Decoding History: A Review of Christopher Nolan’s Biopic “Oppenheimer”
Christopher Nolan's R-rated epic
biographical thriller "Oppenheimer", which was released in
July, 2023, delves deep into the life of J. Robert Oppenheimer, the enigmatic
American physicist known as the "father of the atomic bomb." With
Cillian Murphy as 'Oppenheimer', the film takes audiences on a gripping journey
through Oppenheimer's pivotal role in the Manhattan Project, the clandestine
World War II mission that birthed the world's first nuclear weapons. Based on
Kai Bird and Martin J. Sherwin's "American Prometheus: The Triumph and
Tragedy of J. Robert Oppenheimer," Nolan meticulously crafts a
narrative that not only explores Oppenheimer's scientific genius but also
explores the moral and ethical dilemmas he faced. From his groundbreaking
studies to the tumultuous fallout of his 1954 security hearing,
"Oppenheimer" promises to be a compelling exploration of one man's
profound impact on history and the enduring complexities of his legacy.
Oppenheimer: The Plot and the Film
The film "Oppenheimer"
chronicles the life of J. Robert Oppenheimer, starting from his early days as a
doctoral student grappling with anxiety and homesickness in Cambridge to his
pivotal role in leading the Manhattan Project during World War II. As
Oppenheimer's career progresses, he navigates academic rivalries, personal
relationships, and moral dilemmas surrounding the development and use of the
atomic bomb. The narrative highlights his journey from academic struggles to
his eventual involvement in the successful Trinity test and the bombings of
Hiroshima and Nagasaki, which ultimately led to Japan's surrender and the end
of World War II.
A central conflict in the film
emerges between Oppenheimer and Lewis Strauss, portrayed excellently by Robert
Downey Jr. Strauss, the Chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission, harbors
resentment towards Oppenheimer and orchestrates a hearing to strip him of his
security clearance, effectively barring him from further nuclear research. This
pivotal sequence occurs in the third hour of the film, showcasing Oppenheimer's
fall from power after his significant contributions to the war effort.
Throughout the movie, flashback sequences provide essential context references,
while much of the story is narrated by Strauss, portrayed in black and white to
distinguish his perspective from Oppenheimer's, filmed in color. Director
Nolan's choice of visual distinction aids in clarifying the complex narrative,
making the film's structure both subtle and elucidating for viewers.
Yet, while watching the film, the
very moment that gripped my attention, halting my thoughts momentarily was when
Kitty Oppenheimer confronts her husband, expressing her raw emotions over his
actions and the consequences they've unleashed. She said "You don't get
to commit to sin and then ask all of us to feel sorry for you when there are
consequences" Her piercing words reflect a deep sense of betrayal and
frustration, as she grapples with the complexities of their relationship in the
wake of Oppenheimer's past decisions. This pivotal scene not only highlights
the tension between the couple but also prompts reflection on Oppenheimer's
legacy post-Manhattan Project. As he grapples with remorse and the weight of
his choices, viewers are compelled to reconsider his role and the moral
implications of his actions.
Character Justification in
"Oppenheimer"
1.
Cilian Murphy as J. Robert Oppenheimer: Cilian
Murphy delivers a phenomenal performance as the lead actor, portraying
Oppenheimer's boldness, intellect, and leadership on the project with
precision. His expressions effectively convey the tension and complexities of
the character, making the audience feel deeply engaged with the events
unfolding. Murphy's portrayal showcases Oppenheimer's smart thinking and
teaching style, adding depth to the character's persona.
2.
Robert Downey Jr. as Lewis Strauss: Robert
Downey Jr. brilliantly steps into the role of Lewis Strauss, displaying a
departure from his typical roles. While there are occasional reminders of his
iconic Iron Man character, Downey Jr. delivers a captivating performance,
conveying Strauss's resentment and ambition, portraying him as a formidable
adversary determined to undermine Oppenheimer's influence. His portrayal
highlights Strauss's manipulative tactics and moral ambiguity, adding depth to
the character and emphasizing the ideological conflict at the heart of the
story.
3.
Emily Blunt as Katherine "Kitty" Oppenheimer: Emily
Blunt delivers a strong performance as Katherine "Kitty" Oppenheimer,
portraying the role of a supportive wife and wise biologist. Her character
makes wise decisions at crucial moments and provides valuable support to
Oppenheimer throughout the film. Blunt's portrayal adds emotional depth to the
narrative, highlighting the importance of Katherine's role in Oppenheimer's
life and work.
4.
Matt Damon as General Leslie : Matt Damon
delivers an impressive performance as the general, showcasing a range of
emotions including greed, courage, and doubt. His portrayal adds depth to the
character and enhances the tension of post-bombing scenes. Damon's expressions
effectively convey the character's internal struggles, making his performance
memorable and impactful.
5.
Rami Malek as David L. Hill: Rami Malek plays an
important role in the film, bringing depth and precision to his character's
portrayal. Despite limited screen time, Malek's performance leaves a lasting
impression, as he skillfully changes the dynamics of the scenario with his
presence. His delivery of dialogue is precise and captivating, adding intrigue
to his character's interactions and contributions to the storyline.
6.
Supporting Casts: All the other supporting
cast of "Oppenheimer" complements the central performances,
contributing to the overall authenticity and depth of the film. Each actor
inhabits their role with conviction, whether portraying fellow scientists,
government officials, or personal acquaintances of Oppenheimer. Their
interactions with the central characters add layers to the narrative,
reflecting the complexities of Oppenheimer's relationships and the broader
historical context in which the story unfolds.
In short, all the casts of "Oppenheimer",
through their nuanced portrayals, contribute to the film's success in capturing
the essence of this pivotal moment in history and the individuals who shaped
it.
Technicalities of the Film
"Oppenheimer"
Direction and Cinematography
Christopher Nolan's direction in "Oppenheimer"
showcases his mastery of visual storytelling. The film's cinematography, often
presented in IMAX, captures the grandeur and intimacy of the story. Nolan
utilizes a mix of subjective and objective perspectives, with color and
black-and-white sequences distinguishing between different points of view. This
creates a visually dynamic experience that enhances the narrative's complexity
and depth.
Editing and Structure
The editing of "Oppenheimer"
is meticulous, with seamless transitions between past and present events
through flashback sequences. This structure provides essential context
references while maintaining the film's pacing and momentum. Nolan's use of
nonlinear storytelling adds layers to the narrative, allowing viewers to piece
together Oppenheimer's journey and the broader historical context in which it
unfolds.
Sound Design and Score
The sound design of "Oppenheimer"
immerses viewers in the world of the Manhattan Project, from the bustling
laboratories to the ominous rumblings of impending nuclear warfare. Actually,
Ludwig Goransson has brought soul to the film through his music. Hans Zimmer's
score also complements the visuals, heightening the emotional impact of key
moments and underscoring Oppenheimer's internal struggles. The combination of
sound and music creates a visceral and evocative cinematic experience.
Production Design and Visual Effects
The production design of "Oppenheimer"
recreates the era with meticulous attention to detail, from the laboratories of
Los Alamos to the wartime landscapes of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Practical
effects and digital enhancements seamlessly blend to bring historical events to
life, while surreal imagery adds a layer of visual metaphor to Oppenheimer's
internal conflicts and moral dilemmas.
Costume Design and Makeup
The costume design of "Oppenheimer"
reflects the period setting, with characters dressed in authentic attire that
captures the fashion of the 1920s through the 1960s. Makeup is used to age
characters over the course of the film, subtly conveying the passage of time
and the toll of Oppenheimer's experiences.
As a whole, the technical aspects of
"Oppenheimer" contribute to its immersive storytelling,
enhancing the narrative's emotional resonance and thematic depth. Through
meticulous attention to detail and innovative techniques, Christopher Nolan
crafts a cinematic experience that is both visually stunning and intellectually
engaging.
Nolan’s Success as the Director of
“Oppenheimer”
Christopher Nolan demonstrates his
mastery of technical experimentation and visual storytelling in
"Oppenheimer," particularly through his use of subjective and
objective perspectives showcased in both color and black-and-white sequences,
presented on the immersive medium of IMAX. His innovative approach to depicting
Oppenheimer's story elevates the biopic genre, proving that even
dialogue-driven narratives can be riveting through adept use of film language.
Beyond his technical prowess,
Nolan's direction ensures that "Oppenheimer" maintains his signature
cinematic style, infusing the biographical narrative with elements of
espionage, surreal imagery, and special effects. Despite the film's focus on
historical events and personal dramas, Nolan's artistic flair shines through,
making "Oppenheimer" not just a biography, but a quintessential
"Christopher Nolan Movie" that captivates audiences with its depth
and complexity.
What Nolan couldn't do through “Oppenheimer”?
Despite all the praises received
from around the world, “Oppenheimer” does not escape scrutiny, with both
the film and Nolan himself facing criticism for certain aspects. According to
some critics, the film omits the crucial contributions of non-Americans that
ensured the work was able to commence as early as December 1941. Brett Mason
complained that "Nolan completely ignores the crucial role that British
science and Australian physicist Mark Oliphant played in jump-starting the
quest."
According to some other, “Oppenheimer”
showcases ambition and captivates with numerous brilliant moments. However,
these instances fail to coalesce into a cohesive narrative or perspective.
Despite exploring global and cosmic themes, it ultimately feels confined,
lacking a visionary exploration of deeper meanings behind science or politics.
Another drawback that we feel is, in
the film, excessive screen time is devoted to portraying Oppenheimer's romantic
and sexual relationships, often depicting women as irrational, overly dramatic,
mentally unstable, or unable to comprehend and accept the challenges he faced.
Even the few female characters who are not romantically involved with
Oppenheimer, such as those on his team at Los Alamos, are given minimal
dialogue and are used to present viewpoints and arguments that are portrayed as
naive or oversimplified in comparison to the weightier and more complex issues
faced by the protagonist.
However, notwithstanding the criticisms, the role-playing and technical aspects of the film are undeniably impressive, and we hope that Nolan will rise to the pinnacle of acclaim with his new masterpieces in coming days.
Archana Gita Saikia