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I am consistently impressed by Killian Murphy's portrayal of Thomas Shelby in the BBC's show "Peaky Blinders." While he may initially appear cool and engage in cool actions and dialogue, what truly stands out to me is his ability to communicate without speaking. Despite having fewer lines compared to other characters in the early seasons, Murphy's presence is strongly felt due to the visual nature of television. As the central figure with power and the final say, Thomas Shelby listens attentively, and when he does speak, his words carry significant weight because they are deliberate and scarce.

One scene from the first episode exemplifies this dynamic effectively. In a bar, Freddy confronts Thomas, doing most of the talking while Thomas's body language indicates disinterest. Even though Freddy is the one speaking, Thomas's lack of action conveys a powerful message. He takes a weary breath, almost succumbs to the bait, and detects meaningful business in the silence. While Freddy awaits a reaction, Thomas maintains a poker-faced expression. Eventually, with just two lines of dialogue, Thomas engages and triumphs in the scene, rendering Freddy's attempts futile.

This pattern, where Thomas Shelby chooses to listen rather than speak, is a recurring theme in "Peaky Blinders." It positions him as a conduit for the audience, allowing us to absorb information at the same pace as him. His expressions set the tone for how we perceive the unfolding events. Murphy's performance is instrumental in making this storytelling style effective, as his presence is tangible in every scene. Characterized by a steady and stoic demeanor, Murphy minimizes unnecessary movements, enabling us to focus on his eyes, which convey the true story.

When I think of Thomas Shelby, it is not just his quotes or acts of violence that come to mind. I envision a man deeply lost in thought, constantly aware of others attempting to gain something from him. Every decision he makes carries weight, and Killian Murphy effectively showcases this thought process through his eyes. We witness the wheels turning as Thomas connects the dots and formulates strategies. While his face may seem impassive, his subtle eye movements communicate a great deal. This seemingly simple task of replicating such depth on camera is challenging, yet Murphy accomplishes it effortlessly.

Thomas's expression and emotional state dictate the meaning of a scene. In one instance, he observes a Russian aristocrat indulging in caviar and speaking excessively. Thomas remains deadpan and observant, contemplating why the man is saying what he is saying and how he should react. Through silence and attentive listening, Thomas asserts his control, demonstrating the power of silence. Speaking reveals more about oneself and intentions, while listening gives Thomas an advantage.

Killian Murphy masterfully utilizes his eyes to provide direct insight into Thomas Shelby's motivations. He maintains steady eye contact, evaluating the trustworthiness of individuals and searching for missing information. These calculated looks unveil Thomas's true character. Silent pauses, occasionally lasting over 10 seconds, build tension before he finally speaks, further emphasizing the weight of his words.

When Thomas aims to be persuasive, he widens his eyes and gazes deeply into the other person's soul. These moments showcase his more emotional side, as if he has discovered something exciting that the other person cannot see. Conversely, when he feels confused or betrayed, his wide-open eyes seek to uncover the truth.

Killian Murphy ensures that Thomas's eyes are not always cold and calculating. In scenes involving Grace, his affection for her causes his heart to beat faster, reflected in his pupils rapidly moving. This subtle portrayal allows the audience to emotionally connect with him, even when he remains guarded. Moments of fear or heightened emotions make Thomas physically flustered, evident not only in his eyes but also in his increased breathing and overall energy levels. These instances portray Thomas as losing control, a stark contrast to his usual composed and commanding presence.

However, it is the way Killian Murphy handles scenes with conflicting emotions that truly impresses me. In one such scene, Thomas must explain to his son that his mother is gone and will never return. While this scene naturally carries emotional weight, Murphy could have chosen to play it in various ways, such as being excessively tearful or completely catatonic. However, he opts for a controlled and matter-of-fact approach, consistent with Thomas's instinctive desire to maintain control. Nevertheless, beneath the surface, Murphy shows us a man who is lost, grieving, and searching for answers. We don't need overt displays of emotion to understand his heartbreak; it is conveyed through his eyes. Even his son, who doesn't fully grasp the gravity of the situation, contributes to the sense of isolation and pain. With a quick glance to the heavens, Thomas takes a breath, swallowing his emotions, and immediately returns to his obligations to his son.

These scenes may not be the most dramatic or attention-grabbing moments in the series, but they are the most human. They add a depth to the character that transcends dialogue. It is in the moments between the words, conveyed through Murphy's expressive eyes, where the true essence of Thomas Shelby shines through.

Many aspiring actors yearn for more lines and speaking roles, as they equate it with screen time. However, Killian Murphy demonstrates the power of silence through Thomas Shelby. He shows us that silence can speak volumes and that a lot can be conveyed without uttering a single word. Through his restrained and nuanced performance, Murphy brings Thomas Shelby to life, captivating audiences with his ability to communicate so effectively through his eyes and body language. His portrayal of Thomas Shelby in "Peaky Blinders" is a testament to the power of non-verbal communication and the impact it can have in storytelling.