Oppenheimer, the latest cinematic offering from acclaimed director Christopher Nolan, is a biopic that detonates with the force of an atomic bomb. This three-hour-long opus, centered around the life of J. Robert Oppenheimer, the father of the atomic bomb, is a drama masquerading as an action-thriller. Is that a good thing? We believe so.
The Man Behind the Bomb
Cillian Murphy delivers a blistering performance as Oppenheimer, a man propelled by duty to his country and a fear of what the Nazis could achieve with atomic weaponry. Despite Murphy’s stellar portrayal, one could argue that after three hours, we still don’t truly understand the man. Nolan seems more captivated by the editing, the score, and the A-list cameo performances than the essence of the man or the project.
The Manhattan Project: A Missed Opportunity?
As Nolan leaps between different time periods and pieces together decades of history, it feels like we’re being kept at a distance. What drives Oppenheimer? What makes this intriguing man so fascinating? These questions remain unanswered. Moreover, Nolan misses the chance to animate the inner workings of the Manhattan Project. We witness brilliant scientists in heated debates, but do we really see how the project evolved? How these men turned theory into practice and created the most dangerous weapon in human history?
Style Over Substance
Oppenheimer is a testament to Nolan’s ability to craft style over substance. Anyone labeling this film a masterpiece should revisit their opinion after a few weeks or months. Yet, there’s no denying that Nolan excels at style. Much of Oppenheimer is riveting, even though it’s essentially a drama about people talking and a couple of awkward sex scenes.
A Biopic Like No Other
Most biopics are dull, but Oppenheimer isn’t. Nolan defies convention and creates a biopic in the way he crafts all his movies: grand, momentous, and powerful. For the most part, he succeeds. Oppenheimer may not be a masterpiece, but Nolan deserves praise for what he has achieved. It’s a well-crafted and at times intense depiction of the creation of the atomic bomb. It’s more than explosive enough to warrant the price of admission.
So, is Oppenheimer worth your time? If you’re a fan of Nolan’s work, or if you’re intrigued by the man who fathered the atomic bomb, then this film is a must-see. Just be prepared for a long sit and a lot of talking. But remember, sometimes, the most powerful explosions are the ones that happen in the mind.