Christopher Nolan’s highly anticipated film, “Oppenheimer,” has finally graced theaters in the UK and US today, leaving audiences captivated by its complex and vivid portrayal of the legendary physicist, J. Robert Oppenheimer. Known as the “father of the atomic bomb,” Oppenheimer’s life and contributions to science have been brought to life on the big screen in a brilliant display of formal and conceptual mastery.
In this cinematic achievement, Nolan delves deep into Oppenheimer’s enigmatic persona, taking viewers on an immersive journey through the tumultuous era of World War II. Through a tapestry of vibrant scenes, the film unfolds Oppenheimer’s intellectual brilliance, ethical dilemmas, and the harrowing consequences of his world-defining discoveries.
As the curtains rise in theaters today, “Oppenheimer” stands as a testament to Christopher Nolan’s visionary direction and storytelling prowess. A captivating exploration of science, politics, and humanity’s power, this film promises to leave an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of its audiences, cementing its place as a true masterpiece of modern cinema.
Oppenheimer Trailer
After a teaser trailer (which you can also see below) that gave us a running (and updating) countdown clock, the official trailer for Oppenheimer is here. In it, Cillian Murphy’s Oppenheimer gives the foreboding warning that people won’t understand the true magnitude of his defining work until they’ve used it, but it sure seems like he and everyone who worked on it that is featured in the trailer does. Check it out below.
And here is the previously released teaser trailer.
Who is J. Robert Oppenheimer ?
J. Robert Oppenheimer was an American physicist and one of the leading scientists behind the development of the atomic bomb during World War II. Born on April 22, 1904, in New York City, Oppenheimer showed early signs of exceptional intelligence and went on to pursue a career in physics. He earned his Ph.D. from the University of Göttingen in Germany and later became a professor at the University of California, Berkeley.
During the 1940s, as part of the top-secret Manhattan Project, Oppenheimer was chosen to lead the team of scientists tasked with designing and building the atomic bomb. He played a crucial role in the successful development of the bomb, which ultimately led to its use in the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in August 1945.
After the war, Oppenheimer became an influential figure in science and politics. He was appointed as the head of the Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton, New Jersey, and served as a scientific advisor to the United States government. However, during the early years of the Cold War, Oppenheimer faced scrutiny and suspicion due to his past associations with left-wing political groups and the Communist Party. In 1954, he faced a security clearance hearing, which damaged his reputation and resulted in the loss of his security clearance.
What happen in "Oppenheimer" movie?
“Oppenheimer,” is a biographical drama that delves into the life and work of J. Robert Oppenheimer, the brilliant physicist who led the development of the atomic bomb during World War II. The film explores the complex and often morally fraught journey of this enigmatic scientist, known as the “father of the atomic bomb.”
Set in the 20th century, the movie unfolds through a nonlinear narrative, presenting key moments from Oppenheimer’s life. It begins with Oppenheimer as a young student tormented by apocalyptic visions in the 1920s. As he progresses in his scientific career, the audience witnesses his exploration of quantum physics and his intellectual excitement during his tenure at Berkeley University.
The story intensifies as news of Germany’s invasion of Poland reaches Oppenheimer, propelling him into the Manhattan Project, a top-secret government initiative to develop the atomic bomb. Alongside other prominent physicists like Niels Bohr and Ernest Lawrence, Oppenheimer becomes instrumental in harnessing the power of nuclear fission. Amid the scientific excitement, the film also delves into Oppenheimer’s political associations, including his past involvement with left-wing groups, which becomes a subject of scrutiny during the Cold War era.
As the narrative unfolds, “Oppenheimer” grapples with the moral and ethical implications of creating a weapon of such destructive power. The film portrays the inner conflict faced by Oppenheimer and his team as they realize the devastating consequences of their work. The mushroom cloud rises as the first atomic bomb is tested, and Oppenheimer’s famous words, “Now I am become death, the destroyer of worlds,” resonate with the audience.
The film further delves into Oppenheimer’s post-war life, during which he faces a politically motivated security clearance hearing in 1954, and the complex relationships with figures like Leslie Groves and Lewis Strauss. Throughout the movie, Nolan masterfully blends black-and-white sequences that shed light on Oppenheimer’s challenges, particularly related to anti-Semitism and political gamesmanship.
As “Oppenheimer” weaves together Oppenheimer’s scientific brilliance, political challenges, and personal struggles, it paints a vivid portrait of a complex and influential figure in history. The film raises profound questions about the responsibilities of scientists and the impact of their work on the world. Ultimately, “Oppenheimer” stands as a powerful examination of the duality of human achievement, presenting the legacy of a man whose scientific contributions forever altered the course of history.
Oppenheimer plot
Based on the book from Kai Bird and Martin Sherwin, American Prometheus: The Triumph and Tragedy of J. Robert Oppenheimer, Oppenheimer is going to tell the story of the famed American physicist who held a large role in the Manhattan project during World War II and is often referred to as the father of the atomic bomb. Nolan wrote the script.
In an interview with Total Film, Nolan offers some additional tidbits about the movie, including that their recreation of the first atomic bomb testing was done with all practical effects (as is his usual MO).
Oppenheimer cast
The highly anticipated film “Oppenheimer” boasts an impressive ensemble cast, with Cillian Murphy taking the lead as the brilliant physicist J. Robert Oppenheimer. Renowned for his portrayal of Tommy Shelby in “Peaky Blinders,” Murphy has been a longtime collaborator with director Christopher Nolan, previously appearing in Nolan’s acclaimed films such as the Batman trilogy, “Inception,” and “Dunkirk.” “Oppenheimer” marks a significant milestone as it showcases Murphy’s first leading role in a Nolan movie.
In addition to Murphy’s stellar performance, the film features an array of top-tier actors adding to its star-studded lineup. Emily Blunt, known for her versatile roles in films like “A Quiet Place” and “The Devil Wears Prada,” joins the cast, bringing her talent and charm to the production.
Academy Award-winning actor Matt Damon, celebrated for his work in “Good Will Hunting” and the “Bourne” franchise, adds his formidable presence to the movie, promising a captivating performance.
The cast further includes the charismatic Robert Downey Jr., famous for his portrayal of Tony Stark in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, as well as the immensely talented Florence Pugh, known for her standout roles in “Midsommar” and “Little Women.”
With such a star-studded ensemble, “Oppenheimer” guarantees a cinematic experience of exceptional caliber. The combination of talented actors and Christopher Nolan’s visionary direction sets the stage for a compelling and memorable portrayal of the life and legacy of J. Robert Oppenheimer, adding to the anticipation and excitement surrounding this remarkable film. Here are other names being reported as part of the Oppenheimer cast:
- Casey Affleck (Manchester by the Sea, Interstellar)
- Michael Angarano (This is Us, Sky High)
- Kenneth Branagh (Death on the Nile, Tenet)
- Jason Clarke (Winning Time, Zero Dark Thirty)
- David Dastmalchian (The Dark Knight, The Suicide Squad)
- Dane DeHaan (The Staircase, Chronicle)
- Alden Ehrenreich (Solo: A Star Wars Story, Hail Caesar)
- Tony Goldwynn (Scandal, King Richard)
- Josh Hartnett (Penny Dreadful, Blackhawk Down)
- Rami Malek (No Time to Die, Bohemian Rhapsody)
- Matthew Modine (Stranger Things, Full Metal Jacket)
- Gary Oldman (Slow Horses, The Darkest Hour)
- Josh Peck (How I Met Your Father, Drake & Josh)
- Jack Quaid (The Boys, Scream)
- David Rysdahl (No Exit, Nine Days)
- Benny Safdie (Licorice Pizza, Good Time)
- Matthias Schweighöfer (Army of the Dead, Army of Thieves)
- Olivia Thirlby (Goliath, Dredd)
- Alex Wolff (Hereditary, Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle)
Oppenheimer reviews
“Oppenheimer” has garnered critical acclaim and accolades from various reviewers and audiences alike. What To Watch’s own review gave the movie an impressive 4.5 out of 5 stars, praising its captivating storytelling and compelling performances.
The film’s success extends beyond What To Watch’s review, as it currently holds a “Fresh” Rotten Tomatoes score of 93% based on 223 expert reviews. Critics have been effusive in their praise, with some hailing it as one of the best films of the decade. Richard Roeper of the Chicago Sun-Times lauds the movie, while Pete Hammond from Deadline goes a step further, deeming it the most important motion picture of 2023 and beyond.
Moreover, “Oppenheimer” has garnered audience acclaim as well, with an impressive 9.0 rating on IMDb, further solidifying its widespread appeal and positive reception.
With its combination of historical significance, masterful storytelling, and standout performances from the talented cast, “Oppenheimer” has undoubtedly made a significant impact on both critics and viewers. As a result, it stands as a compelling and highly regarded cinematic experience that has left a lasting impression on the audience, cementing its place as one of the most noteworthy films of its time.
How long is Oppenheimer?
“Oppenheimer” boasts a compelling and immersive runtime of three hours, offering audiences an extensive and in-depth cinematic experience. With its lengthy duration, the film has ample time to explore the complexities of the story and delve into the life and work of the renowned physicist, J. Robert Oppenheimer.
What is Oppenheimer rated?
“Oppenheimer” has been given a rating of R in the United States and 15 in the United Kingdom. These ratings indicate that the film contains content that may not be suitable for younger audiences. The film may contain strong language, sexual content, nudity, and other adult themes.
"Oppenheimer" Film Budget and Box Office Expectations
Christopher Nolan’s highly-anticipated film, “Oppenheimer,” was crafted with a budget of at least $100 million before accounting for marketing expenditures. According to reports, the film is anticipated to achieve around $50 million in ticket sales from North American domestic theaters during its initial release period.
In order to recuperate its production and marketing costs and reach a break-even point, “Oppenheimer” would need to earn a minimum of $200 million globally, as reported by Screen Rant. To achieve this target, the film would require a worldwide box office collection of $250 million.
The film’s aspirations don’t end there. To achieve three times its budget and go beyond expectations, “Oppenheimer” would necessitate a remarkable global box office collection of $300 million.
'One Almond a Day'
As anticipation builds for Christopher Nolan’s film “Oppenheimer,” actor Cillian Murphy’s extreme weight loss measures for his role have come to light, and he is now advising against such extreme methods. Speaking in an interview, co-star Emily Blunt revealed, “He had such a monumental undertaking. And he could only eat, like, an almond every day. He was so emaciated.”
Murphy, 47, embraced the challenge of embodying J. Robert Oppenheimer’s distinct physicality and silhouette for the film. The role demanded significant weight loss, leading him to a very slim and almost emaciated appearance, mirroring Oppenheimer’s lifestyle of surviving on martinis and cigarettes.
While the exact details of his weight loss methods remain undisclosed, it is evident that the diet was highly restrictive. Murphy himself admitted that he got caught in unhealthy habits, becoming competitive with himself, a situation he now advises against, as it can be detrimental to one’s well-being.
However, when seen at the UK premiere of “Oppenheimer,” Murphy appeared healthier, indicating a successful transformation for the role. During filming, he continued to push forward despite extreme calorie restriction, immersing himself in the character’s state of hyper-focus where eating was not a priority.
Despite the physical challenges, Cillian Murphy’s dedication to his craft shines through, and he hopes that his weight loss methods won’t overshadow the story of “Oppenheimer.”
