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Robert J. Oppenheimer is a name synonymous with the Manhattan project, who helped handpick a select group of scientists for their insight and expertise in the pursuit of tactical supremacy over Nazi Germany. In a race against time bankrolled by the US government he marshalled the best minds in physics to create a deterrent capable of ending World War 2, that he hoped would deter others from doing it again. A fitting story it would seem for writer-director Chistopher Nolan, who stands alone as one of the few filmmakers for whom the words carte blanche equates to a blank cheque from any studio he chooses to approach.
So armed with his copy of American Prometheus: The Triumph and Tragedy of Robert J. Oppenheimer by Kai Bird for inspiration, Nolan has gone about creating a masterful movie that explores every facet of this complicated subject. Embracing kangaroo courts convened after the atomic bombs have dropped, alongside congressional committees that follow as political affiliations are laid bare, before doubling back to ground zero where Oppenheimer is making history. Thankfully, Nolan has his pick of players to portray these important people starting with an outstanding Cillian Murphy in that title role.
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Unwavering in his singular vision of the pitfalls inherent in the process, his Robert J. Oppenheimer is a planet around which everything orbits in those early stages of this magnum opus. Detail driven, laser focused, and unwavering in his determination, this may be the performance that gets him an Oscar next year. Another celestial body occupying the same space is Admiral Lewis Strauss embodied by Robert Downey Jr, who works hard to strip away his movie star persona and hunkers down inside this human being pitching for his own Oscar in the process.
Elsewhere, that roster of star names continues with Matt Damon (Leslie Groves), Florence Pugh (Jean Tatlock), and Emily Blunt (Kitty Oppenheimer), not to mention Kenneth Branagh (Niels Bohr), Casey Affleck (Boris Pash) and Gary Oldman (Harry Truman). In retelling this turning point in history Nolan uses every element of his arsenal to deliver something of substance. From the exquisite cinematography of Hoyte Van Hoytema (Ad Astra), through to some inspired orchestration from Ludwig Goransson (Black Panther), Oppenheimer feels like a movie on a mission from the outset.
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Whether or not this is a great film on its own merits is another question altogether, since Nolan clearly has an agenda ingrained into his social commentary piece that feels terrifyingly relevant. The discussion that simmers away beneath the surface is one of war and its justification, raised in opposition to the creation of weapons for political leverage. Oppenheimer is no easy watch and certainly sits uneasily against its cinematic bedroom buddy Barbie. Nolan has made something of cinematic significance here that openly addresses the holocaust and puts his argument forward for why future generations need to remember.
On 4k, Blu-ray, and digital download audiences will get another chance to evaluate Oppenheimer first hand, picking apart this confirmed classic and deciding what side of the line they land on. For some, it will be a one and done deal similar to Schindler’s List, while others may choose to go back time and again to dive into this unique slice of cinema. Whatever their take on this man behind the Manhattan project, there is no denying the importance of this film.
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Oppenheimer is out on 4k UHD, Blu-ray, and digital download now.
