Oppenheimer is currently a blockbuster film with global earnings nearing $650 million. This achievement has also helped the film become a significant work reflecting the theme of World War II at the highest level in history. In Vietnam, just last weekend, the film debuted at number one with a revenue of approximately 13 billion VND – a figure that is not insignificant compared to the blockbuster film genre historically.
Director Christopher Nolan on the set of Oppenheimer.
The success of Oppenheimer is attributed to Christopher Nolan, a name that has become synonymous with the global film industry. He is currently one of the highest-paid directors, earning between $18 million to $20 million, excluding box office bonuses. Besides his role as a director, Nolan often takes on the role of producer. This ability allows the British director to frequently pocket between $50 million and $100 million for each project. Notably, The Dark Knight Rises (2012) helped him earn over $180 million in box office bonuses when it grossed over $1 billion worldwide.
Hollywood’s “Midas Touch”
Among the top directors, Christopher Nolan stands out as a unique figure in creating “box office guarantees” today. His films always have a distinct appeal, not relying on a specific brand or famous character to attract audiences. Every project of Nolan’s is embraced by film critics and the public from the moment it is announced.
In Oppenheimer, Christopher Nolan revisits the story of a character regarded as the “father of the atomic bomb.” The film focuses on the life of scientist J. Robert Oppenheimer, the directorial head of the Manhattan Project, who played a significant role in developing the powerful weapon that led to mass destruction.
Oppenheimer has grossed over $650 million globally despite its complex subject matter.
Many viewers initially questioned the film’s slow pace, but ultimately Oppenheimer has won over audiences. However, some of the reputation of Christopher Nolan, the well-known figure in the global film industry, still managed to draw audiences in. The film has also received critical acclaim, boasting an impressive score of 93% on Rotten Tomatoes. Oppenheimer is also considered a strong contender for the upcoming Academy Awards.
Christopher Nolan began his career with the independent film Following (1998), which was made on a modest budget of just $6,000. The film gained attention at international film festivals, resulting in a distribution deal and establishing Nolan’s reputation to attract investments and become a sought-after director by production companies. His second film, Memento (2000), truly catapulted him to fame. The film, which he wrote and directed, featured the acclaimed actor Guy Pearce. This project earned Nolan numerous prestigious awards, including an Academy Award and a Golden Globe nomination for Best Original Screenplay.
After several successful films, Nolan quickly built a reputable brand in the film industry with compelling storylines. His films often utilize nonlinear narratives, intertwining events that do not follow any chronological order. This approach creates unexpected twists for viewers, while also opening up various paths for the storyline, allowing audiences to choose their desired endings.
Nolan’s golden age began when he directed the Batman series for DC. His work was critically acclaimed, contributing to the growth of the superhero genre, which has dominated the box office for many years. Alongside this, he has also left his mark with numerous notable films such as Inception, Interstellar, and more recently Dunkirk and Tenet.
A unique aspect that contributes to Nolan’s captivating storytelling is the meticulousness in his storytelling craft. Although often focusing on rich creative themes like science fiction elements, Nolan’s films always create a strong sense of realism in production. The scientific details are built with great care, referencing expert opinions from top professionals in the field before being brought to the screen. Therefore, these works provide viewers with a unique experience, unlike those of ordinary entertainment films.
Hollywood’s Most Sought-After Director
The talent and fame have made Christopher Nolan one of the most sought-after directors in the world today. Accompanying that is the significant profit margins he earns, putting him on par with leading Hollywood stars. A common practice when working on Nolan’s films is that he retains complete creative control over his projects. This is also a responsibility he takes very seriously when developing the spirit of his films to the audience.
The comprehensive control he has over his film projects also helps Nolan maintain creative freedom in production. Recent projects by the British director have increasingly been elevated to a “blockbuster” level. In Oppenheimer, as the “director,” he decided to use practical effects instead of relying on CGI for the atomic bomb scenes. “We studied the physical and scientific principles of the Trinity test, and then recreated the event on a vast desert in New Mexico under the right weather conditions, facing numerous significant challenges,” the director said in an interview. This 10-minute scene required the crew several weeks to complete.
Christopher Nolan re-created the atomic bomb explosion scene without using CGI in Oppenheimer.
Previously, Nolan also surprised many professionals and audiences when he purchased a real Boeing 747 aircraft to shoot a scene of it crashing into a building and exploding. This decision not only focused on the economic aspect but also forced his team to work meticulously to execute the scene perfectly in one take. In Interstellar, the director also made headlines when he bought an entire plane to shoot a scene in a vast desert.
Despite not yet receiving an Oscar nomination for his directing, Christopher Nolan is still considered one of the most influential filmmakers in the global film industry. His films always attract significant audience interest. Christopher Nolan has cultivated a strong fan base, coining the phrase: “In Nolan we trust.” Ultimately, the British filmmaker has yet to disappoint his fans.
