In a recent interview with GQ, acclaimed actor Cillian Murphy shared his candid thoughts about the 2005 thriller film, Red Eye, directed by Wes Craven. Despite the movie obtaining a level of fan-favorite status over the years, Murphy surprisingly expressed his belief that it's not a good film. However, he did acknowledge its appeal as a 'good B movie.' The actor attributed the film's cult following to the 'duality' of his character, which he found intriguing.
Murphy had nothing but praise for his co-star Rachel McAdams and reminisced about their enjoyable time working together on the project. Despite his reservations about the overall quality of Red Eye, he credited McAdams' excellent performance and cherished their shared experiences on set. The two actors bonded over music and enjoyed collaborating on crossword puzzles during their downtime. It's interesting to hear how Murphy and McAdams formed a strong connection while working on a film he doesn't hold in high regard.
This isn't the first time Murphy has commented on Red Eye. Last year, during the promotions for A Quiet Place Part II, the actor reiterated his perception of the film as a 'schlocky B movie.' Reflecting on his own performance, Murphy humbly admitted that he didn't feel he delivered a nuanced portrayal. Nevertheless, he appreciates the film's popularity and the fact that it has resonated with audiences.
Red Eye tells the story of Lisa Reisert (portrayed by Rachel McAdams), a hotel manager who unwittingly becomes entangled in an assassination plot orchestrated by terrorist Jackson Rippner (played by Cillian Murphy). As they board a red-eye flight to Miami, it becomes clear that their initial encounter at a hotel bar was far from coincidental. Lisa's role within the hotel is instrumental to a planned assassination attempt on a high-ranking government official.
Despite Murphy's reservations, Red Eye received positive reviews from both critics and viewers alike. The film achieved a 79 percent fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with praise directed towards Wes Craven's precise direction and the cast's strong performances. It proved to be a modest box office success, grossing $57.8 million domestically and $95.5 million worldwide, surpassing its $26 million budget.
For those curious to watch Red Eye or re-experience this thrilling film, it is currently available for streaming on Paramount+. As fans continue to appreciate the movie's suspenseful storyline and dynamic performances, it seems that Red Eye will endure as a beloved entry in the thriller genre, even if its lead actor holds a different perspective on its overall quality.
