The process of perfecting the character of Thomas Shelby (Peaky Blinders) was accomplished by Cillian Murphy.

I am always impressed by Killian Murphy's portrayal of Thomas Shelby in the BBC's show "Peaky Blinders." At first glance, he appears cool and says and does cool things, but what stands out to me is the way he communicates without speaking. If you were to read the scripts for the early seasons, you would notice that Murphy's character has fewer lines compared to other characters. However, because television is a visual medium, his presence is felt strongly. Thomas Shelby is the central figure, the one with power and the final say, so other characters have to speak up to be heard. Thomas listens attentively, and when he does speak, his words carry weight because they are scarce and deliberate.

A scene from the first episode illustrates this well. Freddy confronts Thomas in a bar, doing most of the talking while Thomas's body language suggests disinterest. Even though Freddy is the one speaking, Thomas's inaction speaks volumes. He takes a weary breath, almost rises to the bait, and senses significant business in the silence. Freddy waits for a reaction, but Thomas remains poker-faced. Eventually, Thomas engages and wins the scene with just two lines of dialogue, rendering Freddy's attempts futile.

This dynamic, where Thomas Shelby chooses to listen rather than speak, is a common occurrence in "Peaky Blinders." It positions him as a vessel for the audience, as we absorb information at the same pace as him. His expressions set the tone for how we perceive the events unfolding. Murphy's performance is crucial in making this storytelling style work. His presence is tangible in every scene, characterized by a steady and stoic demeanor. He minimizes unnecessary movements, allowing us to focus on his eyes, which convey the real story.

When I think of Thomas Shelby, I don't just remember his quotes or acts of violence. I picture a man deep in thought, constantly aware of others trying to gain something from him. Every decision he makes carries weight, and Killian Murphy showcases this thought process through his eyes. We see the wheels turning as Thomas connects the dots and formulates strategies. While his face may appear blank, his subtle eye movements communicate a great deal. It may seem simple, but replicating this on camera is challenging, yet Murphy makes it appear effortless.

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

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

When Thomas wants to be persuasive, he opens his eyes wide and stares deep 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 bouncing back and forth. This subtle portrayal allows the audience to emotionally connect with him, even when he remains closed off. Moments of fear or heightened emotions make Thomas physically flustered, evidenced 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 is naturally emotional, Murphy could have played 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.