Colin Farrell is one of the most famous Irish actors in Hollywood with a varied and diverse career. His acting trajectory has been an immensely interesting one to watch, beginning with big blockbusters as both the leading star and various supporting roles.
Although at points his career has looked a little rocky, Farrell has showcased that he’s not only skilled in serious roles but also proficient in comedy roles as well.
His skill, talent and versatility has become more and more apparent of late with a handful of more interesting ventures coming his way, no doubt aided by his close working relationships with such visionary filmmakers as Martin McDonagh and Yorgos Lanthimos. More recently he has undertaken his most significant transformation yet, with his depiction of Cobblepot in The Batman and the spin off series Penguin.It seems a good time as any to take a look at ten performances that Farrell has excelled in.
Here are the 10 best Colin Farrell performances
10Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them
The most interesting thing about this film is Farrell as the villain and some genius decided to replace him with Johnny Depp. The film itself is disappointing but Farrell is great as the first Grindelwald, illustrating his chameleon like ability to play a bad guy with appropriate menace and cruelty.
9Phone Booth
A simple concept for a film but executed well enough, and although the film is a run of the mill blockbuster Farrell gives an engaging performance throughout as Stu Shephard. You really feel his character’s sense of anxiety and fear, which allows you to invest with Stu and want to see him prevail.
8Minority Report
An interesting role for Farrell as he isn’t the main focus of the film, taking a backseat to main star Tom Cruise. Although he doesn’t get a huge amount of screen time, he does a good job of playing the antagonist of the piece.
What I like about this film is how Farrell effectively plays Danny Witwer as a slightly slimy, dislikeable character while not becoming a full-blown villain cliché. He’s a man trying to do a good job and this allows for a great level of depth.
7Crazy Heart
Another supporting role for Farrell. Although Jeff Bridges is the main focus, Farrell draws the viewer in with his character Tommy Sweet. He slips into the role almost effortlessly, delivering a rock star quality in the scenes where he is performing on stage. Contrasting this, he is somewhat quiet and thoughtful in his off-stage scenes with Jeff Bridges.
These two aspects of his character are authentic, no doubt due to them maybe mirroring his own personality. Tommy’s also an incredibly compassionate character, which is a nice change for Farrell, who is often cast as hot headed, fast talking and cocky individual.
6True Detective
Season 2 of True Detective was a hit and miss with viewers compared to the other seasons. However, this doesn’t change the fact that Farrell does a brilliant job as Detective Ray Velcoro. Nic Pizzolatto has a habit of casting familiar actors in decidedly different roles. Farrell is a prime example.
He’s moody, subdued and weary and extremely convincing in all aspects. These are cliches of a detective but there is far more going on beneath the surface, as his character is guilt ridden and hurting a lot. It’s refreshing to see Farrell play this type of character.
5The Batman
Farrell’s most impressive transformation so far. So much so that I didn’t realise it was the Irish actor until about halfway through the film. Obviously, part of this is due to the incredible make up and prosthetics. But underneath this is a performance by Farrell that is like none other he’s done before.
Not only does he nail the character of Cobblepot, but he talks, acts and behaves in a whole new light. There is a nice sprinkling of humour to his character, while at the same time a cunning, guile and unpredictability that is fascinating to watch.
4The Killing of Sacred Deer
Farrell’s performance as Steven Murphy is fascinating in Lanthimos’ follow up to The Lobster. There’s a simmering rage to his character, serving for a tense watch as you wait for him to inevitably boil over. He is convincing as a repressed man, bottling down his emotions.
When they do rise to the surface, Farrell is scarily good at showing how volatile Steven can be when pushed to his limits. Although a dislikeable character Farrell still manages to show Steven’s character’s vulnerability, with some truly moving scenes.
3Banshees of Inisherin
Martin McDonagh is well known for films that straddle the line between comedy and tragedy. All the characters in this film symbolise this but none more so than Farrell as Padriac. He gives a deftly balanced performance. His character is annoying and a little dim, but earnest and well meaning.
Hidden beneath his daft humour is a deep sadness, which becomes more apparent as the film unfolds. It’s testament to his range as an actor that he can have you guffawing with laughter one moment to being on the verge of tears the next.
2The Lobster
The Batman wasn’t the first time Farrell physically altered himself for a role. For the Lobster, he gained forty pounds for the role of David. Although, he’d already begun to shake the Hollywood pretty boy image, it is most evidently seen in this film. What is most impressive about Farrell’s performance is how ordinary he is.
Slightly timid with little charisma, Farrell excels at how self-deprecating and deadpan he is as David. While there are some great moments of dialogue, it’s his expressions and reactions to situations that really sell the performance.
1In Bruges
Although I’d enjoyed Farrell in a few films prior to this, it was In Bruges that really made me sit up and pay attention. Farrell is pure comedy gold as Ray in this film, perfectly contemplating Brendan Gleeson’s dour, grumpy and cynical personality.
Farrell’s strong comedic performance would be enough but more impressive are the moments of intense drama, that he performs with the necessary gravitas and emotional depth.
Conlcusion
Colin Farrell’s career continues to blossom and it looks like we are at a point where he now has the opportunity to pick and choose more interesting roles in a variety of films. Having now worked with such well-regarded and talented filmmakers as Yorgos Lanthimos, Martin McDonagh and Matt Reeves, it will be exciting to see where his film career takes him next.
(Written by Dan Ashby)