Oppenheimer (2023)

Film review

Release date	21th July 2023
Director	Christopher Nolan
Running time	3 hr
Cast	Cillian Murphy, Emily Blunt, Matt Damon, Robert Downey Jr.
Man5hit Rating

Christopher Nolan’s “Oppenheimer” gives  audiences an excellent overview into the life of J. Robert Oppenheimer, the pivotal figure behind the atomic bomb. Drawing inspiration from Kai Bird and Martin J. Sherwin’s biography, the film unfolds Oppenheimer’s journey through a complex three-hour narrative that spans personal milestones, controversies, and the ethical dilemmas of scientific innovation.

Cillian Murphy (Peaky Blinders) delivers a compelling portrayal of Oppenheimer, capturing his well-documented “high intensity” personality. Nolan’s narrative structure, marked by lush colour and high-contrast black-and-white sections, adds depth to the storytelling. The film’s clever use of “fission” and “fusion” helps underscore Oppenheimer’s role in the Manhattan Project and the film’s overarching themes.

The effective timeline tracks Oppenheimer’s evolution from an anguished student to a key player in the Manhattan Project. Florence Pugh and Emily Blunt shine in their roles as political firebrand Jean Tatlock and Oppenheimer’s wife, Kitty Harrison, respectively.

Nolan’s quick-paced storytelling spans continents and introduces a host of characters, including physicists like Niels Bohr (Kenneth Branagh) and Leslie Groves (Matt Damon). The film captures the intellectual excitement of Oppenheimer’s Berkeley years, emphasising the era’s scientific debates and discoveries.

The director’s choice to shoot in 65-millimeter film creates a cinematic masterclass, immersing viewers in the gravity of world-defining events. Man5hit commends Nolan’s use of black-and-white segments to explore Oppenheimer’s political challenges. Nolan’s integration of these black-and-white sequences creates an effect that explores Oppenheimer’s struggles and the broader political landscape. While some may find these segments overlong, they contribute to the film’s complexity.

Outside observations about war films indirectly glorifying war resonate with Nolan, therefore he decided not to depict the bombings directly. Instead, “Oppenheimer” delves into Oppenheimer’s internal conflict during the first test bomb, capturing the haunting words, “Now I am become death, the destroyer of worlds.”

The film serves as a reflection on humanity’s swift transition from war horrors to embracing the bomb. It prompts contemplation of the ethical implications of scientific advancements and the responsibility borne by those involved. Nolan seamlessly weaves Oppenheimer’s story into the broader context of an era marked by scientific discovery, politics, and the perils of weapons of mass destruction.

“Oppenheimer” stands as a masterful exploration of a complex historical figure. Nolan’s ambitious storytelling and cinematic capability deliver a thought-provoking and immersive film experience. We at Man5hit found “Oppenheimer” successful in navigating the intersections of science, politics, and personal struggle.

Throughout the film there is much focus on character development, which Is achieved through the portrayal of Oppenheimer’s personal relationships, especially with Jean Tatlock and Kitty Harrison. All of this successfully adds emotional depth to the narrative. These connections not only shape Oppenheimer’s character but also reflect the broader societal and political tensions of the time.

Nolan’s decision to include renowned physicists like Niels Bohr and Leslie Groves in the storyline highlights the collaborative nature of scientific endeavors. It reinforces the idea that Oppenheimer’s story is not isolated but intricately woven into the fabric of a collective scientific pursuit with global consequences.

“Oppenheimer” not only captures the historical significance of Oppenheimer’s contributions but also provides a visual and emotional journey. Nolan’s meticulous attention to detail and storytelling finesse make it a compelling exploration of a man, a moment, and the moral complexities of scientific progress. The film serves as a testament to Nolan’s ability to seamlessly blend historical events with cinematic artistry, leaving a lasting impact on the audience.