A separate biopic of Christopher Nolan
During his career, Christopher Nolan he has never ceased to surprise by experimenting with different genres. We mention among others The dark Knight (2008), a unique superhero movie closer to the whodunnit. But also Dunkirk (2017), an atypically treated war film set on land, sea and in the air. Or his spy thriller principle (2020) and its fascinating transition to science fiction. With Oppenheimerthe director captures this moment of the biopic which he approaches in his own way.
Its subject is Julius Robert Oppenheimer (1904-1967)a physicist known for his involvement during World War II in the creation of the atomic bomb. A historical figure (already mentioned in principle) which, with Nolan, becomes the subject of a truly monstrous work A 100 million dollar blockbuster that is hard to catalog.
Is it a drama, a war film, a thriller or even a horror film? Oppenheimer it’s all at once. And Christopher Nolan questions both the individual Oppenheimer and humanity in general, redefining his own cinema. Because if until now the filmmaker was little interested in his characters, generally making them only tools to carry out his work, he finds in Oppenheimer his more complex character.
Oppenheimer, complex and ambivalent figure
The film begins in 1954 during an interrogation aimed at discrediting Julius Robert Oppenheimer have your authorization revoked. Yet nicknamed “the father of the atomic bomb”he later became an opponent of the weapon, out of concern for a chain reaction it could cause the destruction of the world. The war comes to an end after the bombing ofHiroshima and Nagasaki (August 6 and 9, 1945), the Cold War began the nuclear arms race – topic still so important in our time.
From that moment on, the Russians, America’s allies during the war, became enemies. Communism was synonymous with danger and so McCarthyism went after its sympathizers. By dealing extensively with these elements and not limiting himself to the creation of the atomic bomb, Christopher Nolan shows himself extremely political in his gesture. The director rarely seemed to take sides such a critical eye towards authorities and governments.
It is then through this testimony of Oppenheimer that his trajectory is presented to us, starting from his studies in England. Since then, Christopher Nolan has persisted don’t make him a hero or an exceptional genius. He’s not the best. And during the development of the atomic bomb we will see the importance of the scientists around him (promotion of the collective).
It is interesting to note in this regard the choice of the cast. Even to make a historical character appear for a scene or two, the director opts for familiar faces (at least spectators), conspicuous enough to immediate impact on the image. Whether it’s Oppenheimer’s collaborators or his critics.
Senses in turmoil
During three hours (during which you don’t get bored)Christopher Nolan says so this fascinating story. Moving from one era to another, he relies on the viewer to put the pieces back together without giving up on him. The experience then comes from the energetic editing it gives the sensation of perpetual motion as history is speeding before our eyes.
Nolan multiplies the dialogues without ever drowning us in scientific concepts. Instead, the director shoots and edits these sequences in the style of captivating action scenes. The omnipresence of music, signed Ludwig Goransson (principle), contributes even more to create this heavy climate it’s at literally crush the viewer. A way for Christopher Nolan to have a more sensory approach than ever and to represent war without actually showing it.
Already with insomnia (2002) played on sensations with this cop (Al Pacino) unable to sleep due to the constant Alaskan light. In principlethe director told his hero (and the audience) not to try to understand, but to feel. Nolan pushes the experience of the senses even further with Oppenheimer. In particular from flashes illustrating physical phenomena – such as electric currents, a proton reaction or a fusion phenomenon.
Huge Cillian Murphy
The feeling of chaos is then palpable with these inserts that dive inside Oppenheimer’s Tortured Mind. But Nolan also underlines the evolution of him. A romantic moment (with the character of Florence Pugh), will become increasingly pragmatic and cold while his goal becomes clearer, once passed from theory to action. Almost dehumanized at times, without reaction, before becoming aware of the big problem behind this weapon: the risk of setting fire to the atmosphere and destroying the world.
Death, he will face it in a concrete way. With the loss of a loved one, before being relieved by his wife who will have for him this sentence that sums up the character so well: “You cannot be a sinner and be pitied at the same time“. Then inside a nightmarish vision after the famous detonation, amazingly staged by the director.
To embody Julius Robert Oppenheimer and all his complexity, Cillian Murphy gives a great performance. Undoubtedly the most important role of him, accompanied very well by supporting actors with a non-negligible presence. Let it be Matt Damon, solid in his portrayal of General Groves. Robert Downey Jr. as we haven’t seen him in a long time black and white footage that approach the point of view of Lewis Strauss, Oppenheimer’s fierce opponent. OR Emilia Bluntwhose scenes are few but absolutely necessary.
As much for his captivating approach as for the multitude of evoked subjects, perceivable in the details, Oppenheimer remains a great movie. Christophe Nolan captivates once again and probably puts it down at the top of his filmography. An impressive feature film, which also seems to touch an intimate part of the director (from the treatment of Oppenheimer’s brother which would refer to that of Nolan).
Mainly concludes shockingly, obscurely and pessimistically. After a final discussion between the physicist and Einstein, very worrying for our future, we just have to come out terrified in the face of the inevitable, the idea that this masterpiece could be premonitory.
Oppenheimer by Christopher Nolan, in theaters on July 19, 2023. Above the trailer. Find all our trailers here.
Source: Cine Serie
Ray Ortiz is a journalist at Gossipify, known for his coverage of trending news and current events. He is committed to providing readers with accurate and unbiased reporting, and is respected for his ability to keep readers informed on the latest news and issues.
