Before the release of Christopher Nolan's masterpiece "Oppenheimer," the film was largely anticipated for its depiction of the first atomic bomb explosion. Surprisingly, the most captivating aspect of the movie is not this monumental event but rather the human countenance.
In this biographical drama of over three hours, the life of J. Robert Oppenheimer (Cillian Murphy) through human faces. The film delves deep into the psyche of the man who spearheaded the nuclear weapons project at Los Alamos and was consequently dubbed The American Prometheus. Its basis is on the biography by Kai Bird and Martin J. Sherman. Nolan and Hoyte van Hoytema brilliantly use the IMAX film system to portray the duality of Oppenheimer's life - his professional persona and personal chaos.
The film often delves into Oppenheimer's inner world. It shows close-ups of Murphy's face as he dissociates from reality, gets lost in memories, or grapples with his identity. The narrative intertwines with flashbacks and foreshadowings, enhancing the complexity of the film. It connects the physics of atomic reactions to the domino effect of individual decisions. It uses recurring images like water ripples and explosions.
Nolan doesn't limit his storytelling to Oppenheimer's face. He also includes crucial characters like General Leslie Groves (Matt Damon), Robert's wife Kitty (Emily Blunt), and Lewis Strauss (Robert Downey, Jr.), the Atomic Energy Commission chair who deeply resented Oppenheimer for numerous reasons. The film explores the intricacies of these characters, presenting a comprehensive narrative that goes beyond just the lead character.
One notable principle of quantum physics asserts that observing an event can alter its outcome. The film effectively employs this principle through editing techniques and scripts that continuously reshape our understanding of an event, often by introducing new, conflicting information about characters' motivations.
The central theme of "Oppenheimer" isn't as much about the atomic bomb or its repercussions as it is about the human condition. It delves into the consequences of individual and societal decisions and the enigma of the human personality. The movie allows itself to utilize characters and events symbolically, painting a larger picture of human nature.
What makes "Oppenheimer" distinct is that it does not solely focus on its titular character. The film also scrutinizes the impact of Oppenheimer's actions on other significant characters, from his team to his wife and mistresses, his supporters, and his critics, notably the president who ordered the bomb drop.
Jennifer Lame's editing is multidimensional, and Ludwig Göransson's almost constant music complements the intense dialogues. The result is a narrative that feels like reading a biography with a Philip Glass film score in the background.
Without delving into the plot or real-world history, Nolan captivates his audience with his method of storytelling. "Oppenheimer" is a potential turning point in his career where Nolan uses his technical prowess to explore the depth of human psychology rather than just producing intellectually stimulating blockbusters.
"Oppenheimer" is reminiscent of the academic-psychedelic biographies of the 1990s Oliver Stone films. It also carries a strain of dark humor akin to Stanley Kubrick's style. The film draws from numerous cinematic touchstones and presents a symphony of quick dialogues and subdued performances. The narrative shifts from personal to professional conflicts, making it a fascinating experience.
Despite some criticisms of the movie's length, "Oppenheimer" stands as an intriguing representation of personal and collective identities. The film explores the complexities of the characters and their actions. It leaves the audience with a profound understanding of the human condition. The viewers, like a tribunal, have the information but do not know what to conclude. Ultimately, "Oppenheimer" remains a powerful exploration of the complexities and mysteries of the human personality.
