THE FOLLOWING REVIEW CONTAINS SPOILERS OF THE DISCUSSED FILM. READERS DISCRETION IS ADVISED.
The best thing about Christopher Nolan is that each of films grew to be events to behold upon release. It doesn’t surprise me that even likes of Oppenheimer would become one as well.
PLOT
Based on the novel American Prometheus, the film follows the life of theoretical physicist Julius Robert Oppenheimer. In 1926, he studied at Cambridge’s Cavendish Laboratory. When meeting fellow scientist Niels Bohr, the latter would be so impressed of his intellect that he would recommend him to study theoretical physics in Germany. It is there he would complete his PhD. Upon returning to the USA, he would expand his research of quantum physics as a professor, teaching both at the California Institute of Technology and University of California, Berkeley. Although he would have an affair with communist Jean Tatlock, he would settle down with Katherine Puening, having two children with her. In 1938, he would feel driven to replicate Germany’s results of nuclear fission research. In 1942, he would be recruited by US Army General Leslie Groves to lead the ‘Manhattan Project’, developing nuclear weapons. Besides having no sympathy towards communists, Robert is more driven to take part of the project upon learning fellow physicist Werner Heisenberg would head Germany’s own nuclear weapons program. Within over two years of working on an atomic bomb with a team of scientists and physicists, Robert would feel devastated upon hearing Jean took her own life after the last time he saw her. Nevertheless, he kept working until completing the atomic bomb. By the time Germany surrenders, it would be decided by President Harry S Truman to drop the bomb on both Hiroshima and Nagasaki, to end the Pacific War. Robert would show worry of this test with fellow physicist Albert Einstein, due to the small possibility of detonation triggering an atmospheric chain reaction capable of destroying the world. The Trinity test that took place on 7/16/45 would be a success as that reaction did not happen as theorized. With a success at hand, the bombs would be taken to Hiroshima and Nagasaki as ordered. Although Robert is praised for ending the war, he and the team would be disgusted over the fatalities they’re responsible for. He would urge the president to restrict further development on nuclear weapons, only for him to dismiss. Now acting as an advisor to the US Atomic Energy Commission, he’d continue advocating against any kind of project involving nuclear research, which would include one of a hydrogen bomb proposed by Edward Teller, a physicist who was part of the Manhattan Project. AEC Chairman Lewis Strauss would resent him for dismissing his concerns of exporting radioisotopes, only to humiliate him for later sell to foreign nations. This would trigger him to conspire against the physicist by conspiring a hearing against him. Despite Kitty and other allies testifying in Robert’s defense, the likes of Teller would be enough to revoke his security clearance by exploiting his past associations with the Communist Party. However during a senate confirmation hearing for Secretary of Commerce, physicist David L Hill testified against Strauss for his personal motives in engineering Robert’s downfall. This would inspire the US Senate to vote against Strauss’ nomination. The film would end in a flashback, showing the last conversation Albert had with Robert before the latter’s hearing: Although Strauss mistakenly believed Albert to be denigrated, but was in fact shook upon Robert’s claim that the atomic bomb has already destroyed the world as we know it because it will eventually inspire a nuclear holocaust. THOUGHTS
Nolan's films have grown to be events themselves because each one becomes their own experience. And this one is no exception because it's the kind you never thought you'd witness. He makes every second matter, thus sparking a visceral kind of viewing experience to say the least. Ludwig Göransson arguably gave his best score for this movie for putting us through this feeling of fear, which works because we're witnessing an era where everyone was on edge. What I appreciated a lot of Hoyte van Hoytema's cinematography and Jennifer Lame's editing is how the visible raindrops reflected the bomb. Not any of us would anticipate seeing a recreation of the Trinity test, but we do appreciate such glory that was made thanks to the practical effects done with the combined use of gasoline, propane, aluminum powder and magnesium. Considering how this movie was mostly focused on the cultural impact made by this weapon, many would mistake this to be propaganda of past success at war. To be correct, this does not feel like such because to me, we were witnessing the consequences of making something beyond comprehension. It's more of a cautionary tale of giving too much unchecked power to ourselves and accepting the end results for the rest of our lives. This feels true to me because after seeing the infamous detonation, my hand was shaking the entire third hour, digesting the physical/mental impact it had on people. With such an intriguing lead, every moment for us has us understand maybe we have more power than we think. Cillian Murphy has worked with Nolan on many occasions, but it's through the lenses of Oppenheimer where he gives his all in comparison. He brings him to life and communicates to us on how complicated of a figure he was. He was an intelligent man that became guilty with his own creation and had to go through the backlash that came with it. It doesn't matter if we feel bad for him, but what really does is knowing what he was going through amidst it all. His original goal was to be ahead of the enemy, only for him to surpass his expectations. And by the time his weapon was put to use, the guilt would kick in. His scene involving Gary Oldman as the grim Harry S Truman is very haunting to witness because it reflects how no one will completely understand what was done with that weapon except him. Once he went through the hearing, you would feel such pity for it to ensue since you accept he doesn't deserve such attention after what he provided for his country. The pity would only worsen when noticing he was supposably honored with the Enrico Fermi award a year after Teller won first because it only further shows some people will never have proper appreciation. In the end of it all, the damage is done and he knew it before anyone else. His realization that the world is ending as he spoke is a deafening statement because it is only a matter of time for nuclear warfare to affect us all. While he was a busy man who would do the unthinkable, there were still people in his life that affected him. Emily Blunt made a personal impact when playing Kitty as one who had her issues, but never changed how loyal she was to who she loved. She was one who struggled to be happy on her own since Robert was tasking such a duty and was already heartbroken of his infidelity. Nevertheless, she stood by his side because she understood he doesn't deserve to be defined by his mistakes. She was arguably more vocal than anyone when knowing the trial wronged him because he sacrificed so much time to do what was thought to be necessary. I found it poignant for her to not shake Teller's hand because it was too obvious that his respect has been lost. Florence Pugh blew me away because she got my attention more than I was anticipating. She was extremely intense because her beliefs made it harder for her to be happy and it was visible to it when she tried to find it with Robert. It was almost as if she was meant to live tragically because she wasn't able to find a path for peace. Whether or not foul play was involved in her death, what does matter is that she lives on in Robert's work as the Trinity test was named after her. Robert's love for her may have not matched what he had for Kitty, but the respect is all the same for their impact they put in his life. Of all surprises, I was very delighted of David Krumholtz as Isidor Isaac Rabi. He was special to the story because he was more of being a moral center, thus being a good friend in general. And in a world Robert was living in, it's hard to maintain such people around. On top of that, I was even largely impressed with Josh Hartnett as Ernest Lawrence. He was an epitome of being a neutral figure because he wasn't a friend to Robert per se but didn't ever want him to cross the line politically. He was against him starting a union and ended his relationship with the Communist Party because he knew it would damage his career. They weren't close, yet close enough to have noticeable respect towards each other. Kenneth Branagh had his own significance to the story as Niels Bohr because he was the one who inspired Robert to do what he would do. He did it because he felt it was going to make a positive change to the world. He urged him not to do it because even he knew the stakes were too high. Had he not stuck himself out there, who knows how different it would be now. Of all the people that were bound to be memorable, you can't go wrong with Matt Damon as he always took command here as Leslie Groves. He straight up encapsulates any army general because he's a man blunt and focused with what has to be done, whatever he's tasked to do. He always treads carefully because losing resources is the last thing he wants to do. He was on the right in having his back because even he is able to appreciate what he is able to do. Maybe the bomb wasn't the best thing to ever be made, but he knows it sets in stone that anybody can make a difference. Of all the historical figures I was not expecting to see during this gigantic story, Albert Einstein was the biggest name to expect the least. Tom Conti made it all count in being the blueprint in Robert's life, properly telling him how reality will play out for him because each of them are one of a kind since their minds do not think alike, thus making them great friends. His frown upon reacting to Robert's claim the world has already ended is accurate because at that point, there is nothing that can undo this and he accepted it. Since Oppenheimer was living in the political world, he was bound to make many enemies. The only surprise was knowing how many he'd make. If you were to ask me Robert Downey Jr would give his best performance as Lewis Strauss, I'd believe you because I've always known he's had range outside of his tenure as Iron Man. Strauss was captivating throughout because he has us thinking he's rolling with the circumstances, only to realize how paranoid and cunning he is deep down. He unleashes such venom whenever he acknowledges his dislike towards Oppenheimer, convinced the other started the rivalry when it was the other way around. The pettiness felt uncanny to see him start a chain reaction that should've not happened. It only gets crazier to see other people believe he's right. And it's easy to hate on Dane DeHaan as Kenneth Nichols because he refuses to understand Oppenheimer's perspective, thus being easy for him to side with Strauss. On top of that, Jason Clarke was so intimidating as attorney Roger Robb when doing his job in interrogating Oppenheimer at the hearing. With all the facts he has, it's easy for him too to think the man is guilty. Of course, Robert would never have gone through such a loss on his clearance had it not been for one particular traitor. Benny Safdie caught our eyes because he was a guy who wanted to broaden the horizons with his knowledge. This would backfire as he would become volatile and horrendously obsessed with making stronger weapons. Because Oppenheimer wasn't on his side, it was easy for him to go against him in the hearing. It was disgusting to see him do so because we knew Robert had his back during the Manhattan Project. And again, it's only disgusting for him to get the Fermi award because his contribution doesn't have the same depth compared to what Robert went through. So if Kitty had the chance to spit on his face, I would've cheered that on. Luckily for Oppenheimer, he had an unlikely ally he never knew he had. Rami Malek surprised us in being almost a chameleon to the story, only to make David L Hill prove to be essential because he was observant to it all. He gives the voice needed to go against Strauss and prove he wasn't the one to deserve any more power, becoming an unsung hero in the process. If there were more people like him, it'd be unlikely for Robert to ever go through such scrutiny. This film will instantly defines the 2020s for every bit of emotional impact it stands for and despite applauding the film for that, there were things I didn't think I would ever question about until re-watching. For instance, why would Robert ever want to poison his professor with an apple? Since the school actually found out, I'm surprised they didn't show how he avoided probation. I really don't want to be nit picky here, but how does Haakon Chevalier not know stars can die? You do not need to be as smart as Oppenheimer to know that. The only continuity error I can actually call out has to be how they choose to make their own version of the 9/1/39 edition of San Francisco Chronicle rather than recreate the original one. And why the hell would anyone want to bring a knife to open the bomb from the plastic it was covered in? The fact someone had it at the ready felt like they were begging it to go off on accident. Ignore these issues, then you'll appreciate all the magnificence this movie is all about. In conclusion, Oppenheimer is the best film of 2023 for being necessarily informative to a period of time you would never expect to live through. Whether or not you are a fan of Nolan's filmography or one who respects history, this movie is meant to be seen by everyone.
If you or someone you know is struggling with depression or thoughts of suicide, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.
Comments