Oppenheimer (2023)

DVD CASE/SIDE

Length of film: 180 Minutes

Rated: 15

Genre: Biography, History, Drama

Director: Christopher Nolan

Starring: Cillian Murphy, Emily Blunt, Matt Damon, Robert Downey Jr., Alden Ehrenreich, Scott Grimes, Jason Clarke, Kenneth Branagh, Casey Affleck, Rami Malek, Gary Oldman

IMDB Rank: 8.4/10

Part 1 Time:  130 Minutes

Part 2 Time:  50 Minutes

Where does the first part end? J. Robert Oppenheimer (Cillian Murphy) walks outside following his congratulatory address to all those working on the Manhattan Project. Oppenheimer begins having visions of the devastation that the atomic bomb would have caused if it were dropped on Los, Alamos.

Final line of dialogue on the first part: “I wish we had it in time to use on the Germans!” Oppenheimer states to the members of the Manhattan project following the successful atomic bomb droppings at Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

First line of dialogue on the second part: “Dr. Oppenheimer, nice picture.” Presidential Aide (Kate French) states as Oppenheimer looks down at a copy of Time magazine.

How jarring is it when the first part ends? Jarring, the devastation caused by an atomic bomb is terrifying. It’s hard to imagine the mural dilemma Oppenheimer is facing in this scene, as a part of him wants to celebrate (as the war is finally over), but can’t fully as he knows the consequences of a potential nuclear arms race with Russia.

Which part is better? The film frequently jumps forward and backward giving glimpses of the events prior to and after the atomic bomb droppings. Part one, mainly focuses on the theory, planning and testing of the atomic bomb at Los, Alamos. Part two highlights the attempt to remove and discredit Oppenheimer’s political influence, as he becomes a vocal advocate against further nuclear development. Part one is better as we not only get to see the whole Manhattan project development, but also Oppenheimer’s moral struggle with creating such a devastating weapon.

Academy Awards: 2024- Best Makeup and Hairstyling (Nominated), Best Music (Nominated), Best Sound (Nominated) , Best Picture (Nominated), Best Director (Nominated), Best Leading Actor (Nominated- Cillian Murphy), Best Supporting Actress (Nominated- Emily Blunt), Best Supporting Actor (Nominated- Robert Downey Jr.), Best Adapted Screenplay (Nominated), Best Cinematography (Nominated),Best Film Editing (Nominated), Best Production Design (Nominated), Best Costume Design (Nominated)