Colin Farrell in conversation

You have undergone breathtaking transformations in your life and career – from shooting star to bad boy. Then you became a well-behaved family man, preferring to make art films instead of blockbusters. Was that the plan?

Nature and life want us to change. Why should I cling to one stage of development? That's not healthy. But I can't judge exactly what factors have influenced me. After all, I'm in the middle of the process, so to speak, so I don't have an outside perspective. However, it wasn't the case that I was guided by other people's opinions, but by my own.

You have clearly changed your lifestyle. At some point, you stopped drinking and taking drugs. What was the reason for that?

Obviously because I became a father. And I was completely broken and exhausted. My candle was burning from both ends until there was only a small stump left in the centre. I'd been at the party long enough, and at some point the whole thing gets boring. Every night you babble the same rubbish into the ear of someone pretending to be interested in you. These changes were all inevitable. I realised it couldn't go on like this.

How do you stay on the right path now?

I don't have any great words of wisdom to offer. The key thing is to treat yourself and others with respect. You have to realise that life doesn't always work out the way you would like it to. And you can only stay true to your principles by focussing on the individual moment and behaving in the right way. That way, you can get back on the right track one day at a time.

In 2024, Colin Farell played Oswald "Oz" Cobb, aka the Penguin, in the mini-series "The Penguin". The series deals with the rise of the gangster within the underworld of Gotham. It received several nominations and awards, including the Golden Globe for Best Actor in a Leading Role for Farrell.

What are the benefits of abstaining from intoxicating substances for you?

I am more aware of my surroundings, my friends and myself. I have clearer thoughts and that naturally influences my attitude to life and work.

And if your new attitude doesn't work without further ado? What helps you there?

I have my good friends and my family if I ever need advice. It was also important for me to discover yoga. If I let it slip, I can't wait to get back on the mat. Otherwise, walks in nature help.

Yoga is really something for you?

I didn't originally dream of it either. But precisely because I realised that a lot was changing in my life, I thought to myself: one day I'll reach the stage where I do yoga. And then the time came: I was at home one afternoon, had nothing to do, my children were with their mums. And I thought to myself: now you try it - I went online, looked for the right class. I loved it straight away.

But as a Hollywood star, you're instantly recognised

I don't have a problem when people approach me, I actually think it's quite good when I experience a bit of community. But in yoga, you don't have to talk to anyone. It's just 40 people in the same room with the same goal. I like that.

Were there any roles that you would have liked to have done without?

Of course. I left school early and didn't have any formal training because I wanted to be an actor. There was a phase when I did almost everything for money. So I had a job as a model on the side. Once the guys at the agency said to me: "We need someone." - "How much is it?" - "£20." - "I'm in. I can do damn near anything. The main thing is I've got money for my Guinness again." So I appeared on Irish national television as an underwear model. And I'm not talking about boxer shorts, I'm talking about a thong, a fucking thong!

Is this clip available to watch anywhere?

If someone finds it, he or she can get rich. All they have to do is blackmail me with it. Then I will pay everything I have.

What about real film reels? Have you regretted any of them?

There have been films after which I (...)

→ Read the full interview with Colin Farrell in rampstyle #18  "La pensée sauvage".