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REVIEW
July 14, 2023
Oppenheimer
By: Syahmi Zulqarnain “Oppenheimer” skilfully weaves together various aspects of Dr. Oppenheimer's life, from his early days as a student to his postwar difficulties, telling a compelling story of the man behind the atomic bomb.
Story: Based on the 2005 biography American Prometheus by Kai Bird and Martin J. Sherwin, the film chronicles the life of J. Robert Oppenheimer, a theoretical physicist who was pivotal in developing the first nuclear weapons as part of the Manhattan Project, and thereby ushering in the Atomic Age.
Length: The documentary-drama film has a runtime of 3 hours.
Cast: The film is directed by Christopher Nolan, who also writes for the film.
The film stars Cillian Murphy as J. Robert Oppenheimer, Emily Blunt as Kitty Oppenheimer, Robert Downey Jr. as Lewis Strauss, Alden Ehrenreich as Senate Aide, Scott Grimes as Counsel, and Jason Clarke as Roger Robb, among others.
Review: The movie skilfully weaves through Oppenheimer's story, portraying him at various stages, from a dedicated student to a prominent theoretical physicist. Cillian Murphy's stellar portrayal brings out the eccentricities and brilliance of Oppenheimer, who is tormented by visions of the cosmos and driven by an insatiable thirst for knowledge.
At the core of the narrative is the Manhattan Project, a monumental undertaking to create the first atomic bomb. Oppenheimer's realization of the potential for nuclear weapons propels the United States into a high-stakes race, striving to outpace rival scientists, including a Nazi counterpart.
As the director of the Manhattan Project, Oppenheimer establishes Los Alamos, a new community in New Mexico that becomes the centre of his operations. Under the command of Lt. Gen. Leslie Groves, portrayed by Matt Damon, the film deftly explores the dynamic between the intelligent, normal man and the enigmatic genius. Realistic tension is built between the two that does pay off later in the film.
The film not only delves into the scientific aspects but also sheds light on Oppenheimer's personal life, including his close relationships with friends and family. Emily Blunt portrays Oppenheimer's wife, Kitty, whose presence adds depth and emotional resonance to the story. Despite the scope of the story and film's long runtime, such personal moments do feel appropriate and add on to the overall plot of the film, without feeling too exhaustive.
Christopher Nolan's masterful direction interweaves colour and black-and-white visuals, contributing to a visually stunning cinematic experience. A standout moment in the film is Nolan's depiction of the first atomic bomb detonation, which showcases the sheer brilliance of the director's artistry. The sequence is mesmerizing, reflecting the moral complexities and implications of this pivotal moment in history.
Additionally, "Oppenheimer" features an ensemble cast, with Robert Downey Jr., Alden Ehrenreich, Scott Grimes, and Jason Clarke, among others, delivering compelling performances that enhance the film's narrative.
"Oppenheimer" stands as a testament to Christopher Nolan's ability to transform intellectual subject matter into an emotionally captivating cinematic journey. The film provides a captivating look into the life of a visionary scientist, illuminating the human side of his achievements and the far-reaching consequences of his groundbreaking work.
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