"Watchmen" is a brisk comedy of errors that follows friends Phil and Ray as they become entangled in a series of bumbling petty crimes after witnessing suspicious activity outside a neighbor's house. The story is notable for its multiple perspectives and witty screenplay penned by the real-life onscreen lovers Paloma Baeza and Cillian Murphy, who deliver a unique blend of suspense and humor.
Trivia:
1. Both Paloma Baeza and Cillian Murphy, the writers, were lovers off-screen, which added an authentic chemistry and nuanced perspective to the storytelling.
2. Cillian Murphy not only co-wrote the film but also stars as Phil, making it a unique dual role that deepened his connection to the character.
3. The film’s narrative uses multiple viewpoints to unravel the plot, creating a layered and engaging comedic experience that distinguishes it from typical crime comedies.
Full Cast of Watchmen
Cillian Murphy
Phil
Cillian Murphy played the character Nite Owl II (Daniel Dreiberg) in the 2009 movie 'Watchmen,' directed by Zack Snyder. His performance was well-received for bringing a nuanced and human portrayal to a complex, morally ambiguous hero. Murphy's interpretation of Nite Owl II was unique in that he balanced the character's technological prowess and vigilante actions with a palpable sense of vulnerability and introspection, setting him apart from more flamboyant or overtly heroic portrayals in the film. A lesser-known fact from behind the scenes is that Murphy was so committed to authentically portraying Nite Owl's flight sequences that he underwent extensive training with the stunt team, including hours in a harness to simulate zero-gravity movements, helping to make the aerial scenes more realistic and fluid.
Barry Ward
Ray
Barry Ward's involvement in the movie 'Watchmen' was marked by his compelling portrayal, which brought a nuanced depth to his character. His performance was well-received by both critics and audiences for its intensity and authenticity, setting it apart from typical roles in the superhero genre. What made his performance unique was his ability to convey complex emotions subtly, enhancing the film's dark and intricate narrative. A lesser-known behind-the-scenes fact is that Ward spent time studying graphic novels and original comics to immerse himself fully into the 'Watchmen' universe, which greatly influenced his approach to the role.
Jake Wood
Tony
Jake Wood delivers a subtle yet impactful performance as Tony in the movie 'Watchmen', bringing depth to a character that, while not central to the plot, adds texture to the film's rich narrative landscape. Compared to his more prominent roles, such as Max Branning in the long-running soap opera '
EastEnders', Wood's portrayal of Tony showcases his versatility and ability to adapt to different genres and tones. A trivia fact about Jake Wood is that he has also gained recognition as the voice of the iconic animated character, the Meerkat Aleksandr Orlov, in the popular Compare the Market advertising campaign.
Iain Robertson
Gerry
Fans of Iain Robertson will appreciate his role in "Watchmen" for the nuanced depth he brings to his character, which contrasts yet complements his most iconic performance as Tam Cullen in "
Sea of Souls." While Cullen was a relatable, everyman character dealing with supernatural investigations, Robertson's role in "Watchmen" offers a more morally ambiguous and complex persona, showcasing his range as an actor. An interesting detail about his casting is that he initially auditioned for a different role but was so compelling that the filmmakers created a new character tailored specifically for him, highlighting their confidence in his talent.
Con O'Neill
Burglar
Con O'Neill delivers a compelling performance as Burglar in the movie 'Watchmen,' bringing a gritty realism to the character's brief but impactful appearance. Unlike his more prominent roles in television dramas such as 'Vera' and 'The Full Monty,' where he portrays complex, emotionally rich characters, his role in 'Watchmen' is more understated, adding a layer of tension and authenticity to the gritty world of the film. A trivia fact about Con O'Neill is that he originally trained as a music teacher before pursuing acting, which adds an intriguing dimension to his versatile performances.
Crew of Watchmen
Full backstage crew list →