Oppenheimer - Christopher Nolan's Atomic Symphony

Amid our own modern case of nuclear anxiety, Christopher Nolan delivers a thought-provoking cinematic experience with "Oppenheimer." The movie delves into the creation of the bomb and the man behind it, Robert Oppenheimer along with his struggle against the US government’s campaign against him years later. It may contain some spoilers, but since the movie remains true to real events, well we all know what happened didn’t we? We’ll explore the visual and auditory aspects of the film, the exceptional cast performances, and the profound themes that make "Oppenheimer" a future classic. Viewed in 70mm celluloid projection, digital projection in an upscale “VIP” theatre, and 4K bluray.

A Visual and Auditory Feast:

"Oppenheimer" graced the screen in 70-millimeter and IMAX format, offering breathtaking visuals with remarkable detail and scope. The main difference between the two presentations that I saw was the contrast was much more pleasant in the celluloid version. The digital projection was almost way too bright (ironic given the subject matter), but either way. The movie looks incredible and is probably already one of the best 4K blu rays to own right now.

While Nolan's audio mixes have been a subject of debate in the past, this film surprisingly ensures clear dialogue audibility, a pleasant surprise for fans after the headache inducing struggle that Tenet was.

Photography and Casting:

The film's photography, captured by Hoyte Van Hoytema, is mesmerizing, particularly during scenes shot in new black and white IMAX film stock. With majority of optical effects being done on set and in camera, they also developed a few special lenses for these moments. It’s still a mystery how they did the actual nuclear explosion scene (which is one of the more underwhelming moments to be honest). You’ll get the sense of why shoot a dialogue heavy drama primarily in a large format, but when you have scientists in the desert building world ending technology you’ll understand why. Even when Oppenheimer is walking down a hall avoiding the media, it looks breathtaking in the IMAX vertical heavy format.

The cast, led by Cillian Murphy and Robert Downey Jr., delivers outstanding performances, most notably Downey Jr giving probably the best performance of his life (at least since Chaplin). Nolan lets him loose and a talented, top of the line actor is showing what he’s made of and it’s great to see him at his best. The movie brilliantly blends seasoned actors with fresh faces, adding depth to the storytelling.

An Intense Drama:

"Oppenheimer" stands apart from the expectations of a traditional historical account. The film deviates from the disappointing 80s movie "Fat Man and Little Boy," which focused on technical details in a cheesy by the numbers TV movie style delivery. Oppenheimer doesn’t focus too much on the technical details or science. It instead delivers a gripping subjective narrative with emotional intensity. It explores Oppenheimer's inner conflict and moral dilemmas during the days of World War II, mirroring the anxieties of the era and his struggles with family and relationships, as well as his professional reputation for the years after. In typical Nolan fashion, the time lines jump back and forth but at a breakneck pace.

Nolan's storytelling resembles a musical composition, building steadily to an emotionally charged climax. "Oppenheimer" presents a complex character study of the anti-hero, revealing Oppenheimer's obsession with the fate of dying stars and the parallel to his own life's trajectory. The movie poignantly explores the consequences of Oppenheimer's creation and the moral ramifications that continue to haunt humanity.

Conclusion:

"Oppenheimer" stands as Christopher Nolan's finest work, a serious historical drama with an unforgettable narrative that raises profound questions about human nature. It takes a huge cast on a grand scale, but keeps it personal. Cillian Murphy’s performance has this simmering intensity where one can see a man creating a death industry that will forever cause human existential crises well…forever. Meanwhile you feel like he’s forever on the edge of insanity.

In terms of Nolan skipping over the Japanese perspective, yes that’s unfortunate. Quite possibly the best scene in the movie where Oppenheimer gives a rousing speech to the Manhattan Project staff upon hearing the news of Hiroshima/Nagasaki, spouting cliched patriotic soundbites to get them going, meanwhile the camera begins to vibrate uncontrollably. That’s as close as you get to any admission of guilt in regards to Japan. But, there are other movies that have addressed their point of view (notably the Japanese film called Black Rain).

Regardless, Oppenheimer is a future classic that showcases Nolan's prowess as a director and storyteller, challenging audiences to confront the moral complexities of the human condition. It’s an intense and thought-provoking cinematic journey.

Watch our review on YouTube below: