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.”