Colin Farrell Opens up About the Movie He Believes Is Perfect

Colin Farrell has long been a favorite of director Martin McDonagh, a partnership that began with the 2008 cult classic In Bruges. That role earned Farrell a Golden Globe for Best Actor and sparked a creative bond that led to Seven Psychopaths and, most recently, the critically acclaimed The Banshees of Inisherin.

For his performance in Banshees, Farrell reunited with longtime screen partner Brendan Gleeson, picking up another Golden Globe and an Academy Award nomination. While he didn’t take home the Oscar in early 2023, the actor’s career has continued to reach new heights. Much of this success can be traced back to a small but powerful piece of advice he received from a fellow Irishman early in his career.

During a conversation with Adam Sandler for The Hollywood Reporter, Farrell recalled a moment with Pierce Brosnan that took place just before he filmed his first American movie, Tigerland.

He shared that Brosnan gave him a huge bear hug and told him to keep being bold. Farrell admitted he wasn’t sure if Brosnan knew he was a “bold” person back then, but the words stayed with him for decades.

Now at age 49, Farrell looks at boldness differently, viewing it as a commitment to honesty and finding meaning in life. He told Sandler that being bold means pursuing the things that truly matter, like being a father or an artist, even when that honesty feels uncomfortable. He noted that while life can be hard and make you want to do nothing and not leave the house, the best thing to do is to push through.

This philosophy has led Farrell to choose a wide variety of roles based on his personal tastes. He once shared his five favorite movies with Rotten Tomatoes, ranging from the epic Lawrence of Arabia to the fun of Back to the Future. However, the 1987 British comedy-drama Withnail and I holds a special place in his heart.

He described the film as a perfect look at the wild energy of its era, filled with performances that are both hilarious and heartbreaking. He was particularly moved by the performance of Richard E. Grant, noting that the movie is really a love story between two friends that ends in a very lonely, rainy separation.

As of this year, Farrell is staying busier than ever with several major projects. He was recently spotted in Hollywood making a late-night grocery run in his pajamas, a relatable moment that went viral just as fans prepare for his return to television. He is currently promoting the second season of his Apple TV+ series Sugar, which is officially set to premiere on June 19.

In this new season, Farrell returns as the film-buff private investigator John Sugar, and he will be joined by his real-life close friend Shea Whigham. Beyond television, Farrell is also preparing to return to the dark streets of Gotham. He recently teased that the script for The Batman Part II is extraordinary, beautiful, and tasty.

Do you think Colin Farrell is currently at the absolute peak of his acting career, or is the best yet to come with his return to the world of Batman? Share your thoughts in the comments.