The much-awaited movie is everything Nolan fans have come to know and love (dark background music, innovative camera work, unanticipated twists, and a cerebral indulgence of emotions), yet it’s also the most “non-Nolan” cinematic experience. The commotion over Nolan not utilizing CGI or VFX to illustrate the explosions has turned into a significant debate over Oppenheimer. The dialogue, though, appears more like a simple diversion when you watch the movie. Even more real than the explosions you see on TV are the ones that are occurring in your head.
Oppenheimer, whose life has numerous colors like the black-and-white to color-changing frames, is portrayed by Cillian Murphy in the title role. His imagination thinks up limitless physics-related permutations and combinations. What is an atom capable of in outer space? What role does gravity play in the theory of the dynamics of space? What initially begins as simple inner dialogues transforms into a moment in history where humanity is about to make a decision that cannot be reversed. The portrayal of women in the workplace, their position in the decision-making hierarchy, and navigating the murky waters of American politics are just a few of the issues Nolan deals with early in the movie.
Oppenheimer is a movie that requires several viewings since it includes so many complex characters and their differing points of view that it justifies its three-hour running time. Who wouldn’t want to be in a Nolan movie with such an incredible ensemble cast? Everyone has a lot to do and contribute to the movie, including the mysterious Robert Downey Jr., the gorgeous Emily Blunt, the razor-sharp Matt Damon, and the flamboyant Rami Malek. Oppenheimer serves as the nucleus of an almost atomic-like structure in which the outer characters are continuously at war with one another, impacting the nucleus like protons and neutrons.
Watching historical figures from a textbook is less humanizing than watching actors portray real people. For his portrayal of Lewis Strauss, Robert Downey Jr. turns in his greatest performance to date, one that is guaranteed to earn him numerous accolades and perhaps even his first Academy Award. As Oppenheimer, Cillian Murphy leaves you completely speechless. It is such a wonderful concept for Nolan to employ silences along with Ludwig Goransson’s eerie out-of-body experience music. When it comes to performances this year, Murphy is unquestionably at the top of the list for Oscar consideration.
To have seen Nolan in his prime, our generation is incredibly fortunate. Being so committed to the art and magic that films may provide, he is one of the last remaining filmmakers of our day.
