Oppenheimer - Review

"Amateurs seek the sun. Get eaten. Power stays in the shadows" – A review of Oppenheimer. 

2023 was the year of Barbenheimer. People double billed Barbie and Oppenheimer, two of the biggest films of the year, both with very different themes and tones. I must admit, I really enjoyed both – but Oppenheimer stands as an absolutely incredible piece of cinema.

Oppenheimer is a biographical drama directed by Christopher Nolan. The film follows the life of J. Robert Oppenheimer, the theoretical physicist often referred to as the “father of the atomic bomb” and chronicles his involvement in the Manhattan Project during the Second World War.

The film combines Oppenheimer's early academic pursuits, his leadership role in the Manhattan Project at Los Alamos, and the political fallout he faces after the war – imagine being the person responsible for such a horrific weapon. You see scientific breakthroughs, bureaucracy, personal relationships and ethical dilemmas, keeping the plot tense throughout, right up to the deployment of the atom bomb. Whilst not an easy watch, this is an incredible, moving depiction of science, politics and tragedy.

Historically, Oppenheimer is quite faithful to the events that unfolded. The film tells the story of the political, social and scientific climate of the time, the sheer urgency of The Manhattan Project, and of course the moral and ethical debates surrounding the use of nuclear weapons. Whilst there are of course changes made for dramatic effect, this is a largely accurate adaption of history, with the film drawing from sources such as the biography “American Prometheus” by Kai Bird and Martin J. Sherwin.

The performances throughout this film are incredible. Cillian Murphy delivers a nuanced and compelling performance as J. Robert Oppenheimer, capturing both the brilliance and inner turmoil of the physicist. His portrayal is emotional and authentic, adding so much depth to an already heavy story. Emily Blunt, as Kitty Oppenheimer, brings complexity to her role, and you can't help but feel for her as she is torn between loyalty and frustration. Robert Downey Jr. is amazing as Lewis Strauss, delivering what I think is one of his most transformative performances, while Matt Damon, Florence Pugh, and the supporting cast contribute so much to the emotional impact of the film.

The tone of Oppenheimer is what you'd expect - melancholic and contemplative, fitting considering what it's about. Nolan's direction creates an atmosphere of mounting tension, existential dread, and moral dilemmas. The pacing is deliberate, allowing you to absorb the sheer scale of Oppenheimer's achievements and the profound, devastating consequences of his actions.

Unsurprisingly, Oppenheimer won several Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director for Christopher Nolan, and Best Actor for Cillian Murphy. It also received BAFTA awards for Best Film and Best Cinematography, among others. These awards are so well deserved – this is one of the best films of recent years, if not of all time.

Oppenheimer really stands as a thoughtful exploration of one of the twentieth century's most consequential figures and the events he contributed to. Through its meticulous plot, outstanding performances and evocative tone, this is a film that examines the consequences of science and human ambition. If you enjoy a morally complex, historic story, this one is a true must watch.

 Written by Tam Page

Posted by Mr. Tomney

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