Directed by Christopher Nolan (Dunkirk (2017); Inception (2010); The Dark Knight (2008); Insomnia (2002)) and starring Cillian Murphy (Inception (2010); The Dark Knight (2008); Peaky Blinders (tv series, 2013-22); 28 Days Later (2002)), Matt Damon (Good Will Hunting (1997); Ford v Ferrari (2019); The Monuments Men (2014); Invictus (2009): The Bourne Identity (2002)), Kenneth Brannagh (Murder on the Orient Express (2017); Dunkirk (2017); Wallander (tv series, 2008-2017)), Emily Blunt (Salmon Fishing in the Yemen (2011); The Devil Wears Prada (2006); A Quiet Place (2018)) and Robert Downey Jr. (Iron Man (2008); Sherlock Holmes (2009)).
Drama; 180 mins; 12+
Christopher Nolan is known for his non-linear storytelling and this is certainly the case here, for Oppenheimer. While the story tells the story of American scientist J. Robert Oppenheimer (Cillian Murphy) and his central role in the development of the atomic bomb, is does so in flashbacks, in which there are further flashbacks, which makes it slightly confusing at times.
The storytelling is strong on narrative which leads to an intense experience throughout the three hours, as well as using sound to great effect throughout the relentless ride on which the audience is brought. But is is a story that is extremely well told, involving a host of characters played by a stellar cast...
The film follows Oppenheimer in his formative years, studying physics in Europe and meeting top scientists, including the likes of Niels Bohr (Kenneth Brannagh). It also portrays his personal and family life, including with Kitty Oppenheimer (Emily Blunt); however, it is his career that takes central stage and is the primarily storyline from which so many other threads flow. It is set primarily during the height of the Second World War...
He is chosen by Major General Leslie Groves (Matt Damon) to lead an R&D project - to build a weapon of mass destruction in a race against time and the Nazis - which involves the creation of a new town in the desert, Los Alamos, New Mexico, where the scientists and their families live. By this time, he is torn between advancing man's understanding of science and the potential use of the new technology which could lead to devastating consequences. This is the crux of the film. But intertwined in all of this is his relationship with Admiral Lewis Strauss (Robert Downey Jr.) and the political side of their work, which involves investigations where scheming, underhand deals and backstabbing are all revealed... It portrays the man's accomplishments and weighs them up against his flaws; it shows his thirst for knowledge and advancement of science, yet concerned at its application and how it could be used.
One of the most anticipated films of the year, and one which certainly did not disappoint: far from it, this is arguably the director's finest work to date. Gripping throughout with incredible attention to detail.
Watch out for the Oscar nominations at the year-end, with Cillian Murphy sure to be amongst the Best Actor nominees for portraying a character whose legacy is both lauded and vilified in equal measure.
Currently being screened in Luxembourg at Kinepolis and CiNextDoor.
