There are many reasons why Oppenheimer ranks 3rd on IMDb’s list of the 10 most anticipated films of this summer.
This work marks the return of Christopher Nolan – a renowned director famous for his blockbuster hits like The Dark Knight (2008), Inception (2010), and Interstellar (2014).
The film belongs to the biographical drama genre, focusing on J. Robert Oppenheimer, the inventor of the atomic bomb. With a budget of $100 million and a star-studded cast, this production is expected to attract a wide audience.
A Portrait of Genius or “Killer of Millions”
Directed by Christopher Nolan, the screenplay is adapted from the biography American Prometheus (2005) by Kai Bird and Martin J. Sherwin. The main content revolves around Oppenheimer’s journey along with scientists involved in the Manhattan Project to create the atomic bomb during World War II.
The story begins in 1926 when Oppenheimer (Cillian Murphy) is still a graduate student at Cambridge University. The film then takes viewers through historical milestones, including the U.S. declaring war on Nazi Germany, the start of the Manhattan Project, and the dropping of atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, which dramatically altered the course of world history.
Besides the main plot, the film also reveals many details related to the background of the central character, from Oppenheimer being of Jewish descent to his relationship with his wife Katherine (Emily Blunt) and his romantic involvement with Jean Tatlock (Florence Pugh) – a member of the Communist Party.
Hollywood has previously produced numerous biographical films. However, Oppenheimer stands out, evoking comparisons to The Imitation Game (2014), as both films portray famous scientists who made significant contributions during the war.
Nonetheless, director Christopher Nolan maintains his distinctive style, challenging traditional storytelling methods. Instead of a linear narrative, he interweaves multiple timelines, enriching the storytelling experience. Many dark scenes are complemented by colorful visuals, continuously prompting viewers to “jump” from the past to the present and vice versa.
Throughout the film, the director aims to provide a more authentic perspective on Oppenheimer, a character surrounded by controversy in history. When the first two atomic bombs were detonated, he was celebrated in the U.S. as a brilliant scientist. However, in Japan, Oppenheimer is seen more as a “killer of millions,” the man responsible for the deaths of hundreds of thousands.
An Ensemble Cast that “Steals the Show”
Christopher Nolan continues to showcase his directorial talent with an impressive ensemble cast, each character played convincingly. Almost everyone captivates with a performance that feels entirely fresh.
Cillian Murphy shines in the role of Oppenheimer. In a film with numerous intense scenes, the Peaky Blinders star captivates the audience even without speaking. He skillfully employs facial expressions and eye movements to portray a character with deep internal struggles and frequent bouts of self-reflection.
According to the director, Cillian Murphy was the sole choice for the character, and their collaboration has resulted in a remarkable synergy throughout the project.
Other actors also deliver outstanding performances, even in limited screen time. Robert Downey Jr. completely sheds his Iron Man persona to convincingly portray a serious character, making it challenging to recognize him.
Florence Pugh, born in 1996 and known for Black Widow (2021), showcases her impressive talent in a complex role with depth. Emily Blunt also portrays a character who sacrifices much for Oppenheimer.
To highlight the exceptional performances, Christopher Nolan utilizes numerous close-up shots to capture the actors’ expressions. The director also knows how to harmonize visuals with music – composed by Ludwig Göransson – creating a stirring emotional rhythm that complements the cinematic grandeur.
A Must-See Film
Upon its release, Oppenheimer quickly garnered critical acclaim and audience admiration. The film achieved a “Fresh” rating on Rotten Tomatoes with 93% positive reviews from industry experts.
Its IMDb rating stands at 8.6/10, with many praises directed towards Christopher Nolan’s directorial skills, the performances of the cast, and the superb combination of visuals and music.
However, the film does have some shortcomings. The biographical and historical nature of the film can make it somewhat “difficult to digest.”
The dialogue can occasionally be confusing for the audience, especially those unfamiliar with the Manhattan Project. The pacing of the film is also quick, requiring viewers to focus closely to follow the narrative.
Moreover, the lengthy runtime of 180 minutes poses a challenge for those lacking patience.
Despite this, Oppenheimer remains a monumental work, showcasing the skill and vision of director Christopher Nolan. His achievement lies in telling a historical story from a unique perspective, unlike many other biographical films.
It is also a reason why numerous experts have predicted this film will be a strong contender during the upcoming awards season.
