THE ESSENCE OF THE FILM
Christopher Nolan’s latest cinematic endeavor, ‘Oppenheimer’, unfolds over three captivating hours, tracing the pivotal race to construct the world’s first atomic bomb, a key factor in concluding the Second World War. Notably, Nolan’s film refrains from showcasing the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, instead, it zeroes in on the perspective of J. Robert Oppenheimer, the central figure in this historical event. The film delves deep into the ramifications and unforeseen impacts of Oppenheimer’s groundbreaking work, prompting viewers to grapple with its complex legacy.
In ‘Oppenheimer’, Christopher Nolan has crafted a cinematic tour de force. The film, akin to a suspense-laden countdown, spans three hours, detailing the clandestine and urgent efforts to develop the first atomic bomb—a weapon of unparalleled destruction, aimed at halting the atrocities of World War II. The bomb’s paradoxical nature as both a harbinger of peace and an instrument of unspeakable horror is a core theme of the narrative.
However, Nolan’s narrative makes a conspicuous choice to omit the visual portrayal of the atomic bombings. Amidst the scenes of Cillian Murphy’s portrayal of Oppenheimer toiling in Los Alamos and the dramatization of the Trinity Test—the first nuclear explosion—the audience is spared the depiction of the bombs being dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
Nolan has recently shed light on this creative decision in a detailed interview with Variety. He articulates that the movie, while orbiting around the aftermath of these historic and controversial events, adopts J. Robert Oppenheimer’s viewpoint. If Oppenheimer himself wasn’t a witness to these events, then neither is the audience. This approach leaves both the viewers and Oppenheimer in a state of reflection over the consequences, mirroring the scientist’s own experience.
Nolan states, “The film is an intimate portrayal of Oppenheimer’s journey. My aim was to steadfastly maintain this perspective. Oppenheimer, like the rest of the world, learned of the bombings as they happened. The film focuses on his awakening to the unforeseen fallout of his work. It’s as much about the unseen as it is about the seen.”
Where to Watch ‘Oppenheimer’?
‘Oppenheimer’ is set for a digital release, available for rent or purchase on-demand starting Tuesday, November 21. More details about viewing options can be found [here].
Simultaneously, the movie will hit the shelves in 4K UHD, Blu-ray, and DVD formats on the same day, marking four months since its theatrical debut.
Oppenheimer: A Brief Overview
- Story: Chronicles the life of American physicist J. Robert Oppenheimer and his involvement in the atomic bomb development.
- Release Date: July 21, 2023
- Director: Christopher Nolan
- Starring: Cillian Murphy, Matt Damon, Robert Downey Jr.
- Rating: R
- Runtime: 181 minutes
- Main Genre: Biography
