by Cillian Murphy’s captivating and complex portrayal of Thomas Shelby in the hit BBC series Peaky Blinders has undoubtedly had a profound impact on crime dramas. Through his performance, Murphy helped redefine the protagonist of the genre, paving the way for more morally ambiguous and psychologically rich characters.
Traditionally in crime dramas, protagonists tended to fall into simplistic heroic or villainous categories. Viewers knew who the “good guys” and “bad guys” were based on their actions alone. However, Murphy brought nuance and complexity to Tommy Shelby that resonated strongly with audiences. Tommy is a criminal gang leader who does terrible things to expand his empire, yet he is also a war veteran suffering from trauma and inner turmoil.
Murphy imbued Tommy with layers of humanity. He conveyed the character’s ruthless cunning and ambition, but also showed glimpses of his vulnerability and conflicted morals. Viewers were drawn into Tommy’s psyche and could understand his motivations even when his deeds were questionable. This multi-dimensional portrayal challenged the clear-cut definitions of heroism and villainy that dominated the genre.
As a result, Murphy set a template for complicated, morally ambiguous protagonists in crime dramas. Audiences who had grown tired of one-note heroes and villains embraced the complexity he brought to Tommy Shelby. They were no longer satisfied with simplistic characterizations; they craved protagonists with human flaws and inner conflicts that mirrored real life.
Murphy’s success with Tommy Shelby paved the way for other actors and creators to push the boundaries of characterization. Now we see rising stars like Matthew McConaughey in True Detective and Brian Cox in Succession portraying deeply layered lead characters operating in morally grey areas. Viewers have come to expect psychological depth and complexity from protagonists that reflects the murky realities of power and criminality.
Shifting Audience Perspective
Beyond just bringing nuance to his role, Murphy’s embodiment of Tommy Shelby also subtly shifted the perspective of crime drama audiences. Through his performance, viewers were drawn into empathizing with the character despite his questionable actions. This challenged traditional notions of who deserves an audience’s sympathy.
Previously in the genre, viewers primarily rooted for and identified with unambiguously heroic figures fighting unambiguously villainous opponents. But Murphy encouraged engagement with Tommy on a human level rather than simply judging him as purely good or evil. He allowed glimpses into Tommy’s vulnerabilities and reasoning that made his motivations understandable, if not always agreeable.
As a result, audiences opened themselves up to a more thoughtful consideration of morality within crime narratives. They were willing to see scenarios from the perspective of a character like Tommy Shelby rather than passing simplistic judgment. This added psychological depth and fostered discussion around complex issues of power, loyalty, and moral compromise within criminal organizations.
Murphy’s ability to subtly shift audience sympathies through subtle facial expressions and body language, as much as through dialogue, has influenced other actors. Viewers now expect crime protagonists to be portrayed in a way that encourages examining their perspectives with nuance rather than reacting to them in black and white terms. This opens the door to exploring morally ambiguous themes and situations that reflect real world complexity.
Elevating the Genre with Style
Peaky Blinders’ Visual Aesthetic
Beyond transforming the characterization of protagonists, Murphy also helped elevate the entire visual presentation of crime dramas through Peaky Blinders. The show crafted a sumptuous period setting and style that matched the depth of its characters. From the cast’s impeccably tailored suits to the smoky interiors of Birmingham’s pubs and clubs, every frame looked like a work of art.
This lavish production design transported viewers into the criminal underworld as much as the compelling plot and performances. Slow motion shots of violence were transformed into dramatic works of choreography rather than just gratuitous brutality. Music, costuming, production qualities all came together to immerse audiences in the world of the Peaky Blinders rather than just showcasing crime exploits.
As a result, the visual presentation matched the psychological complexity that Murphy brought to Tommy Shelby. It pulled back the curtain further into the lives of gangsters beyond simplistic notions of gritty criminality. Audiences were just as enthralled by the sumptuous world as the characters inhabiting it.
Peaky Blinders set a new standard that crime narratives could be slick, stylish works of art rather than just gritty police procedurals. The fusion of noir-inspired visuals with Murphy’s layered performance created a cinematic experience that was cool, violent yet thoughtful. It made crime appealing not just for action, but as an immersive window into history and society.
A Global Appeal
This marriage of in-depth characterization and sumptuous visuals helped Peaky Blinders, and the genre by extension, find massive international success. Murphy’s portrayal of the charismatic yet complex Tommy Shelby, set against the show’s stylish 1920s backdrop, drew viewers worldwide who had previously ignored crime stories set in Britain.
No longer was the genre limited by perceived barriers of language, culture or location. Audiences everywhere related to the universal themes of power, family, and moral compromise found within Peaky Blinders. The show’s lavish production values transported them into a foreign world without losing the psychological realism at its core.
As a result, crime dramas gained legitimacy and popularity on a global scale. Producers recognized that well-developed characters like Tommy Shelby coupled with stylish visual presentations could draw audiences far beyond a nation’s borders. This opened the floodgates for all manner of international co-productions that brought new perspectives and production styles to the genre.
Shows like Gomorrah from Italy, Narcos from Colombia, and Money Heist from Spain gained massive followings by embracing Peaky Blinders’ fusion of rich characters and immersive settings. Audiences worldwide had been introduced to the potential of crime stories to explore universal themes through specific cultural lenses. The genre was no longer limited by notions of geography or language barriers.
Murphy’s Influence Beyond Peaky Blinders
A Template for Complicated Characters
Cillian Murphy’s groundbreaking performance as Tommy Shelby has left an indelible mark on how actors and creators approach the crime genre. His nuanced portrayal showed there was an appetite for protagonists that subverted expectations and occupied morally ambiguous spaces. As a result, we are seeing many shows consciously craft complicated, conflicted leads.
From the obsessive yet vulnerable Detective Rustin Cohle in True Detective to the cutthroat yet vulnerable gangster Al Capone in Capone, actors are embracing the challenge of bringing humanity and complexity to criminal figures. Even antiheroes on the fringes of criminality, like the deeply damaged yet cunning Rust Cohle, are drawing audiences into their inner worlds and motivations in a way Murphy paved the way for.
Focus on Character Depth
Beyond just complicated protagonists, the massive success of Peaky Blinders has emphasized for creators the importance of richly developed characters overall. Viewers have grown accustomed to the psychological depth and intricacy Murphy brought to Tommy Shelby across multiple seasons. As a result, crime narratives going forward must deliver fully fleshed out characters that feel real rather than just moving pieces in a plot.
We see shows like Ozark, Narcos and Gomorrah devote significant time to exploring the inner lives and relationships of both major and minor characters. Audiences now expect to understand what drives even supporting figures, not just follow the actions of a central protagonist. Character development has become just as important as thrilling set pieces in sustaining long-form crime franchises.
Cillian Murphy’s Enduring Impact
Over a decade since Peaky Blinders first premiered, Cillian Murphy’s impact on the crime genre is still being felt widely. He helped redefine expectations around protagonists by bringing psychological complexity and nuance to Tommy Shelby. Through his captivating performance, Murphy encouraged audiences to examine criminal figures with empathy rather than simplistic judgment.
By fusing this character depth with Peaky Blinders’ stylish visual aesthetic, Murphy also helped crime narratives achieve global popularity by transcending perceived barriers. As a result, we now see a proliferation of international co-productions exploring the genre through diverse cultural lenses.
Most significantly, Murphy set the precedent that compelling characters matter above all else in crime stories. Audiences now demand fully realized protagonists and supporting players we can understand on human levels rather than just as plot devices. Through his influence, Cillian Murphy singlehandedly elevated crime dramas from simple action thrillers to artful character studies worthy of critical acclaim and fandom worldwide. His impact continues shaping how we view and produce stories within the genre.
