Gabriel Byrne has forged a career out of playing complex, often contradictory characters. Consider his iconic roles. Chilling, brooding Tom in Miller’s Crossing. Affable, threatening Keaton in The Usual Suspects. Tormented therapist Paul in In Treatment.

Now 65, the Dubliner puts in another stunning performance in Joachim Trier’s Louder Than Bombs. He plays a father struggling to cope with the death of his wife (Isabelle Huppert) and trying to raise his two sons. Byrne’s character is kind and patient yet also frustrated and resentful. As we sat down for a chat, I wondered about the extent to which that description might fit a man who is rightly regarded as one of the greatest Irish screen actors of all time.

Louder Than Bombs is a beautiful film. What drew you to it?