When it comes to films, my taste in genre can fluctuate massively and historical films are definitely one of my guilty pleasures. I attribute it completely to growing up watching historical films, documentaries, and dramas at home with my dad.
So when I heard about the Oppenheimer film being released a few weeks ago now, it was an absolute no-brainer for Christy and I to go and see it (he loves his history, too!)
Even outside of the world of Hollywood and cinema, few subjects are as compelling and controversial as the life of J. Robert Oppenheimer – the brilliant physicist whose contributions led to the creation of the atomic bomb. It was this controversy as well as the fascination of how the journey of a single man could create something so catastrophic that drew me in – and I wasn’t disappointed.
The film delves into the intricate life and mind of this enigmatic figure, offering us, the audience, a glimpse into the world of science, ethics, and human ambition at a pivotal point in the history of the world… and makes us think about our future, too.
A Glimpse into the Atomic Age
“Oppenheimer” masterfully captures the tumultuous and worrying times in which the famous physicist lived and worked. Set against the backdrop of World War II and the intense race to harness the power of the atom, the film provides a palpable experience of the era’s scientific dedication, political tensions, and moral dilemmas.
I really liked the juxtaposition of the passionate, straight-thinking Oppenheimer with the vivid, trauma-inducing scenes within his head. At times, it felt very jolting, but I feel as though that was intentional to make the audience feel the tension, turmoil, and fear surrounding what Oppenheimer was being asked to do.
The attention to historical detail is commendable, transporting viewers to a time when the fate of the world quite literally hung in the balance.
Balancing Science and Humanity
One of the film’s standout achievements is its ability to humanise Oppenheimer without overshadowing his scientific contributions. It strikes a delicate balance between depicting his brilliance in theoretical physics and his personal vulnerabilities, of which there were many.
I think it is important that this was depicted for two reasons; the fact this is a human with human emotions in a pivotal and dangerous moment in history, and two to show that humanity is capable of such things – the good and the catastrophic.
No matter what your view is of Oppenheimer, the film reminds you that, first and foremost, he is a human physicist. That’s where his priorities were and the consequences of his revelations are the result of human decisions.
His interactions with General Leslie Groves (Matt Damon) were very poignant as it seemed to be a very “you need me and I need you” relationship, but I got the feeling that, initially at least, the two men didn’t like each other. The progression of that working relationship blatantly showed the strain on Oppenheimer; from the need to prove that science had the answer to realising what that answer meant and how the pressure of the military affected his decisions at often vital moments of the project.
The scenes depicting his interactions with colleagues, family, and government officials offer insight into the multidimensional nature of a man whose intellect shaped the course of history and the future of war on planet Earth.
Ethical Dilemmas and Controversies
I will admit that I did go into Oppenheimer hoping with all hope that it didn’t glorify the creation of the atomic bomb. I get it – it’s a film about its creation and it was a scientific discovery that was a turning point in the world of destruction and that feat should be celebrated. But in my own personal view, the glorification of death, no matter from which “side”, will always put me off a piece of media.
The film fearlessly delves into the ethical dilemmas faced by Oppenheimer, and the mounting pressure to deliver a solution that would see the perceived enemy destroyed.
I was pleased the film doesn’t shy away from exploring the moral ramifications of the atomic bomb’s development and use, nor does it shy away from depicting Oppenheimer’s internal struggles with balancing science and his own human morals as mentioned above.
The audience is forced to grapple with the complexity of decisions made in the pursuit of scientific advancement, shedding light on the enduring debate surrounding the responsibilities of scientists in times of war. One moment which stood out particularly for me was the revelation that the bomb was no longer going to be used against the Nazis, but against the Japanese. Oppenheimer appears to realise the implications of this change and openly expresses his concerns to the military where he is shot down with a heavily implied “you build, we decide how to use it” response.
While there were celebrations shown following the test of the bomb, the juxtaposition of Oppenheimer’s reaction to the dropping of the atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki with the lack of sound really showed the profound impact of what he had created dawning on him. The fact the film showed him questioning the use of such a device many times, even before the test, was a welcome addition, as he was human and it helped the audience see that even he was drawing the line at points, separating science and morality.
The ending circles back round to that seemingly brief meeting of Oppenheimer and Einstein, where the details of the conversation were divulged. The realisation of the fact that the end of the world could potentially being imminent due to the findings of Oppenheimer at this point where, at the time of the original conversation in the film, the bomb hadn’t been completed.
The film concludes with Oppenheimer’s poignant remark as its closing statement. He utters, “I believe we did,” in reply to his question to Einstein regarding his fears of setting a chain reaction in motion that would destroy the world. This is followed by a visual sequence portraying the cataclysmic devastation caused by nuclear weaponry used today – a very powerful visual piece to end on.
Casting and Performances
The casting of Oppenheimer is nothing short of brilliant. Cillian Murphy creates a perfectly chaotic Oppenheimer, switching from passionate physicist to torn human seamlessly and showing the very real conflicts that were going on in his mind. Murphy has an affinity for creating characters that the audience can empathise with, even if they are morally grey (take a look at Thomas Shelby from Peaky Blinders).
Robert Downy Jr. also plays an incredible Lewis Strauss and as an audience, you are initially drawn in by his apparent support of Oppenheimer and his work. As the story progresses, you begin to see tiny cracks in his demeanor and wonder what his motives are. When the plot turns on its head at the end of the film, the frustration and need to remain stoic and seem unbothered by the outcome (trying to be vague to avoid spoiling anyone!) Robert Downy Jr. absolutely nails the internal turmoil that I’m sure Strauss felt during the real trial.
It isn’t just these two superstars that stand out from the star-studded cast, however. With actors such as Remi Malek, Matt Damon, Florence Pugh, Emily Blunt, Kenneth Brannagh… and even Gary Oldman who plays a very stubborn President Harry S Truman… you’ll be finding yourself pointing and saying “oh, that’s …” throughout the entire film. Christopher Nolan really knows how to cast well and this film did not disappoint.
Conclusion?
“Oppenheimer” (2023) is a thought-provoking and visually captivating exploration of a pivotal period in human history. By delving into the complexities of J. Robert Oppenheimer’s life, the film offers an introspective look at science, morality, and ambition. With a brilliant cast and some very poignant, standout moments, it’s a definite must-see for those who love history – or simply want to see what the other side of Barbenheimer is all about!
As we contemplate the ethical implications of scientific progress, “Oppenheimer” serves as a timely reminder of the enduring relevance of history’s lessons and the responsibility we bear to ensure that we don’t make the same mistakes again…
Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.
George Santayana, writer and philosopher
Excuse This Honesty 