In Christopher Nolan’s film “Oppenheimer,” the absence of showing the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, which brought World War II to an end, has been met with positive reactions despite criticism. The movie is written from J. Robert Oppenheimer’s perspective, and since he was not present during the bombings, they are not depicted in the film.
However, Oppenheimer was involved in a secret meeting with U.S. Secretary of War Henry Stimson and other officials to decide on bombing targets in Japan. During this meeting, a shocking moment occurs when Stimson (played by James Remar) casually reveals that he removed Kyoto from the bombing list. He explains that it was due to the city’s cultural significance and a personal reason – he had his honeymoon there and cherished the memories. This callous remark highlights the selfishness of humanity, even in discussions about mass destruction.
Interestingly, the line about Stimson’s honeymoon in Kyoto was not originally in Nolan’s script. James Remar, who played Stimson, conducted thorough research for his role and stumbled upon this intriguing detail. Nolan encouraged his actors to bring their own research to their characters and supported improvisation based on their findings. When Remar delivered the improvised line during the scene, it created a tense and uncomfortable atmosphere, both for the characters in the movie and the audience watching it.
Nolan’s approach to letting actors contribute their research and knowledge to their roles allowed for more authentic and passionate performances. The film is still playing in theaters, and Nolan has shared insights about the filmmaking process in interviews.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about selfishness
What is the movie “Oppenheimer” about?
“Oppenheimer” is a film directed by Christopher Nolan that focuses on the life of J. Robert Oppenheimer, the scientist involved in the development of the atomic bomb during World War II.
Why are the atomic bombings not shown in the movie?
The bombings are not depicted because the film is written from Oppenheimer’s perspective, and he was not present during the bombings.
How does James Remar’s improvised line impact the movie?
James Remar, who plays Stimson, improvised a shocking line about Stimson’s decision to remove Kyoto from the bombing list due to personal reasons. This moment highlights the selfishness of humanity and adds an uncomfortable and jarring element to the film.
How did Christopher Nolan encourage authenticity in the film?
Nolan encouraged his supporting actors, like James Remar, to conduct in-depth research for their roles. He allowed them to bring their own knowledge and passion to their characters, leading to more authentic performances and even improvised dialogue.
What is the significance of the improvised line in the film?
The improvised line adds depth and realism to the portrayal of historical events and characters, making the audience feel the tension and discomfort present in the room during the scene.
More about selfishness
- Oppenheimer – IMDb
- The New York Times Interview with Christopher Nolan
- James Remar – IMDb
- Atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki – Wikipedia
- J. Robert Oppenheimer – Wikipedia
- American Prometheus: The Triumph and Tragedy of J. Robert Oppenheimer (book reference)
