By: Debi King McMartin
“Oppenheimer,” the epic biopic film directed by Christopher Nolan, opens with a stunning display of cinematic brilliance—an explosion of imagery visualizing the thinking process of J. Robert Oppenheimer (Cillian Murphy), the theoretical physicist who spearheaded the development of the atomic bomb via the Manhattan Project.
The foundation of the story rests on two committee hearings: one which was held in 1954 and depicted in color, and the other that convened in 1959, which was shown in black-and-white. Since the storyline plays out in non-linear fashion, the color gradients assist in moving the audience through the timelines without confusion.
Nolan’s three-hour film works beautifully due to the brilliant director’s use of two companionate stories using the classic three-act structure. The first half of the project takes the audience through the development, testing and use of the atomic bomb, and the second half takes filmgoers through the process of the intentional dismantling and attempted destruction of a Oppenheimer’s American hero status for the sole purpose of political expediency.
The film is a subtle yet sober reminder of the machinations eerily reminiscent of the current political climate and an invitation for all citizens to pay attention, stay informed and be discerning. Oppenheimer was both a product and victim of the era of massive theoretical physics breakthroughs and Senator Joe McCarthy’s exploitation of public fears of the Soviet infiltration of American government amid the Red Scare.
Nolan seamlessly weaves Oppenheimer’s complicated personal life issues and agonizing decisions that resulted from clashes between his driving professional purpose, political ideologies and emotional attachments, rendering a greater understanding of his humanity, which allows for the audience to feel a deeper connection and empathy for the man himself, not just the brilliant man “who saved the world.”
Christopher Nolan’s “Oppenheimer” is, no doubt, the iconic director’s magnum opus and is surely poised for a well-deserved 2024 Oscar sweep for his creation of a novel and stunning cinematic experience.