Oppenheimer is a 2023 biographical film written and directed by Christopher Nolan and starring Cillian Murphy as J. Robert Oppenheimer, the scientist who led the Manhattan Project to develop the atomic bomb.
The film is set during World War II and follows Oppenheimer as he leads a team of scientists at Los Alamos National Laboratory in the development of the atomic bomb. The film explores Oppenheimer's complex moral and ethical struggles as he grapples with the implications of his work.
The film also stars Emily Blunt as Oppenheimer's wife, Kitty, Matt Damon as General Leslie Groves Jr., the head of the Manhattan Project, and Robert Downey Jr. as Lewis Strauss, the chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission.
Oppenheimer was released theatrically on July 21, 2023, by Universal Pictures. It has received critical acclaim for its performances, direction, and cinematography.
The film has been praised for its ambitious scope and Nolan's unique visual style. Critics have also commended the performances of Murphy, Blunt, Damon, and Downey Jr.
Oppenheimer is a powerful and thought-provoking film that explores the complex moral and ethical implications of nuclear weapons. It is a must-see for anyone interested in history, science, or cinema.
Oppenheimer (film): critical reception
Oppenheimer has received critical acclaim from critics, with many praising its performances, direction, and cinematography.
The Guardian called it "a towering achievement" and "a complex look at a complicated man." The New York Times said it was "a brilliant achievement in formal and conceptual terms." And Roger Ebert wrote that it was "a flawed but extraordinary film."
Here are some specific praise from critics for the film:
- Cillian Murphy's performance: Murphy has been praised for his nuanced and complex portrayal of Oppenheimer. The Guardian called his performance "mesmerizing" and "utterly convincing."
- Christopher Nolan's direction: Nolan's direction has been praised for its ambition, scope, and visual style. The New York Times said that Nolan "creates a truly immersive experience" and that his "visuals are astonishing."
- Hoyte van Hoytema's cinematography: Van Hoytema's cinematography has been praised for its beauty and power. The Guardian said that his "shots are breathtaking" and that he "captures the awe and horror of the atomic bomb in equal measure."
Overall, Oppenheimer has been well-received by critics, who have praised its performances, direction, cinematography, and ambition.
Oppenheimer (film): audience reception
Oppenheimer has also been well-received by audiences, with many praising its epic scope, emotional depth, and thought-provoking themes.
On Rotten Tomatoes, the film has a 95% approval rating from critics and an 86% approval rating from audiences.
Here are some comments from audiences on Rotten Tomatoes:
- "Oppenheimer is a must-see for anyone who wants to understand the atomic bomb and its impact on the world."
- "Cillian Murphy gives a tour-de-force performance as Oppenheimer."
- "Christopher Nolan's direction is masterful."
- "Oppenheimer is a powerful and thought-provoking film that will stay with you long after you watch it."
Overall, Oppenheimer has been well-received by both critics and audiences. It is a powerful and thought-provoking film that is sure to stay with viewers long after they watch it.
Oppenheimer (film): symbolism
Oppenheimer is a film that is rich in symbolism. Here are some of the most notable examples:
- The water droplets: Water droplets are used throughout the film to represent the atomic bomb and its destructive power. For example, in one scene, Oppenheimer sees a vision of the world being consumed by water droplets, which represent the mushroom clouds of the atomic bombs.
- The apple: The apple is another symbol that appears throughout the film. In one scene, Oppenheimer tries to poison an apple, but then throws it away. This symbolizes his regret for helping to develop the atomic bomb.
- The Bhagavad Gita: The Bhagavad Gita is an ancient Hindu scripture that Oppenheimer was deeply influenced by. The film uses the Bhagavad Gita to explore Oppenheimer's complex moral and ethical struggles.
In addition to these specific symbols, the film also uses its overall visual style to create a sense of awe and dread. The film's cinematography is often dark and atmospheric, and the film's score is haunting and ominous. This creates a sense of unease in the viewer, which is appropriate for a film about the atomic bomb and its devastating consequences.
Oppenheimer is a film that is not afraid to tackle difficult and complex themes. It is a film that will stay with viewers long after they watch it.
Here are some additional thoughts on the symbolism in Oppenheimer:
- The nuclear test site: The nuclear test site in the New Mexico desert is a symbol of the power and destructive potential of nuclear weapons. It is also a symbol of the hubris of humanity, which created such a powerful weapon without fully understanding its consequences.
- The mushroom cloud: The mushroom cloud is the most iconic symbol of the atomic bomb. It is a symbol of death, destruction, and the fragility of human life.
- The ticking clock: The ticking clock is a symbol of the urgency of the nuclear threat. It is a reminder that we must work together to prevent nuclear war.
Oppenheimer is a film that uses symbolism to explore the complex and often contradictory emotions that surround the atomic bomb. It is a film that is both timely and timeless, and it is sure to resonate with audiences for years to come.