Автор: Eileen Condon

He may be stunningly handsome, famous, rich and rapidly becoming one of Hollywood's hottest young talents.

But Irish actor Cillian Murphy insists he's far from perfect and reckons there are some things he's particularly rubbish at—namely science, which proved to be something of a problem when he landed the lead role in his new movie Sunshine.

In the futuristic thriller, set in 2057 and directed by Trainspotting's Danny Boyle, Cillian stars as a physicist who sets off into space on a perilous mission to re-ignite the dying sun and prevent the extinction of mankind.

The irony is not lost on the 31-year-old.

"I really had to try hard to play this physicist, considering I dropped all the sciences at school, it was a bit of a challenge to say the least," he says.

Yet, despite not knowing the first thing about physics, Cillian threw himself into the part by spending time in Geneva with a group of scientists currently investigating the origins of the "big bang."

"It was so interesting getting into the mindset of these guys who have extraordinary intellect.

"Don't get me wrong, we had fun with them, but they are aware of the serious business of their job, which is basically to discover the meaning of life through science—it's just mind-blowing."

It wasn't just trying to get his head around the "science bit" that presented a challenge—he also found some of his outfits a bit out of this world.

"The space suits weren't that comfortable. There was also this thing called helmet-cam which we had to wear and was one of Danny's wonderful creations.

"It was physically tough because the helmet and camera combined to weigh a ton, but those scenes do look believable onscreen because a lot of the time we were genuinely sweating and out of breath."

Even though the part presented plenty of mental and physical challenges and the star was completely unfamiliar with the subject matter, Cillian says he was drawn to the role because he was keen to reunite with director Boyle and writer Alex Garland, who he'd last worked with on the hit zombie movie 28 Days Later...

"Alex's screenplay was key," Cillian says. "The script was riveting from start to finish, really intelligent and well-written. Alex's writing fills a script with loads of sub-layers about modern day issues and he has managed to make it within the guise of a very clever, very intelligent, genre piece, and Danny's just one of the best directors working today.

"When you work with Danny you become energised. He has this amazing level of energy and commitment that he brings to the film.

"It was great to come back to that after doing other films, and hopefully to bring a bit more maturity and experience to the project."

Since making 28 Days Later..., Cillian has proved himself to be one of the most versatile actors around, immersing himself in roles as diverse as the psycho terrorist in Wes Craven's Red Eye, a passionate IRA freedom fighter in Ken Loach's The Wind That Shakes the Barley, last year's off beat role as a daydreaming transvestite in Breakfast on Pluto and the scary Scarecrow in Batman Begins.

And though he's had nothing but favourable reviews for all of his performances, fame is not his driving force.

"I just have to believe in a project first and foremost. I have to be passionate about it.

"I always start with the script and a good director, and find you can't go wrong."

Yet despite a career that looks as if it's about to go into orbit, Cillian's true passions remain a little closer to home.

He and his wife of two years, Yvonne McGuinness, are now the proud parents of a one-year-old son Malachy and Cillian says family life is all that matters.

"My aim is to make one film a year and spend as much time as possible with my family, just hanging out."

Though he was born and raised in Cork, he left Ireland at 19 and is now settled in London. However, he maintains strong links with his homeland and says he hopes Malachy will grow up to appreciate his Irish roots.

"I can't see myself living back in Ireland. I love the anonymity of being in a capital city but I am part of a strong network of friends in Ireland and I love to go back.

"They're just not bothered about the fame game thing at all, and that suits me.

"Malachy's a Londoner but I hope he's very aware of his roots and he can go back to Ireland when he wants."As for LA? Filmmakers might be beating a path to his door but you can keep it, says the unassuming star.

"I like the food there, but it's a bit of a one industry town. I enjoy visiting but I've no plans to base myself out there.

"I prefer it here, being with friends and family, going to gigs, doing my work. Trying to get the balance."

He might have a stellar career, but no doubt about it, Cillian Murphy has his feet firmly on the ground.

Factfile

Name: Cillian Murphy (Or Cillian Ó Murchú in Irish).
Birthdate: May 25, 1976.
Significant other: Wife of two years Yvonne McGuinness, a video installation artist.
Career high: Proving more than a match for the Caped Crusader as psychopath Scarecrow in Batman Begins.
Career low: Losing out to Christian Bale for the part of Batman, but he did get to try on the suit.