Director: Christopher Nolan
Writers: Christopher Nolan, Kai Bird, and Martin Sherwin
Stars: Cillian Murphy, Emily Blunt, Matt Damon
Synopsis: The story of American scientist J. Robert Oppenheimer and his role in the development of the atomic bomb.
Christopher Nolan, one of the most prominent directors in today’s film industry, returns with a compelling historical drama following a challenging attempt to keep theaters alive during the pandemic with his film, Tenet. Known for his diverse repertoire, which includes grand sci-fi stories like Inception and Interstellar, as well as historical epics such as Dunkirk; Nolan now delves into the iconic Manhattan Project and the central figure behind it, J. Robert Oppenheimer.
The film’s three-act structure expertly explores different aspects encompassing the events leading up to, the development of, and the aftermath of the atomic bomb, offering a well-rounded and nuanced perspective of the entire project. Oppenheimer impresses with its masterful craftsmanship, thought-provoking themes, and interconnected plotlines. However, some viewers may find the dense dialogue and complex ideas challenging to grasp and relate to.
The film opens with a gripping and captivating sequence that immediately draws audiences into the vast narrative surrounding the central character and the eventual Manhattan Project. Nolan’s brilliant use of stunning cinematography by Hoyte van Hoytema, and fast-paced editing by Jennifer Lame, skillfully introduces the audience to the upcoming storyline, creating an irresistible allure around J. Robert Oppenheimer (Cillian Murphy) and his involvement in the project. The pacing is almost breakneck, and the intense dialogue adds to the immersive experience, though it may prove elusive for viewers who aren’t fully attentive to the on-screen events.
The intercutting between the film’s eventual end and the beginning of the narrative builds anticipation and curiosity about how the story reaches its conclusion, adding a layer of complexity that demands viewers’ engagement. However, this dynamic storytelling approach requires viewers to stay actively involved to keep up with the intricacies of the plot.
The film truly finds its footing in the second act, which delves into the development of the atomic bomb, a focal point that will undoubtedly captivate most viewers. This segment not only offers glimpses into Oppenheimer’s personal life but also sheds light on the political intricacies surrounding the project and how his personal beliefs intertwine with the people with whom he chooses to surround himself. Through its extensive narrative, the film seamlessly transitions from the World War II era to the Cold War, planting subtle seeds that explain how the United States evolved from one historical period to the next.
The climax of the film is nothing short of bombastic, leaving viewers awestruck by the sheer audacity and power the atomic bomb wields. It delivers on its promise, providing an awe-inspiring scene that leaves a lasting impact on the audience.
However, this structure starts to lose its momentum as the film approaches its conclusion. Following the explosive and climactic scenes, the narrative shifts to explore the aftermath of the atomic bomb’s usage in World War II. It focuses on the political endeavors of Lewis Strauss (Robert Downey Jr.) and his attempts to undermine Oppenheimer’s reputation, casting him as a threat to national security. While gaining insights into these political developments and the lead-up to the Cold War is intriguing, the film spends a bit too much time on this aspect, delaying the audience’s satisfaction with the conclusion they deserve.
Unfortunately, this lingering focus on the aftermath weakens the film’s overall impact, as the weaker third act diminishes the otherwise strong and compelling story. While the film is undoubtedly captivating, the lasting impression it leaves may be diminished due to the drawn-out conclusion. It’s a shame that a minor flaw in the final act somewhat detracts from the otherwise powerful experience the movie provides.
With such an intense and complex narrative, crucial for conveying the intricacies of the Manhattan Project, it’s no surprise that the dialogue is equally dense to encompass the entirety of what’s at stake. Reminiscent of Aaron Sorkin’s style, the rapid pacing of the conversations undoubtedly keeps viewers captivated, but it can also become challenging to keep up with as the film unfolds. However, the film compensates for this by skillfully providing helpful context clues to its audience, avoiding the need for a more overtly spelled-out plot. These cues fill in essential information gaps that might otherwise be missed.
This complexity of this could lead to the need for second or third viewings to fully understand the depth of the story, though it may not be a desired approach for a general audience. Despite this potential challenge, the film’s gripping nature and artful delivery make it a compelling and thought-provoking experience.
With such a large spectacle at the heart of the film’s narrative, anticipation builds for the eventual detonation of the atomic bomb created during the Manhattan Project. True to his style, Nolan favors practical effects over computer-generated ones, leading to headlines suggesting that he was permitted to detonate a smaller version of the atomic bomb in the desert during filming. This commitment to practical effects pays off immensely in the film’s climax, as the stunning cinematography beautifully captures both the excitement of a successful project and the horror of the disastrous implications it carries.
Shot on 70mm film, Oppenheimer‘s breathtaking camerawork and visual effects will undoubtedly leave both invested and casual viewers in awe of its sheer grandiosity. The film’s impressive practical effects and masterful use of cinematography create a mesmerizing experience, adding to the sense of realism and intensity surrounding the story. The combination of practical effects and skilled visual storytelling elevates Oppenheimer to a level of cinematic brilliance that is sure to resonate with audiences long after the credits roll.
With a grand and expansive narrative to convey, Nolan seamlessly weaves together a multitude of themes and storylines, effortlessly delivering a cinematic experience that leaves no stone unturned. This meticulous approach ensures that the grandeur of the story is fully realized, though it may come at the expense of some ease of understanding and pacing challenges. Nevertheless, Oppenheimer is bound to captivate audiences with its explosive entrance into the summer box office, leaving a lasting impression that carries it through the upcoming Oscar season.
