Oppenheimer - A Movie Review

Is anyone ever going to tell the truth?

Oppenheimer exploded in theaters in 2023. This epic historical drama is based on the complex life of J. Robert Oppenheimer, a brilliant scientist who led the Manhattan Project to create the atomic bomb. In this planning process, scientists are plagued with debates about the bomb’s deadly results.

Oppenheimer and Barbie have been the standout films of the summer. I was mainly interested in seeing Oppenheimer for its talents rather than its daunting three-hour runtime and somber subject matter. Oppenheimer delivers an extraordinary exploration of a historical event but could have had a heightened impact if it had been shorter.

Cillian Murphy completely disappears in his portrayal as J. Robert Oppenheimer. He skillfully conveys the scientist's intelligence, inner turmoil, and moral conflict with incredible depth. I wasn’t expecting the film to explore his consciousness making his character more profound. Not only was mental preparation impressive, but Murphy ate only 3 almonds per day to attain his gaunt appearance.

The supporting cast delivers exceptional performances. Emily Blunt has proved her noteworthy range in the past. As Oppenheimer’s wife, Kitty, the woman exceeds her emotional toll as the head of the household and her husband’s demanding work.

The acting is the best part of this film. Actors committed to their roles and studied the history behind the movie, delivering authentic performances. Florence Pugh is an amazing actress, but should could have had a better role. Matt Damon was easily the highlight, supplying needed comedy.

Robert Downey Jr., Alden Ehrenreich, Jason Clarke, Tony Goldwyn, and Rami Malick were exceptional in their portrayals. Oppenheimer includes actors whom I never expected like Josh Peck, Alex Wolf, and Kenneth Branagh.

The exceptional cinematography, sound design, and editing in Oppenheimer elevate the viewing experience to a whole different level. The story is told sporadically which makes a more dramatic telling. Christopher Nolan’s decision to focus on key moments in Oppenheimer's life, rather than presenting a traditional biopic keeps audiences engaged.

One of the standout features of Oppenheimer is its exceptional cinematography, which is the work of acclaimed cinematographer Hoyte van Hoytema. A few records were established during filming, like designing the first IMAX black and white film stock. Multiple explosions were performed practically in the film shot from multiple angles and with little digital effects.

The film's visuals are complemented by Ludwig Gorannson's hauntingly beautiful score, which adds emotional weight to the narrative.

My favorite aspect about this film is how filmmakers underwent Oppenheimer’s mental turmoil of the situation, flashing bright lighting into the scene. I never expected this. With the overload of storytelling, we don’t spend enough time on this segment, weaving into numerous subplots.

During the film’s signature explosion, the auditorium was completely silent, sitting forward in their seats when the explosion happened. People were holding their breaths. This is the scene that moviegoers are here for and it does not disappoint.

Did this film have to be three hours long? No. Oppenheimer contains heavy dialogue about science, politics, and several debates about the atomic bomb’s deadly power. After the signature explosion, the film carries on for another hour, repeating information we’ve already heard! The film could have been a half-hour shorter to meet its resolution.

I am not a history buff so I wasn’t invested as much as I should have been. Oppenheimer will vary among audiences. However, I wouldn’t wait to see it when it’s released to streaming. Viewing Oppenheimer on the big screen makes all the difference. This film is for history lovers and it’s also a remarkable definition of filmmaking.