Finn Cole on `Last Breath` and the Future of `Peaky Blinders

by

Contrary to its title, Last Breath was a breath of fresh air for Finn Cole.

The actor from England, known for his roles in crime dramas like “Peaky Blinders” and “Animal Kingdom”, welcomed the chance to switch things up by taking on the role in Alex Parkinson’s biographical survival thriller, “Last Breath”. This movie is inspired by a 2019 documentary of the same name that Parkinson made, and it tells the incredible story of saturation diver, Chris Lemons (played by Cole), who was rescued in 2012.

In the summer of 2023, Cole no longer had to worry about cunning criminal groups such as the Shelbys and Codys, but Last Breath still presented its own distinct perils. A missing submersible, exploring the Titanic’s wreckage in the North Atlantic, became a global news story until it was confirmed that it had exploded. This tragic event claimed the lives of all five people on board the Titan, and while Last Breath primarily took place within a controlled Malta-based water tank, Cole reveals that this news significantly affected the filming of Parkinson.

Or:

By summer 2023, Cole no longer had to deal with sly criminal gangs like the Shelbys and Codys, but Last Breath held its own share of risks. In the headlines worldwide was a lost submersible that had been exploring the Titanic’s wreckage in the North Atlantic. Its explosion was eventually confirmed, resulting in the deaths of all five crew members on board the Titan. Though Last Breath primarily used a Malta-based water tank for filming, Cole mentions that the news of this accident had a significant impact on the production of Parkinson.

Cole shared with The Hollywood Reporter, “It affected me deeply, there were some similarities. It was incredibly sad.” He added, “It served as a stark warning about the unpredictable nature of the sea, emphasizing the need for extreme caution. It underscored the importance of safety in the water and urged us to be extra vigilant when carrying out our activities.

Concerning the upcoming “Peaky Blinders” film titled “The Immortal Man”, Cole has clarified he won’t be involved in the production led by Cillian Murphy. If you recall, the 2022 series finale saw Cole’s character, Michael Gray, meeting his end in a duel against his cousin Tommy Shelby (Murphy). However, the series often uses seemingly fatal gunshot wounds to fuel dramatic twists, with characters reappearing mysteriously. Sadly, this time around, it seems different.

Cole admits he’s not familiar with the film, despite the title suggesting Michael’s ghost might return. He mentions a fresh cast and an unknown plot. However, excited as a long-time fan, he plans to watch it and is eagerly anticipating what promises to be an exceptional movie.”

or

“Cole confesses that he isn’t privy to the details of the film, as the title implies Michael’s ghost may return. With a new cast and an uncharted storyline, he finds himself in the unique position of watching it as a fan who’s always been eager. He believes it will be nothing short of brilliant.

Due to the tragic death of Helen McCrory, who played the role of matriarch Polly Gray in Peaky Blinders, the final season needed significant rewrites. This led creator Steven Knight to emphasize a pre-existing prophecy within Polly’s character, suggesting a potentially lethal confrontation between her sons Michael and Tommy, given their already fraught relationship. As a result, the set during that season was notably somber, as one might expect under such circumstances.

Cole muses that if Polly had been in season six, we might be watching more seasons now. To Cole, and many others, Helen was an essential element of the show, and her absence was keenly felt on set. It was a very emotional time for everyone as they missed Helen greatly.

In their latest chat with THR, Cole delved into his on-set experiences with Lemons while working on Last Breath. He also spoke about the bond he formed with fellow actors Woody Harrelson and Simu Liu during filming.

***

So, having completed “Last Breath”, will exploring underwater only through snorkeling be the limit of your future subaquatic journeys?

(Chuckles.) It might appear that way on camera, but we’ve picked up quite a bit about scuba diving, making me feel more at ease underwater now. In fact, it’s boosted my confidence somewhat. Even in the most challenging circumstances, there’s always hope for rescue. I’m looking forward to meeting Chris Lemons tonight, and he continues to thrive following his own rescue.

Is it uncommon for a filmmaker to transform their documentary into a full-length narrative film? When preparing your work, how heavily did you depend on Alex Parkinson’s documentary compared to his script?”

The documentary was incredibly insightful, offering a wealth of information about the subjects’ lives and technical aspects, making it worth revisiting multiple times. Our director, Alex Parkinson, delved remarkably deep into the professional world of these divers as a documentarian, providing us with fascinating insights – even if that pun wasn’t intentional, it certainly fits!

It’s allowed. 

(Chuckles.) He turned out to be an invaluable asset. He seems to know everything, like he was actually doing the job himself. With us having a team of saturation divers on set, there was no shortage of information. However, the film is a unique creature. It offers an immersive viewing experience that differs significantly from a documentary.

Did the actual Chris Lemons, Duncan Allcock, and David Yuasa pay a visit to the set. Is there any particular technique or approach that you’ve taken inspiration from in relation to Chris?

Absolutely, I can confirm that we did share some meals together. He’s a man with a keen interest in exploring things, as evidenced by our interactions. He’s not just polite, but also kind-hearted and transparent, making conversations with him a delight. There was a hint of discomfort or self-consciousness at times about the accident he experienced, yet he was grateful for the miracle that ensued. This created an intriguing dynamic, and I found it fascinating to delve deeper into his thoughts about it. He had approximately eight minutes of oxygen left before losing consciousness, which could have led to suffocation. However, he recalls the events leading up to that moment clearly. As a result, he speaks eloquently and movingly about the experience. People often ask him about what it’s like to transition to the other side or to be on the brink of death and accept it. Having such personal insights was invaluable for us actors, as we strive to draw upon such experiences in our performances. It was also beneficial to have him available for quick reminders about certain details.

Whether one believes in miracles or not, Chris’ story makes a compelling case that they exist.

Indeed, I agree with your perspective. To me, a miracle is more than just chance; it’s a fortunate event that requires skill and preparation. In this rescue mission, there was undeniably an element of luck, but it was not blind chance. It was the result of dedication, experience, and exceptional abilities possessed by those involved. If it were you or me in that situation, we might not have been successful. Dave Yuasa’s presence at that moment was crucial, as not everyone could have saved someone as large as Chris. This was an extraordinary display of physical prowess. Therefore, I would describe Chris’ survival as a fortunate event rather than a mere miracle.

Inside the water tank, you were required to don a substantial suit and helmet. Approximately how much time elapsed before you felt sufficiently at ease to concentrate fully on your presentation?

Simu and I underwent a four-week course, which involved training in both open seas and tanks. Our initial focus was scuba diving, followed by two weeks of equipment training. During this period, we trained with saturation diver’s helmets and participated in weighted dives. This included using weighted boots and belts to ensure our comfort on the ocean floor. The movement during these dives resembled that of astronauts on the moon.

Familiarizing myself with the gear simply meant being in the water and practicing the scenes we needed to perform. I found this immensely enjoyable. What struck me soon was that it engaged muscles not typically utilized in daily activities. The balance required was unlike anything I’d experienced before, and manipulating my body was a whole new experience. Therefore, I found full-body stretches and extended yoga sessions beneficial for flexibility and readiness, both before and after the practice.

The gear was constructed for extreme depths, which meant some valves in our helmets didn’t perform optimally at our relatively shallow underwater levels. In total, the equipment weighed over a hundred pounds, but this weight was hardly noticeable underwater. It did take some time to adjust to it, but once anchored on the ocean floor with my safety divers, it felt quite normal.

Since saturation divers usually work together for extended periods inside confined diving chambers on a ship for about 28 days, they become quite familiar with one another. Were you, Simu Liu and Woody Harrelson able to develop a close relationship due to the limited space as well?

Absolutely, and I must say, there couldn’t have been two more suitable individuals to embark on this venture together. The saturation divers made it clear that physical fitness and athleticism are crucial for this role, as well as strong problem-solving skills and a knack for engineering. However, an equally important skill is the ability to work harmoniously with others. You’re confined in a compact chamber, and while the movie chamber is approximately 40% larger than the typical ones used for 28 days, it’s still quite small. The divers can only stretch their legs during dives, and they might be submerged for up to eight hours with one break.

It’s essential to be someone who gets along well with others, and I believe Simu, Woody, and I could endure 28 days in a confined space like that. We’ve shared many hearty laughs, and we continue to do so. Honestly, I couldn’t have managed it with two better companions. We stood by each other, took care of each other, and the working atmosphere was incredibly positive and nurturing.

Woody enjoyed a more comfortable situation than both you and Simu, as he spent his time within the bell, whereas you two descended into the deep waters below.

(Laughs.) Indeed, he seemed to have a more straightforward experience. However, let me tell you, one of the toughest aspects of acting in something like this was that he couldn’t witness our responses since many scenes hadn’t been filmed yet within the bell. This is a testament to Alex Parkinson and our producers who had an exceptional understanding of the script and how the final edit would turn out. They skillfully delivered lines to us in a way that aligned with our underwater reactions, demonstrating the strong bond we shared as a cast. Even when we weren’t physically present, we knew precisely how each of us was portraying our roles.

Woody spent a few solitary days inside the bell, facing some quite alarming news about the ocean’s state. His performance was simply outstanding, leaving us captivated. Although we didn’t witness any events on the ship or in the bell involving Woody, the final edited sequence seamlessly conveys the entire narrative.

During the final stages of production, there was an unexpected implosion of the Titan submersible. Since we were both working in a related field, did discussions about this incident often arise on set among your colleagues?

Certainly, it’s quite intriguing indeed. One member of our team has extensive experience working with submersibles, and interestingly enough, he was familiar with OceanGate, the company involved in those Titanic explorations. He is well-connected within the industry. As such, this event struck a personal chord and there were connections between our circles. It was an incredibly somber moment. The incident served as a stark reminder of the sea’s unforgiving nature and the importance of utmost caution. It underscored the vital role safety plays in underwater activities, urging us to remain vigilant in our endeavors.

[The next four questions and answers include Peaky Blinders spoilers.]

We’ve reached the Michael Gray portion of the interview. 

(Cole starts rubbing his hands together.)

I recall having a conversation with Cillian Murphy as the world was closing down, and he mentioned that he had recently read through all the scripts for Peaky Blinders’ last season. Then, everything took an unexpected turn due to the pandemic and the sad demise of Helen McCrory. Was it always planned that Michael would have some sort of conflict with Tommy in the final season?

It’s unlikely that I can provide a specific response, but I believe the answer is no. The events that transpired, the timeframe involved, and various actors being unavailable for various reasons necessitated changes. During the off-season, Steven Knight would occasionally update me about the entire next season, detailing every aspect of each episode. This information would astound me. Then, just two months later, everything would be different. And when I finally received the scripts, they too had been altered due to the genius creativity of Steven Knight.

Reflecting on the series’ progression for the final season, I found a chance in how I portrayed my character and its growth. Cillian mentioned during seasons four or five: “Tommy is constantly surrounded by threats. That’s his life. Some of these are insoluble dilemmas, one being his addiction struggles. The other is the emergence of the next generation, which poses a threat because they bring new ideas, and that terrifies him.

In the fifth season, there’s a moment where Michael presents an outstanding business strategy to Tommy, suggesting he step aside to allow Michael to assume control. This idea was flawless and had no apparent flaws for rejection, except that Tommy might feel intimidated by the upcoming generation’s more innovative strategies. Throughout our collaboration, this potential power shift was a constant thought in Cillian’s mind, and it seemed to materialize in season six.

Honestly speaking, I was genuinely disappointed because I was a huge admirer of the group and their universe. So, when I found out I’d be portraying a villain, my first reaction was something like, “Oh no, this isn’t good.” But once I got into it, I had a blast, and we were able to push boundaries even further. What’s fascinating is that people send me threats and are quite rude to me. Strangely enough, I enjoy it. People on the street will approach me and say things like, “I adore you, but I despise you.” And that’s the highest praise we can receive as actors. It signifies that we did our jobs well, and I’m eagerly anticipating playing another villain again.

By the close of season five, I had expected season six to feature a showdown between Tommy (Murphy) and Mosley (Sam Claflin). Initially, it seemed that Michael would side with Tommy once he discovered Mosley and Gina (Anya Taylor-Joy) were involved romantically. At the ballet party in season five, there was an exchange between Gina and Mosley which suggested they were either already having an affair or one was brewing. However, Polly’s (McCrory) ominous prediction about Michael and Tommy has turned out to be a more compelling narrative direction, given the circumstances.

Absolutely, Polly’s death in the narrative significantly ignited Michael’s quest for vengeance. This aspect was crucial to understanding Michael’s character, and it seemed authentic. If Polly had survived until season six, there might have been more seasons produced. Helen played a pivotal role in that series, and her absence on set was keenly felt by many. It was an emotionally intense period for everyone involved as they missed her dearly.

Given that Tommy has been troubled for a long time by the spirits of his former life, what chances are there that “Ghost Michael” will appear in the forthcoming film titled “The Eternal Soul”?

I’d be thrilled to talk about Michael returning as a ghost in the movie, but sadly, I don’t have any information on that. However, it appears there’s a brand new cast, and I’m clueless about the plot. But, as a long-time fan, I can’t wait to finally see it! I believe it will be fantastic. The pairing of Steven and Cillian promises great things, and I have no doubt that fans will adore it. I feel incredibly fortunate to have been a part of this journey and to have contributed for so long. It holds a truly unique place in my heart and always will.

Over the course of four seasons, your relationship with Joe Cole’s character has evolved significantly – from him wanting to record you before season two, to witnessing his demise in season four, and ultimately becoming the primary adversary. That’s quite an unexpected sequence of events, isn’t it?

Experiencing Joe’s departure in Peaky Blinders was a mind-bending moment, yet his exit was remarkably poignant, so I owe a debt of gratitude to Steve Knight for crafting such a touching farewell. Joe is an actor, performer, and creative force that I’ve admired since my youth. He’s been a role model for me and my four brothers, with him always looking out for us throughout our lives. As we don’t have any family in the industry, Joe has filled that void, answering all my naive questions. Having an industry companion like him is truly remarkable, especially since we aren’t directly competing. We are distinct actors with contrasting tastes, but we both dream of finding the next project where we can share the screen together. It needs to be something exceptional because it has to surpass Peaky Blinders.

How intimidated were you in the early days of your career?

People frequently inquire, “Weren’t you intimidated working alongside an actress as talented as Helen McCrory?” My response is usually, “Not at all, it was effortless.” Working with such a brilliant actor means that half of the scene will be captivating and flawlessly executed, which motivates me to give my best performance and alleviates the pressure because I know I’m sharing the spotlight with someone exceptional.

Were there ever any conflicts in your schedule, since you appeared on “Animal Kingdom” and “Peaky Blinders” simultaneously in the U.S.?

In this unique situation, both sets of producers, spanning the Atlantic, showed great respect towards each other. By collaborating, they mutually boosted the popularity of their respective shows, creating quite a buzz. John Wells, the executive producer of Animal Kingdom, was exceptionally supportive and has a friendly relationship with Steven. Given their past collaboration, John was an invaluable asset, consistently proving to be exceptional. Although my primary obligation was to Animal Kingdom, John went above and beyond to facilitate a harmonious blend with Peaky Blinders. He admired the show, which made our professional partnership all the more rewarding. Under the pressure of such a demanding scenario, John proved to be an ideal individual to work for and with. Despite having the power to restrict my involvement, he was always eager to help Animal Kingdom actors expand our roles outside the show. Thus, it was John who ensured both productions ran smoothly and granted me the opportunity to contribute to two exceptional franchises. I am deeply appreciative of his efforts.

Which one among the two imaginary criminal organizations caused you the greatest emotional and psychological turmoil, and so on?

It’s challenging to compare the two roles, as J had more screen time on Animal Kingdom, but Michael’s past experiences and Steven’s character development added layers that made for more depth to play with long-term. Both characters were intriguing, but J was more mysterious and emotionally detached than Michael, who appeared more broken. However, between the two, there were more nuances to explore with Michael, yet J also had unique characteristics that made him an interesting character to portray. Ultimately, I enjoyed both roles deeply. Despite their unpleasant nature, I found something appealing in each character and appreciated the chance to delve into their distinct worlds within their crime families.

***
Last Breath opens in movie theaters on Feb. 28. 

Read More

2025-02-27 00:56