The actors and actresses do their best to embody their role perfectly. Some even take it to the extreme and go on crash diets and experience drastic weight gains and losses.. The objective is to get 100% into the skin of the character they will give life to, even altering his physical form.
The next role of Cilian Murphy -better known as Thomas Shelby in the ‘Peaky Blinders’ series- in which he gives life to the scientist who created and developed the atomic bomb, ‘Oppenheimer’, is one of these cases. His transformation demonstrates his total commitment to Nolan’s project.
Cilian Murphy’s surprising almond diet
Cilian’s ‘Oppenheimer’ co-star Emily Blunt mentioned during an interview that Cilian Murphy’s diet for his role as J. Robert Oppenheimer, consisted only of consuming a single almond a day. These statements have gone around the world and have once again put the debate on whether or not it is correct to submit to such extreme conditions for a role.
It is not the first time that we know of a case like this, since the actor Scott Ly before his debut in a series for Netflix, made a great physical change. Or, for example, Christian Bale has undergone several extreme physical transformations, or Matt Damon for the filming of ‘Mars’…
What must be emphasized is that these extreme and strict diets are not healthy but that the actors usually carry them out under strict supervision and daily medical advice. In fact his own Cilian Murphy has admitted that his diet is very extreme and that he does not recommend it at all. Obviously, it goes without saying, the Irish actor’s intent was not to promote unhealthy habits or extreme weight loss, but rather to faithfully represent the lean and even gaunt physique of J. Robert Oppenheimer himself.
The fine line between the artistic commitment and the personal well-being of Cilian Murphy
Some roles require sacrifices, but it is essential to know and differentiate between the demands of the role itself and what can affect your health. These diets – especially those that restrict caloric intake – can have serious health consequences, causing malnutrition, weakened immune function, loss of muscle mass or cognitive impairment, in many cases.
Cilian Murphy’s commitment puts back on the table the risk that actors and actresses take to give life to a character. The artistic commitment is important but health must be prioritized above all else.
