will be several spin offs for different characters. So the other characters will also get a closure

[@ComedyBros5]

@@thanosnoctem4473 Spinoffs? When was this confirmed?

[@brkaz5864]

There will never be another character like Tommy Shelby. There will never be another actor like Cillian Murphy portraying him. Absolute perfection in every scene. I sincerely hope Cillian receives proper recognition of his unique talent in his portrayal of Oppenheimer.

[@hellekimery9537]

It doesnt hurt, that he has the most beautiful, expressive eyes I think I’ve ever seen!

[@tobechukwuudeh7817]

Hey mine are more beautiful

[@mtme]

@@tobechukwuudeh7817 touch grass bro 😂

[@elizabethwakefield8894]

​@@tobechukwuudeh7817😅

[@Randomaccount9470]

​@@tobechukwuudeh7817this ain't it chief

[@rebekahcann2177]

I will watch ANYTHING Cillian is in, he is so unmatched in his acting style and he's so underrated by so many.

[@kpgirl.4622]

Not anymore!

[@zoeeb]

i’m just surprised he didn’t win a single emmy for this role

[@captainblue2344]

Not woke enough maybe

[@QuynhAn689]

The series really took a dive after season 2 where they just get directionless and go all over the place.

[@zoeeb]

@@QuynhAn689 i really enjoyed it after s2 🤷🏽‍♀️

[@mislavpesut6498]

@@captainblue2344 The latest lead actor emmy winners were for: Squid Game, The Crown, Succession, Pose, The Americans, This Is Us, Mr Robot, Mad Men, Breaking Bad, The Newsroom, Homeland, Breaking Bad. Yeah, all woke tv shows. How stupid can you be?

[@captainblue2344]

@@mislavpesut6498 guess you missed the word "maybe" in my 4 word comment. It happens.

[@ReginaJavil]

This is a very well-written analysis of his acting skills. I have never even thought of how Cillian Murphy managed to communicate a lot as Tommy despite not speaking. Thank you for this content.

[@randomcon123]

Great video. Cillian stole every scene he was in… his eyes could tell a million stories without having to utter one word. In Hong Kong, where I grew up, there’s a praise for actors who “can speak with their eyes” and Cillian is definitely one of the very few actors who possess such difficult skill.

[@e.mma0]

Cillian is one of the best actors of our day and that’s a hill I’m willing to die on.

[@hellogoditsmesara3569]

Any short king who gives off 6 foot energy deserves an Oscar

[@Musikmaker658]

Strongest 5ft vs. weakest 6ft

[@seanbrazell7095]

Nolan bringing in Cillian Murphy to portray Oppenheimer during and after the Manhattan Project was FLAWLESS casting!

[@chrismacdonald2251]

This is an amazing analysis and Cillian brought this same talent of listening and silence to his performance as Oppenheimer.

[@youknowyouwilldespisethis7118]

1 minute into this video is already enough to make me rewatch Peaky Blinders. Cillian Murphy really masters the silence. I feel the same way when I saw him in Oppenheimer. His silence is gripping.

[@Tonycillian5]

He's basically an Irish Al Pacino, guys that can convey a million emotions with just the eyes

[@Nyana007]

Yes!! Just like Michael Corleone! You can never let anyone else know what you're thinking/feeling. Which is why these characters are both so cunning.

[@mockingbird806]

Agreed. Both men and their portrayals are a piece of art.

[@jotarokujo320]

the eyes chico, they never lie

[@Ivy-d6z]

Agree!

[@meeshamarie123]

The way he speaks, the look in his eyes, his mannerisms, untouchable intelligence, his ability to lead, the PTSD that war brought upon him, his stoic presence, and so many more things are exactly why this character reminds me of my husband so much. I've never seen a character that truly reminds me of him until I saw Thomas Shelby.

[@jenniferlewis9332]

He is by far my favorite actor. What he’s doing is HARD, but he makes it look so easy. And this commentary is SPOT ON!

[@awetistic5295]

It takes a special kind of talent to portray "Thomas doesn't react" in such a powerful way.

[@Paddythelaad]

Cillian as Tommy is at the peak of acting in my eyes

[@jonathanaditya6211]

Al pacino as michael corleone

[@femiairboy94]

@@thomasb282you’ve gone too far bro. Many movies and projects have been brought fought just from Al’s performance as Micheal. Either you haven’t seen the film or didn’t pay attention throughout the runtime.

[@olliew2932]

@Thomas B🏳️‍🌈⃠ 100%.

[@yourfriendlyneighborhoodbu3733]

I see what you did there

[@mamoonausmani5179]

Watched the whole show because of him. He deserved an Oscar for this role I believe...!

[@soniaigwe3546]

*Emmy. Emmys are for television series

[@elizabethwakefield8894]

​@soniaigwe3546 Emmy's are for American shows, not British. I think he won a BAFTA for this role

[@elizabethharvester6111]

That was a really good examination into Cillian Murphy's incredible acting skills.

[@blueindigopink]

There couldn't be a better Tommy Shelby than Cillian Murphy. He nailed the role to perfection. I'm sure even Steven Knight was taken aback by the layers Cillian added to the awesome character of Thomas Shelby.

[@justananomaly]

Simple answer: He's a phenomenal actor

[@maxxbenavente]

Amazing analysis. Thomas Shelby is a character that's an absolute god of non-verbal communication

[@Weslobardo]

Murphy has this unique of doing that thing with the eyes. That makes him unique and unrebootable

[@sugarwaterpurple5280]

Cillian needs to thank his parents for those arresting eyes. But its his talent in knowing how to use them that makes him an incredible actor.

[@pocketsofbattlerap1160]

Man this was a masterpiece in my eyes. I was glued to the screen.

[@brandonlittler2039]

Couldnt of described it better

[@puidemare2337]

The best actors are often the subtle ones, than the over the top and loud ones. But subtle never seems to get the recognition it deserves.

[@n.harewood3846]

Thomas Shelby moves as if he's already dead no longer reacting for his life is already finished everything else is just extra so it doesn't matter, cold and unfeeling like death but with those who sit close to his heart in the small twinkles in his eyes and the change in movement he becomes more alive even if it is just for a moment

[@copley1992]

Great description of the last season!

[@khayrullina_psy]

Very good catch👍

[@defenderofminorities3056]

Best thing about Tommy is how he takes in information, he doesn’t have quick one liners and clap backs, he takes it all in before reacting verbally and you can see it in his eyes and his demeanour, Cillian Murphy is a genius actor. This video explains exactly how I feel about the character.

[@matthewsirisane1774]

“He’s not interested in what you’ll say, he’s interested in what you’ll do.”

[@hellekimery9537]

He was so amazing in this series. I’ve watched it several times, and that gives you a chance to really focus on Thomas’s silence, expressions, and a silence that could be cut with a knife

[@christypassy]

I'm really sad this show never got the recognition it deserved in the US or any of the award shows. I love this character so much!

[@helenwilmore2435]

Love your descriptive analogy of Cillian in his role as Thomas Shelby. His acting is absolutely superb!!!

[@zuairk]

Brilliant breakdown of a brilliantly written character, played by a brilliant actor

[@tylerdurden8640]

There's a thoushands of Tommy Shelby videos on yt. This is one of the best. Thank you for this amazing and deep work. This character is really something else. You can feel him.

[@EliteY33t2]

literally the best written(and casted) character in recent TV series

[@CamillePrevost-le1gs]

I’m totally in captivated by Cillian Murphy as Tommy. The eyes have it! He is a genius actor, highly intelligent and what he can convey on screen is just astounding!

[@elizabethwonderwoman6390]

The best scene I's Polly and Tommy confronts the corrupt nuns....in my humble opinion .. Epic dialouge, great acting, and scene. PERFECT. . ❤

[@cryingdemon]

Currently watching the series on a 1 episode a day basis, and it's great to find this video that so accurately explains the Tommy Shelby character's energy/presence. Words do convey a wealth of information, but it's the tone, and body language that really drive the point. For Cillian to tell us so much without saying anything at all is a sign of not just a well written character, but of a confident actor whom knows how to deliver a flawless portrayal. Great work.

[@chowderpilot3843]

As you pointed out we often notice great writing - as in a radio-play - but because tv is a visual medium, gesture, eye-movement, breathing, stillness and silence can become as tangible as words. And Murphy's performance in Peaky Blinders is a perfect example of what a truly disciplined and imaginative actor can add to a script. Thanks for such a thoughtful presentation.

[@MrTobi013]

Cillian and Mads Mikkelsen are two actors who speak volumes in silence.

[@tejirioru]

So true

[@EdLane-ds9cu]

Blue eyes

[@ScramTek]

Please do an analysis of Tom Harry’s role as Alfie Solomons. Not only does he steal every scene he’s in, but I think he delivers one of the most powerful performances in history. I was truly astonished at how captivating he was. IMHO, he’s the best actor of our generation.

[@captainblue2344]

He's mesmerizing.

[@tedcarr]

Agreed

[@Clary_Sage]

Cillian Murphy would make an interesting Bond. He does not need words and doesn’t need to demonstrate physical presence. He’s more cerebral. That’s powerful.

[@JessicaMiller-pc4dj]

**Hardy** but yes I agree, he was the most lovable character.

[@JCChavz]

Your great analysis here is further proof that Cillian Murphy is a generational talent, and deserves much more praise than he’s been given.

[@sallyplus4]

It's going to be a long time before we see another actor with the ability to mentally deliver deep passion in silence. His talent is an incredible gift.

[@victoriahess5912]

Eye contact and silence say so much. Those blue eyes say the truth.. he’s smarter than anyone who crosses his path. His eyes aren’t dead. He’s alive. Tommy is the winner. And he’s got a big heart… even though he’s a killer. He’ll only kill when his heart or anyone he loves is at risk

[@Gabrilos505]

Cillian as Tommy and Hugh Laurie as House are probably my two favourite things in TV ever. Amazing actors, amazing drama, powerful stories.

[@surabhisingh7885]

As an actor he's so powerful...I've set Thomas Shelby photo as a wallpaper on my phone...And His eyes look so perfect whenever I unlock my phone...😇

[@bcm77394]

“You still didn’t tell me what you do” “Oh I do bad things. But you already knew that” That little exchange will forever go down as one of my favorite scenes. She was head over heels in lust after one conversation. Tommy Shelby is truly a master of silence. Great video bud

[@cjcollan4689]

god PLEASE give Cillian best actor for Oppenheimer. Not even out yet and we all know he will be beyond superb

[@NexLevelMusic2k]

Love your deconstructions bro, keep up the high quality uploads.

[@happymanali]

In this video, it can be understood the dynamics of power and planned stillness/silence. To listen and assess more, and speak little holds the power of a person that can position themselves to make the real decisions. It leaves people vying for your attention. When the character does speak, his sentence or two is heavier than the paragraphs of those around him. He uses his eyes often as a demonstration of power, and contemplates important questions of those in front of him by asking, ‘Who is the person in front of me? Why do they do what they do? What is their position? What do they truly want? What kind of impactful decisions can be made here? Etc.’ When others speak, he listens extremely attentively and waves nobody off, so that he can get their full truth, and speaks at the very end the final commanding words.

[@thesavageone229]

Cillian Murphy has essential mastered the art of body language, you could see it in Oppenheimer as well his silence is conveying the emotion

[@Lamborghini1YT]

*Thomas

[@Onezy05]

Such an iconic performance "NO FUCKING FIGHTING!"

[@michaeljackel3082]

This was so well put together ❤️ thank you for this 🙏 Such a worthy tribute to one of the greatest performances of all time!

[@barbarastewart8066]

Either Cillian Murphy is very manly attractive or it's camera, makeup and damn good emotional acting. I literally go in deep as the abyss of an ocean!!! Just pure Perfection in every sense if the word.

[@ALFirebird]

This moved me to tears. What a beautiful study on such a beautiful acting performance. Thank you for this. I’m deeply moved and inspired 🪽

[@humanbeing5300]

Almost every cast member was great but my two favorites are Arthur and Thomas. Both performances were absolute masterclasses and the two couldn’t have been more different characters and the type,of acting required

[@sama2086]

Your point about the lack of dialogue and cillians physical acting and acting with his eyes really reminded me of another brilliant character, Michael corleone.

[@rwb_gary6355]

Great video! This series is a masterpiece and Cillian was incredible

[@Tecchi]

my god i just finished peaky blinders yesterday and u bless me with this

[@shermanefouche4162]

He's a brilliant actor

[@jeannemarie3704]

"Silence is a virtue"❤

[@etang5]

Cillian shows the emotion so well and the camera work really helps highlight and focus our gaze to really bring it to life. Great series even apart from how "cool" Thomas Shelby is.

[@captainblue2344]

Without excellent camera and editing work, his body language and his expressive eyes would be completely lost.

[@ashkhri]

@@captainblue2344 exactly what i thought, these teams are underappreciated

[@rebecastevens8892]

I didn’t want to watch Peaky Blinders when my husband first suggested it. When I gave in and started watching, I was transfixed. I absolutely love this show; Cillian is mesmerizing.

[@darthplagueis8886]

In the last season, the the IRA woman is singing in Tommy´s house, after the death of his daughter, and you can see Tommy looking at everyone in the table, in the dark, amazing.

[@Jamplays592]

he's absolutely fucking amazing at his job, and I believe polly, john, and arthur can be just as amazing in their own scenes at the height of their characters.

[@goofistmcnutty3280]

Not that I can't be chatty from time to time, but I am seen as a quieter individual, and although it's never something I've personally intended for, I can't tell you how often I've heard people make comments about my words carrying more meaning, or having more weight to them. Took me years to understand that it's for much the same reasons as explained in this video that people see me that way. The more you speak, the flatter your words fall. I'd say John Wick is a great example of this too, where speaking less can actually make people hear you far clearer.

[@BrownDynamiteX]

I would love to see a video on Arthur because just like Tommy he is battling a dragon in his heart and you can really see it during the later seasons. I think both tommy and Arthur are sad to watch but especially Arthur. He’s much more expensive relative to Tommy and you can really see his pain on his face. Perhaps a video on Arthur Shelby is something to consider. Great video by the way you always deliver.

[@cledosliop4175]

what a wonderful analysis. It’s like you taught me a new perspective to observe how someone acts or reacts. Love this video!❤

[@peyton.simpson]

I wish i never watched the series so quickly, it was there and gone in the blink of an eye. Wish i could've savored it more.

[@ABC12..]

Same

[@fvulpe9503]

I really enjoy your astute and perceptive commentary, especially this one. Cillian is a true master of his art. There will be theatre students everywhere who will benefit from watching him. Your notes are a great help.

[@LMA2]

This is personally the best individual performance in movie/TV history

[@Halo9056]

Any movie or tv show that Cillain Murphy does is great by virtue of his presence alone.

[@663lotty]

A really good analysis of Cillian's performance this, I really enjoyed watching it. Murphy is pure class, that goes without saying.

[@TheHyenaGalaxy22]

There are actors who take it not serious enough and ruin it, there are actors who take it too seriously and ruin it, but he gets it just right

[@phil6394]

This is an EMENSE essay. The understated, but extremely thought provoking, phrases you use are particularly dope to me.

[@arraiacc]

11:08 The way the light hits that jawline, my goodness.

[@barbaradaines1647]

We’ve only just started watching PB and already onto series 6…..I just can’t get enough of Thomas Shelby, I’m hooked. What an amazing actor ❤️❤️❤️

[@victoriahess5912]

One of the best actors at this moment. He took the entire show and all of his brothers tried to meet him at his level. Nobody came close. Michael, in my opinion, would make the best re-tommyshelby. His eyes are captivating and his confidence…

[@alexandrathom-heinrich4053]

Fell in love with PB. Thank you for these observations. Cillian is one hell 0f an actor.

[@kiransistla6013]

There are so many people in this world with the power of silence and always suppressing the emotions into the core. Cilian is the embodiment of all those grief stricken men. I feel the same way all the times. I love Cilian for that. He's just a mastermind of an actor.

[@willjackson6522]

One thing I always appreciated was his portrayal of Tommy’s absolute terror of losing control. Tommy’s game is to plot and plan, and when something doesn’t go how he wanted it to or something happens that he can’t yet explain, you can see him almost vibrating with frustration and anxiety as he tries to bring everything back in order.

[@mrrangatang]

I honestly never get sick of these vids! One of the best movie movie channels out there, keep up the good work!

[@GMCatherineIdinye]

You just put all the feelings I've had about Tommy's character into words , Thank you ❤

[@brockpha9424]

Greatest actor ever

[@brEZ527]

Even with all the “villains” in this show trying to take down Thomas, I think the most terrifying character in this show is Thomas himself. His thousand yard stares and carefully planned dialogues kept me on edge. I’d say the 2nd most terrifying is Alfie

[@javigar133]

Another amazing analysis, I just frel like watching Peaky Blinders all over again. I love this channel

[@tarunikav3511]

This video... What a magnificent dissection....have already watched pb and love tommy... But the way u put various things.... It brought them out in a whole new light

[@JudithYevick]

Truly an intelligent and insightful discussion on how Cillian Murphy played Thomas Shelby. I am currently watching the series for the 8th time.

[@ΠαναγιωτηςΑγγελ]

One of the best actors portrait one of the best fictional characters of all time

[@susandmarie2067]

Cillian Murphy is an outstanding actor - he uses all of who he in his performances. I saw a few scenes with him as Thomas Shelby, mesmerizing, riveting at times. Thank you Cillian Murphy. 🌀🌀🌀🤗💛🙌✔️

[@L.C.Sweeney]

I wish I could act like Tommy in my business life because I'd have time to think but everyone would just think I was an aggressive freak.

[@Brieg_Skald]

I really like your conclusion about acting and I think this is why Cillian Murphy is a great actor. This man and Thomas Shelby is quite a good example that being introvert does not mean you are weak.

[@srdanmusic]

His presence and charisma are off the charts. And his eyes are magnetic and mesmorising.