Colin Farrell captivated audiences at the Zurich Film Festival as he accepted the Golden Icon Award and discussed his latest projects, including the upcoming series The Penguin and the film The Ballad of a Small Player. Farrell delved into the complexities of portraying broken characters, revealing how these roles push him to explore emotional depths and physical challenges.
In The Ballad of a Small Player, directed by Edward Berger, Farrell takes on the role of Lord Doyle, a gambling addict navigating the high-stakes world of Macau. He describes Doyle as a character on the brink of insanity, grappling with physical and mental deterioration. “He’s somebody who’s on the precipice of a kind of insanity, and that also has its physical implications,” Farrell noted during the festival. The character’s anxiety manifests in both emotional turmoil and a deteriorating heart condition, highlighting the intense pressures of addiction.
Farrell found the script to be both beautiful and unsettling, describing it as “dynamic and singular.” He expressed a desire to engage with unique roles, stating, “It doesn’t take much for me to feel like I’m repeating myself.” His enthusiasm for the project was palpable, as he acknowledged the script’s loud, bombastic nature and its ability to provoke strong emotional responses.
Collaboration with Edward Berger
The opportunity to work with Edward Berger, who won the 2023 international feature Oscar for All Quiet on the Western Front, was another motivating factor for Farrell. He praised Berger’s storytelling ability, saying, “He’s been an extraordinary storyteller for years.” Their collaboration on The Ballad of a Small Player had been in the works before Berger’s Oscar win, showcasing a long-standing professional connection.
In addition to this film, Farrell also reflected on his transformation into the Penguin for Matt Reeves’s The Batman. Initially uncertain about the character’s direction, he found clarity upon seeing the makeup design by Mike Marino. Farrell recalled, “I was like, wow, I’m so excited. The script came, I read it, and I was like, eh?” His initial skepticism quickly turned into excitement once he understood Marino’s vision.
Championing the Penguin Series
Impressed by Marino’s exceptional makeup artistry, Farrell advocated for a dedicated series featuring the Penguin character. He approached producer Dylan Clark about the potential for a show, citing the emotional depth the makeup brought to his portrayal. “Mike’s makeup design was so extraordinary and really was very moving,” he said. The actor felt that the intricate details of the makeup allowed him to connect with the character on a deeper level, transforming his performance.
Farrell expressed admiration for the legacy of makeup artists like Dick Smith and Rick Baker, highlighting the importance of practical effects in filmmaking. He felt a sense of historic significance in wearing Marino’s design and believed it was a disservice to limit the Penguin’s presence to a few scenes. As luck would have it, Clark later contacted Farrell to discuss developing the Penguin series, an endeavor that exceeded their initial expectations.
Farrell’s experiences at the Zurich Film Festival illuminated the actor’s dedication to exploring complex characters and the transformative power of makeup design in storytelling. With projects like The Ballad of a Small Player and The Penguin, he continues to push artistic boundaries, showcasing his commitment to his craft.
