"Oppenheimer": A Haunting Journey through the Life of the Father of the Atomic Bomb
Introduction:
"Oppenheimer," the mesmerizing film by Christopher Nolan about J. Robert Oppenheimer, the man known as the "father of the atomic bomb," compresses profound shifts in consciousness into three gripping hours. This drama delves into the genius, hubris, and both individual and collective mistakes of the enigmatic American theoretical physicist who contributed to the research and development of the atomic bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki during World War II – natural disasters that have shaped our human-dominated era.
Film Basis:
Based on the authoritative 2005 biography "American Prometheus: The Triumph and Tragedy of J. Robert Oppenheimer" by Kai Bird and Martin J. Sherwin, Nolan's film loosely borrows from the book as it surveys Oppenheimer's life, including his role in the Manhattan Engineer District, better known as the Manhattan Project. Serving as the director of the clandestine weapons laboratory built in the remote expanses of Los Alamos, New Mexico, not far from his own cabin, Oppenheimer and the most captivating scientific minds of that era grappled with harnessing nuclear reactions for weapons that would instantly kill tens of thousands of people, ultimately ending the Pacific War.
The Atomic Bomb's Legacy:
The creation of the atomic bomb and its consequences define Oppenheimer's legacy and shape this film. While Nolan delves deep into the bomb-making process, an awe-inspiring and terrifying endeavor, he refrains from showing the horror of death or cityscapes in ruins, an ethical decision. The horrors of the bombings, the immense suffering they caused, and the arms race that followed fill the film. "Oppenheimer" is a grand achievement in both formal and conceptual terms, fully immersive, and serves to honor the associated history.
Plot Summary:
The story tracks Oppenheimer, portrayed with intense brilliance by Cillian Murphy, over several decades, starting in the 1920s when he was a young adult and continuing through his graying years. The film touches on personal and professional milestones, including his work on the bomb, the ensuing controversies, near-destruction by anti-Communist attacks, as well as friendships and romances that both sustained and disturbed him. He engages in an affair with the politically provocative Jean Tatlock (passionately played by Florence Pugh) and later marries a seductive alcoholic, Kitty Harrison (Emily Blunt, subtly building her character), who accompanies him to Los Alamos, where she gives birth to their second child.
Film Structure and Style:
Nolan employs a complex, helical structure, weaving together multiple colored and high-contrast black-and-white segments to narrate Oppenheimer's story. The film weaves these segments into a double-helix DNA form, signifying his brilliance. It expertly explores the intellectual fervor of the era, full of scientific discourse and kinetic passion.
Technical Mastery and Ambitious Themes:
Nolan operates on a grand scale, thematically and technically. Collaborating with the remarkable cinematographer Hoyte van Hoytema, he shoots the film in 65mm format (projected in 70mm), creating a monumental cinematic impression. The film is both immersive and occasionally overwhelming, with its visual spectacle complementing a coherent narrative. However, at times, the film might feel like it gets too entangled in the trials of America's most famous physicist.
Conclusion:
"Oppenheimer" avoids glorifying war, including the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, by refraining from showing those events on screen. Instead, the film highlights Oppenheimer's inner turmoil through powerful sequences, leaving the audience pondering the consequences of his contributions to world-changing scientific discoveries and his role in the creation of mass destruction weapons. The film serves as a poignant reminder that humanity has now become the harbinger of its own destruction.