Oppenheimer is the latest film of the acclaimed director Christopher Nolan which tells the tale of the titular Julius Robert Oppenheimer, the father of the atomic bomb and main mind behind the Manhattan Project. This is somewhat of a return to form for Nolan, who after his last film Tenet, received a blunder of mixed opinions which, I thought, was one of his weakest ventures.
Viewers like me may have simply come to associate a Christopher Nolan film with Michael Cain (or someone equally as dry), spouting some abstract expositional science like a university lecturer which is usually followed up by a big set-piece explosion. In other words, it usually ends up being some ‘timey wimey mumbo jumbo with something going boom in the end’.
But Oppenheimer luckily does not suffer the same fate. Nolan has finally decided to make a film that goes back to focusing on exploring a great story and the psyche of a man who changed the world as we know it.
But of course, there is still an explosion. It’s a movie about a bomb after all.
Cillian Murphy stars as the troubled Dr Oppenheimer and he truly carries the superbly written film. His frail-looking physique paired with the frequent close-ups really captures the wiring mind of a genius carrying the weight of humanity’s future and wrestling with the possible consequences of his innovation, but to contrast the attitude only snark and wit that comes out of his mouth.
#Oppenheimer is now playing in theaters. Get tickets now to see Cillian Murphy, Emily Blunt, Matt Damon, Robert Downey Jr., & Florence Pugh on the largest screen possible. pic.twitter.com/2OEqAcm5y9
— Oppenheimer (@OppenheimerFilm) July 21, 2023
Joining him is the film’s profound cast including Florence Pugh, Emily Blunt, and Robert Downey Jr., who all shone providing a performance that replicated the stresses of their nonpareil situation expertly.
Despite its long runtime, the film felt fairly fast-paced, yet slowed down when it needed it which benefitted the film’s unique structure which splits between time periods, jumping between figures distinctly recounting events. Ultimately this structure really helped keep me engaged.
In my opinion, it fell short in one area – investigating morality and ethical quandaries. It failed to answer questions about these principles alongside the consequences of nuclear weapons and the hubris of mankind’s thirst for innovation.
It does of course explore this and when it does it is fascinating, but I felt simply it did not explore it enough and instead focused on Oppenheimer’s political and personal drama which, though interesting, leads me to want more exploration into the philosophical questions this film poses above all else.
Overall, Oppenheimer is definitely a worthwhile cinema experience with incredible performances all around. Its eye-capturing visuals and non-linear structure really do keep you engaged, particularly when experiencing it in Imax on 70mm print. I just think it simply lacks something special to really take it to the next level.
A laser that can blow planets up maybe?
Verdict – 4/5
