Oppenheimer Review

 

Picture Courtesy: PBS NewsHour Classroom

To those who've inquired about my thoughts on God over the past six years since my transition into agnosticism, my response has remained consistent: "If God conforms to the description provided by those who seem to consider themselves as his managers, it would be in his best interest to remain non-existent. The magnitude of suffering attributed to him is beyond any conceivable redemption."

                                         Picture Courtesy: Atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki - Wikipedia

This stance, I believe, extends to individuals who arrogate unto themselves the role of "playing God." 

I read couple of recent articles which shed light on how the Oppenheimer movie not only stands as a masterpiece of technical cinema but also functions as a vehicle for Westernized whitewashing; that the film seemingly seeks to humanize the man behind the most devastating weapon ever created. While I acknowledge and concur with this assertion, on a personal level, Julius Robert Oppenheimer as a character never elicited any trace of sympathy from me throughout the duration of the movie. Rather, the cinematic portrayal of Oppenheimer merely intensified my perception of him as an embodiment of excessive brilliance marred by inherent flaws. To me, Oppenheimer became more of a cautionary symbol, underscoring the unsettling truth that a vast proportion of highly intelligent or extraordinarily gifted individuals often harbor repugnant and reprehensible traits, with only a scant few exceptions.

Picture Courtesy: Cape Cinema

Christopher Nolan's 'Oppenheimer' is a technical marvel that showcases his signature mastery in filmmaking. Despite its unsettling subject matter—a chilling exploration of the creation of a weapon of mass destruction and the deeply complex mind driving it—Nolan's directorial prowess shines through. The movie's remarkable visual spectacles, intricate storytelling, and meticulous attention to detail attest to Nolan's ability to elevate any narrative. 'Oppenheimer' stands as a testament to Nolan's skill in creating cinematic brilliance, even when grappling with the darker aspects of history and human ingenuity.

In 'Oppenheimer,' Christopher Nolan delivers an auditory experience of remarkable depth and resonance through the incredible sound design by Richard King & Willie D. Burton and music composed by Ludwig Göransson. The meticulous attention to soundscapes immerses the audience in the tension and complexity of the narrative, enhancing the emotional impact of every scene.

 The casting of "Oppenheimer" stands as a stroke of brilliance, creating a perfect ensemble that embodies the characters with depth and authenticity. Cillian Murphy's nuanced portrayal captures the intricate layers of Oppenheimer's persona, while Robert Downey Jr.'s charismatic presence adds a magnetic allure to his role. Meanwhile, Matt Damon's performance injects the narrative with a compelling intensity that further elevates the film's impact. Together, their talents converge to form a cinematic experience that's nothing short of extraordinary.

Picture Courtesy: The Independent

‘Women of Oppenheimer’ is a subject of ongoing criticism.  The women associated with Oppenheimer, both in real life and as depicted in the film, certainly possess profound intellect and captivating qualities. This holds true for the actresses who portray them, like Emily Blunt embodying Kitty, a biologist and botanist, and Florence Pugh portraying Jean Tatlock, a psychiatrist and Oppenheimer's former lover. Yet, their professional identities often remain obscure to the average viewer, unless one possesses prior knowledge before or after watching the movie. Despite contributing to diverse dimensions of the central characters, Nolan's films frequently fall short in sufficiently developing the arcs of these remarkable female figures. The women surrounding Oppenheimer were undoubtedly constrained by societal norms, but whether Nolan's portrayal reflects period-accurate limitations or his own disinterest in multifaceted female representation remains an important point for discussion and is a recurring concern across his filmography.

Despite his repeated assertion that "Oppenheimer" doesn't contain CGI shots, it does involve digital visual effects led by the studio DNEG. Christopher Nolan's filmmaking often integrates CGI to primarily to enhance captured elements. This includes subtle "invisible VFX" blending with the film's period setting discreetly. While these effects often remain hidden, they work to authenticate the film's period setting without overshadowing the storytelling—a departure from the flashier CGI of super hero action films. Nolan's inclination for practical effects remains strong, resulting in a visual marvel that defies norms. The marriage of meticulous set design, practical effects, and inventive camerawork forges an authentic and tangible cinematic encounter. "Oppenheimer" attests to Nolan's artistry in crafting visually stunning scenes while upholding realism, a testament to his unique directorial finesse.

Picture Courtesy: Aftermath of  Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombings - ICAN

Lastly, should any admiration linger for the atomic bomb's creation, its architect, or governments deeming it a necessary evil, consider this: 226,000 lives were lost in the first atomic blast, and 2,056 subsequent tests, both underground and atmospheric continue to scar the environment. Disrupted ecosystems, released radioactivity, altered soils, and biodiversity shadows testify to nuclear weapons' far-reaching impact. Currently, the unpalatable truth stands that the USA, Russia, the UK, France, China, India, Pakistan, and Israel collectively wield an arsenal of roughly 19,000 nuclear weapons. The glorification of intellect and talent should never blind us to the darker aspects of human nature that can accompany such attributes. It is imperative that we perceive and criticize these shortcomings, even when cloaked in brilliance, as they bear an equal weight in shaping the course of history.

Beyond the lives lost, Oppenheimer and his creation stand as a stark reminder of humanity's relentless quest for power and dominance, often exacting an unimaginable toll on both human lives and nature.

"Oppenheimer" is now playing in theatres near you. For the full impact of its technical brilliance, consider catching the movie in an IMAX.”

 

Badtameez Dil Web Series Review

 

Picture Courtesy: Amazon Prime Mini TV

Having a celebrity crush on Barun Sobti won't be enough to endure the terrible pain that this new series is from Ekta Kapoor Universe. She has been running this formula for ages of cobbling together a half-baked, or should I say, hardly baked storyline, mix in a sprinkle of star power, add a pinch of random plot twists, and voila! You have yourself a series ready to hit the screens. Who needs a well-crafted narrative or compelling character development when you can rely on the allure of celebrity names to carry the show? It's the recipe for instant success, or at least that's what they want us to believe.

The series written by Ritu Bhatia rehashes the tired and harmful trope that portrays healthier relationship traits as mundane while glorifying toxic traits as alluring, suggesting that these dynamics make a relationship captivating. It's disheartening to see yet another iteration of this clichéd narrative, which fails to recognize the importance of mutual respect, emotional well-being, and healthy communication in relationships.

Picture Courtesy: Latestly

It seems someone convinced Ekta and Ritu, that it's crucial to showcase progressiveness, especially on OTT platforms. With Badtameez Dil, it's painfully clear that they are making an excessive effort to pretend they care about topics they got zero interest or knowledge in. In this misguided attempt, Ritu Bhatia managed to leave no sensitive topic untouched, wielding her butcher knife of ignorance on topics from LGBTQIA+ relationships to abusive marriages. It's a spectacle of ignorance and insincerity, as she stumbles through these delicate matters, leaving behind a trail of mishandled narratives and missed opportunities for genuine exploration. It's quite evident that authenticity and genuine engagement are taking a backseat while she attempts to check the boxes of social relevance.

Not a single character or situation is allowed the luxury of taking a breath, resulting in the haphazard shaping of characters. Their transformations, whether for better or worse, occur abruptly, without any proper explanation, leaving the audience bewildered and unintentionally amused. It's as if the writers were in such a rush that they skipped over crucial development, making the whole experience feel like a comedic farce rather than a genuine narrative.

Picture Courtesy: Twitter

The series relies heavily on the enchantment of Barun Sobti and the mesmerizing sparkle of Ridhi Dogra to desperately salvage what little remains of its credibility. Given their captivating portrayals in the gripping thriller series Asur, it's undeniable that Barun and Ridhi showcased their talent and remarkable onscreen chemistry. It's a shame that their skills were squandered on a lackluster narrative that failed to do justice to their abilities. They deserved a far more engaging and compelling story to showcase their talents, one that would have truly allowed their potential to shine. 

Picture Courtesy: Youtube

Thankfully, Mallika Dua shines as the only sensible character with a distinct personality amidst the chaotic mess of the story. It is in one of Mallika's desperately needed reality checks that the series manages to deliver a truly memorable scene, a rare moment of clarity in an otherwise forgettable narrative.

In a desperate bid to elicit emotions from the audience, the series resorts to an excessive overdose of background music and recurring parts of the soundtrack. Unfortunately, what was intended to be a stirring accompaniment soon becomes a tedious and monotonous barrage on the senses. Perhaps, these songs thrive independently, but here, they serve as an unwelcome reminder of the series' overindulgence and the price we pay for its misplaced attempts at emotional manipulation.

The series wraps up with an open-ended finale, hinting at the possibility of multiple seasons to come. For those of us who endured this disappointment, let's hope against hope that they don't subject us to any more of this mediocrity, or at the very least, if they dare to continue, they do so with a significant upgrade in quality. All things considered; this series was nothing short of a letdown. 

Picture Courtesy: Mid.Day

But hey, if you happen to share my peculiar blend of nostalgia-infused celebrity infatuation for Barun and an excessive surplus of free time, then maybe, just maybe, this could be a passable option for your entertainment.

You can watch the series on Amazon Mini TV on your Amazon shopping App.

Nanpakal Nerathu Mayakkam Review

 

Picture Courtesy: Nanpakal Nerathu Mayakkam FB Page

I am a huge fan of creators who doesn’t spoon-feed, rather leave interesting concepts open to audiences’ interpretation, trusting their intelligence and experiences. That’s the reason why I became an enthusiast of Lijo Jose Pellissery’s movies from Nayakan, probably his least popular movie. His ability to merge large groups of people so seamlessly into the story on screen and draw the audience into the world, is one of the trademarks of his creations. I always felt that LJP, held incredible creative prowess to turn any actor to showcase their organic best performance, within his artistic world, curated with precision.

Picture Courtesy: Nanpakal Nerathu Mayakkam FB Page

Add to that an actor who is ageing like fine wine, the man who is winning hearts with his ingenious selection of roles, that challenges his craft, Mammootty. I have to admit, growing up I have never been a fan of the actor except for some selective roles. Once you are old enough to understand the world of cinema, your perspective changes, but alas by then, two of my favourite stars fell into a creative ditch from where, there seemed no return. That was a point I went back and appreciated their old movies, which seemed to be the only solace for admirers of the actors. I had a curated list of my favourite movies of Mammootty namely Kanamarayathu, Mathilukal, Thalapathy, Amaram, Bhoothakannadi, Paleri Manikyam, Ore Kadal, Pranchiyettan and the Saint, Rajamanikyam and Big B.

Although Mammootty did surprise me once in a while with Munnariyippu, Peranbu or Unda, both him and his contemporary, Mohanlal, whom I used to admire, seemed to be drowning in largely mediocre projects, which also seemed to be a slump phase even for Malayalam cinema to be frank. Post 2010, Malayalam cinema slowly but steadily started reviving itself, but newer actors had the major role to play in that rising, while experienced actors seemed to stick with tried and tested but middling projects.  

Picture Courtesy: IMDb

Post- Covid, the way Mammootty, re-established himself an actor, capable and open to re-inventing himself through experimental projects and most importantly keeping up to the changing society, is nothing short of a brilliant case study in being a true actor. While LJP was already a creator, films of whom I will blindly go in to watch and have always had a brilliant experience; off late, Mammootty joined that category too. It was only natural that when these two gems come together, the output would be nothing short of a treat.

Picture Courtesy: Youtube

Nanpakal Nerathu Mayakkam (Mid-day Slumber) is everything you expect out of such a versatile combination and more. Surprising his own audience, LJP has taken a departure from the frantic rhythm that we have learned to associate with his past few movies and makes us to pause and savour moments. In the world of 30 seconds reels, Nanpakal Nerathu Mayakkam will make you take a deep breath and reflect, which come to think of it, can work in favour and against the film. The factors that stay true to the creator’s legacy are the elements that makes his movies always about the characters and their impact, turning it into a mood than a precise story.

Nanpakal Nerathu Mayakkam can be interpreted as a story based on a weird incident, a hallucinating dream that’s often associated with a mid-afternoon slumber, a way of closure to stories unfinished or as an in-depth satiric take on how humanity alters based on circumstances. As weird as the plot of the incident is, the characters created huge impact on my thought processes throughout the film. While the movie is loosely tied together in a light, comedic tone, if you let yourself sink into it, you will get much to think about, long after you leave the theatre.

Picture Courtesy: Men'sWorld Online

The man who astonished his audience with some of the longest yet spectacular shots, proves that he can create just the same magic through static frames giving us impactful metaphors throughout. On this note, credit must be given to S Hareesh’s screenplay and Theni Eswar’s cinematography, that plays the quintessential role in creating captivatingly, the world that LJP envisioned. Simple yet impactful frames will transport you to Jame’s and Sundaram’s life effortlessly. Look out for a brilliant shot under the light and shade in the same frame depicting the helplessness of both families stuck in an unprecedented yet deeply painful predicament. On the technical front, credit must also be given to editor, Deepu. S. Joseph, who gives the story it’s finesse and also as a cherry on the cake, barring any added background music seamlessly incorporates old Tamil songs into the film as a part of the narration.

Picture Courtesy: Youtube

As usual, LJP also has brought together a stellar cast of supporting actors who are underrated yet familiar faces to anyone accustomed to Malayalam and Tamil movie industries and culture.  Who knew we would get to see Ashokan in a memorable role after so long, and it was great to see, T Suresh Babu (Father-In- Law from The Great Indian Kitchen) back on screen too along with the familiar talents like G.M. Kumar and Namo Narayana from Tamil Industry. The immediate family, Ramya Suvi as Sally (Jame’s Wife) and Ramya Pandian as Poovally (Sundaram’s wife) also deserves praise as perfectly depicting the lives of two women who had to watch their life turn upside down one afternoon, clueless how to respond to such an unimaginable quandary.

Picture Courtesy: Youtube

The best treat obviously amidst the cast was indeed seeing Mammootty exhibiting his talent as a performer so brilliantly. His transition between two extremely different characters, the confusion and pain of being himself yet somehow unidentifiable is a masterclass in performance.

Picture Courtesy: The Indian Express

Is Nanpakal Nerathu Mayakkam, the story of a group of people accidentally entering a different timeline? Is it just a dream that James goes through? Is it short spell of an unexplainable mental health disorder that James underwent? Is it a superstitious possession? Or is it a real-life depiction of the Thirukkural verse that’s explained in the movie, “உறங்கு வதுபோலுஞ் சாக்காடு உறங்கி விழிப்பது போலும் பிறப்பு” (‘Uranguvuthu polum Saakkadu, Urangi Vizhippathupolum Pirappu’)- “To sleep is to die, and to wake up from sleep is birth”?

Explore for yourself, your guess will be as good as anyone’s; you will find indicators supporting and conflicting each of your theories. That in one word is what we all so fondly would like to call, “the LJP Brilliance”.

P.S. Wait for the credit roll at the end to see some old pictures from Thilakan and Jose Pellissery’s theatre days.

Catch the movie soon at a theatre near you. Remember to wear a mask and be safe.