Cillian Murphy on how men's mental health has 'moved on'

Cillian Murphy said he "recognised" the kind of Irish man he plays in Small Things Like These, but feels that Irishmen and their ability to communicate have "moved on".

Murphy lit up Dublin's Light House Cinema tonight as he attended the Irish premiere of Small Things Like These, his latest project that he both stars in and produced.

The film - adapted from Claire Keegan's celebrated novella of the same name - takes place in 1980s Co Wexford, when a local coal merchant discovers unsettling secrets about his small town and the Magdalene Laundry operating in it.

The Corkman has spoken about what drew him to the project in recent weeks, most notably wanting to bring an important - and dark - part of Ireland's history back in front of audiences.

"I just want to make stories that have a human dimension and that people can kind of identify with. I really believe that you can provoke gently and ask questions through art and through films and through books and that.

"I think the book does that so successfully and we were trying to do the same with the film."

As for whether Bill Furlong, the character he plays, represents a kind of Irishman from years gone by who struggles to express himself and his emotions, he agrees that he does but notes that there's much more to him, too.

"I also recognise that type of Irish man but I think we have moved on a lot since then. It's a classic thing in middle age as well, it's stuff you haven't dealt with as a youngster comes home to roost and I think he's a prime case of that."

Despite being quiet and insular, Bill is a sensitive and caring character, one that Murphy clearly revelled in inhabiting during the film.

"Ah yeah, you can tell he's a really good parent and he loves his girls and I can imagine, being a father of girls at that time in Ireland must have been terrifying."

Murphy has had a phenomenal year, scooping almost every major award for his starring role as J. Robert Oppenheimer in Christopher Nolan's megahit, Oppenheimer. Fans have gotten used to seeing him at award ceremonies and at glamorous premieres, and at tonight's event - wearing a black blazer, dark brown trousers, rust-hued knit cardigan and brown shoes - he certainly looked the part.

When asked about his recent red carpet outfits, that have made him a standout menswear inspiration since his Oppenheimer home run kicked off last year, Murphy was suitably relaxed about it. "You know, it's something you gotta do", he said, laughing, "but I have enjoyed [it]. Yeah, I like clothes."