Christopher Nolan Tackles The Story Of The Atomic Bomb With Oppenheimer

Christopher Nolan’s new film has taken over pop culture alongside its opening day companion Barbie. The three hour long Oppenheimer is a biopic about J. Robert Oppenheimer, father of the atomic bomb. It follows the physicist from his early career in teaching all the way through to post-World War II investigations. Played by Cillian Murphy, the famous scientist was the directorof the Manhattan Project’s Los Alamos Laboratory that is credited for creating the atomic bomb. 

As one can expect, this film leans heavily into science, physics, and mathematics. Despite all of the technical terminology, audiences are still able to understand the events of the movie. Without framing Oppenheimer as a sort of mad scientist, the film delves into the reasoning and justification behind creating such a deadly weapon. Many people may assume that in creating a weapon of this nature that the scientists behind were in full support of its use against enemy countries or citizens, but the film also depicts Oppenheimer’s moral ambiguity around the creation and use of the bomb.

The movie sucks you in the immediately, with close up shots of the scientist that almost look 3D in the way the visuals are manipulated. Sound quality is often overlooked in films, but Nolan definitely prioritized that in Oppenheimer. Not only was the use of sound and score incredible, but he knew when to pull back and allow the silence to frame the visuals. He also didn’t rely on the explosives and action of the violent weapon to carry interest throughout the film. 

This film was set up for success from the beginning with a director like Christopher Nolan and an incredible cast featuring Cillian Murphy, Emily Blunt, Robert Downey Jr., Alden Ehrenreich, Matt Damon, Tony Goldwyn, Alex Wolff, Florence Pugh, Josh Peck, and Rami Malek, to name a few. Oppenheimer is definitely a strong contender for this year’s Oscars and a must watch!

Oppenheimer is in theaters now.