When the rumours began permeating through the internet that both Jonah Hill, and then Seth Rogan, were circling the role of The Penguin in Matt Reeves’ upcoming comic book flick, The Batman, fans had a pretty good idea of the direction the character was going in for his big screen appearance. Imagine everyone’s surprise then when neither of the slightly rotund funnymen were cast, and instead the name Colin Farrell hit the Penguin-related headlines.
With his leading man good looks, Farrell could not be further from what people had envisioned for the pointy-nosed crime boss, but please, hold your judgements for now, as Farrell has a proven track record for both playing against type, all whilst displaying his boundless talent. So, here are the 10 must-see performances that will leave you hoping Colin Farrell signs on the dotted line for The Batman. Full disclosure, despite his spirited scenery-chewing, Bullseye does not appear on this list.
Tigerland (2000)
Director Joel Schumacher’s Vietnam war drama has its flaws, but Colin Farrell’s performance is definitely not one of them. Set in an infantry training facility, Farrell’s Private Bozz must do everything he can to fight the system, and save as many of his fellow soldiers as he can from being sent into war and almost certain death.
Tigerland gives Farrell the chance to play the kind of stubborn, tortured, trouble-making hero that war films and audiences love to see. His natural charisma and masculine good looks make him perfect for the part.
The Way Back (2010)
Survival flick The Way Back comes from director Peter Weir and features an ensemble cast that would make most movies jealous. Boasting the talents of Ed Harris, Jim Sturgess, Saoirse Ronan, Mark Strong and, of course, Colin Farrell, The Way Back’s harsh, desolate landscapes are overflowing with powerfully dramatic performances.
Farrell reliably impresses as Valka, a hardened Russian criminal with a deadly gambling debt and a love for both Stalin and his precious knife. Though the film may only scratch the surface of what is going on inside his head, you can’t help but be endeared and intrigued by this mysterious crook.
Intermission (2003)
Another ensemble effort featuring our would-be Penguin, Intermission gives Farrell another wonderful opportunity to show-off his intoxicating charm, a weapon that once again comes in handy considering the detestable character he is playing.
Intermission finds Farrell as Lehiff, a petty criminal who relishes getting into trouble with the law, and starts the film by punching a girl in the face after flashing his pearly whites. Somehow, after such a despicable opening, he still manages to lure us onside with his magnetic screen presence, a talent which will prove very useful when carrying the criminal acts of Oswald Cobblepot.
The New World (2005)
Experimental director Terence Malick’s sweeping historical epic, The New World, may not have received the most ringing endorsement from critics at the time, but the film has gotten something of a critical comeback in recent years, thanks in part to the incredible performances from the lead trio of Colin Farrell, Christian Bale and Q'orianka Kilcher.
Telling a more realistic version of the legend of Pocahontas, The New World does not shy away from the violence that came from this historical clash of cultures. Farrell brings Captain John Smith to rugged, romantic life and is almost as breathtaking as Malick’s stunning visuals.
Phone Booth (2002)
From director Joel Schumacher, Phone Booth is a wonderfully self-contained thriller that would simply fail without the right man front and center. Thankfully, that man is Colin Farrell.
Beginning the film as a despicably arrogant New York City publicist, Farrell’s Stuart Shepard is forced to grow thanks to the merciless aim of a hidden sniper, and Farrell digs his fingers under the outer shell of Shepard to show us someone quite complex and surprisingly deserving of our sympathy. This ability to get to the person underneath the sleaze could make his take on The Penguin very interesting indeed.
Minority Report (2002)
Steven Spielberg’s cyberpunk action thriller, based on a short story by sci-fi legend Philip K Dick, finds America in possession of a technology that can predict crimes before they happen. Starring daredevil actor Tom Cruise as a police officer on the run after being accused of a pre-crime, Colin Farrell is the man tasked with tracking him down.
Entering the fray as the deplorably smug enemy of Cruise’s wrongfully accused hero, Farrell demonstrates once again his talent for taking our initial impressions and turning them on their head. Sadly, it is just as we come to like him that he is introduced to a bullet.
Seven Psychopaths (2012)
Working once again with director Martin McDonagh, Seven Psychopaths finds Colin Farrell as a struggling screenwriter, drawn into a dark underbelly of crime, murder and dog kidnapping. If that doesn’t sound particularly funny, it really is, thanks in large part to the duo of Farrell and his energetic co-star Sam Rockwell.
Whilst Rockwell has the flashier part, Farrell anchors the film’s more preposterous moments as the ordinary man put amongst such outlandish characters. Seven Psychopaths may not be the showiest of performances, it nevertheless displays Farrell’s effortless charm, as well as his rarely utilised affinity for comedy.
The Killing of a Sacred Deer (2017)
The Killing of a Sacred Deer is a very unusual beast. Colin Farrell’s second collaboration with director Yorgos Lanthimos tells a twisted tale of revenge, sacrifice and a sinister curse. Farrell stars as a renowned cardiovascular surgeon who is made to confront a long-forgotten mistake from his otherwise faultless past.
He again puts away his leading man looks by disguising himself under a thick, salt and pepper beard, as well as disguising his emotions to suit the film’s hauntingly idyllic surroundings. It is another subtle performance from Farrell, and one that earns the irresistible analysis that is sure to follow. The film is undeniably an acquired taste, but absolutely worth the effort for both the unique cinematic experience, and for the solid work of Farrell.
The Lobster (2015)
For Yorgos Lanthimos’ surreal rom-com, The Lobster, Farrell hides his pretty face under some natural pudge, a thick moustache and an everyman spectacles and side parting combo. Navigating through a dystopian future, Farrell’s meek, love-starved David is taken to a picturesque hotel where he must either meet the love of his life, or be turned into an animal.
Farrell is unrecognisable as David, as he buries his A-list looks and confident mannerisms beneath this unassuming guise. If they decide to bring a visually comic accurate Penguin to The Batman, Farrell's look in The Lobster could well be a big indication of what we are likely to see.
In Bruges (2008)
Martin McDonagh’s seminal crime-comedy-caper, In Bruges, is nothing less than an underappreciated classic. When a pair of odd-couple hitmen are sent to Bruges by their ruthless boss for reasons initially unknown, they do their best to enjoy their cobble-stoned surroundings and come to terms with the mistakes of their past.
The chatter between Farrell and co-star Brendan Gleeson is some of the most enjoyable that will ever enter your ear holes, as the two men exchange jibes and jests that are often shockingly insulting, but always hilarious. In the wrong hands, Farrell’s character, Ray, could have been achingly irritating, but Farrell gives him a vulnerability that will often replace your tears of laughter with tears of sadness.