Oppenheimer is a 2023 biographical drama film directed by Christopher Nolan and written by Nolan and the late David Kajganich. Based on the 2005 book American Prometheus: The Triumph and Tragedy of J. Robert Oppenheimer by Kai Bird and Martin J. Sherwin, the film stars Cillian Murphy as J. Robert Oppenheimer, the theoretical physicist who led the Manhattan Project to develop the atomic bomb during World War II. The film also stars Emily Blunt, Matt Damon, Robert Downey Jr., Florence Pugh, Benny Safdie, Josh Hartnett, Dane DeHaan, Jack Quaid, and Rami Malek. For Hollywood movie updates visit movies flix.
Oppenheimer premiered at Le Grand Rex in Paris on July 11, 2023, and was theatrically released in the United States and the United Kingdom on July 21, 2023, by Universal Pictures. The film has grossed over $252 million worldwide and received critical acclaim, with particular praise for its cast, screenplay, and visuals.
The Making of the Film
Christopher Nolan has been developing a film about J. Robert Oppenheimer for several years. He was first interested in the project after reading American Prometheus: The Triumph and Tragedy of J. Robert Oppenheimer. Nolan was drawn to the story of Oppenheimer because he saw it as a cautionary tale about the dangers of science and technology.
Nolan began writing the screenplay for Oppenheimer in 2018. He worked closely with the late David Kajganich, who co-wrote the screenplay. Kajganich was a historian and author who had written several books about World War II. He brought a deep understanding of the historical period to the project.
Nolan and Kajganich wanted to make a film that was both historically accurate and emotionally resonant. They spent several years researching the life of J. Robert Oppenheimer. They also interviewed several people who knew Oppenheimer, including his daughter, Katherine Oppenheimer.
The film was shot in the United Kingdom and the United States. Nolan used a combination of IMAX 65 mm and 65 mm large-format film, including, for the first time in history, sections in IMAX black-and-white film photography. As with his previous works, Nolan used extensive practical effects and minimal computer-generated imagery.
The Cast
The cast of Oppenheimer is one of the most impressive in recent memory. Cillian Murphy stars as J. Robert Oppenheimer. Murphy is a highly respected actor who has starred in films such as Inception, The Dark Knight Trilogy, and The Winding Serpent. He brings a quiet intensity to the role of Oppenheimer.
Emily Blunt co-stars as Katherine Oppenheimer, Oppenheimer’s wife. Blunt is a versatile actress who has starred in films such as The Devil Wears Prada, Edge of Tomorrow, and A Quiet Place. She brings warmth and intelligence to the role of Katherine Oppenheimer.
The supporting cast is also excellent. Matt Damon stars as General Leslie Groves, the military leader of the Manhattan Project. Robert Downey Jr. stars as Lewis Strauss, the chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission. Florence Pugh stars as Jean Tatlock, a communist who was involved with Oppenheimer. Benny Safdie stars as Edward Teller, a Hungarian-American physicist who was a key figure in the development of the hydrogen bomb. Josh Hartnett stars as Ernest Lawrence, a Nobel Prize-winning physicist who was a leading figure in the Manhattan Project. Dane DeHaan stars as William L. Laurence, a journalist who covered the Manhattan Project for The New York Times. Jack Quaid stars as Frank Oppenheimer, Oppenheimer’s brother. Rami Malek stars as Klaus Fuchs, a German-born physicist who was a spy for the Soviet Union.
The Reception
Oppenheimer has been met with critical acclaim. The film has a 93% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, based on 360 reviews. The film has also been praised by critics for its acting, screenplay, and visuals.
The Legacy
Oppenheimer is a powerful and timely film. It is a film that explores the dangers of science and technology, and the moral responsibility of scientists. The film is also a reminder of the importance of history, and the need to learn from the past.
Oppenheimer is sure to be a classic film that will be discussed and debated for years to come. It is a film that is both entertaining and thought-provoking, and it is sure to leave a lasting impression.
I highly recommend Oppenheimer to anyone who is interested in history, science, or the atomic bomb. It is a film that is sure to entertain and leave a lasting impression.
Jay Patel
Drawing from his NYU film education and ten years in criticism, Jay Patel delivers nuanced perspectives on modern cinema. His reviews blend academic rigor with accessible insights. A verified Critics' Choice Association member, his work features in distinguished media outlets.
