Oppenheimer (2023) Review
Oppenheimer is a 2023 biographical thriller film written and directed by Christopher Nolan. Based on the 2005 biography American Prometheus by Kai Bird and Martin J. Sherwin, the film chronicles the life of J. Robert Oppenheimer, a theoretical physicist who was pivotal in developing the first nuclear weapons as part of the Manhattan Project, and thereby ushering in the Atomic Age. Cillian Murphy stars as the titular character, with Emily Blunt as Oppenheimer’s wife, Katherine “Kitty” Oppenheimer, Matt Damon as General Leslie Groves, Oppenheimer’s military handler, and Robert Downey Jr.
The film has been praised for its cast, screenplay, and visuals. Murphy has been singled out for his performance, with many critics calling it one of the best of his career. The film has also been praised for its unflinching look at the moral complexities of Oppenheimer’s life.
Oppenheimer is a challenging film, but it is also a rewarding one. It is a film that will stay with you long after you have seen it. It is a film that will make you think about the nature of power, the responsibility of scientists, and the consequences of our actions.
The film’s strengths
The cast is excellent. Murphy is superb as Oppenheimer, and he is surrounded by a talented ensemble cast.
The screenplay is well-written and engaging. It is a complex story, but the film does a good job of making it accessible to a general audience.
The visuals are stunning. The film is shot in IMAX, and the cinematography is breathtaking.
The film’s weaknesses
The film is long. It clocks in at over three hours, and it can feel a bit slow at times.
The film is not always historically accurate. Some of the events are condensed or dramatized for the sake of the story.
Overall, Oppenheimer is a challenging but rewarding film. It is a film that will stay with you long after you have seen it. It is a film that will make you think about the nature of power, the responsibility of scientists, and the consequences of our actions.
Should you watch Oppenheimer?
If you are a fan of Christopher Nolan’s films, or if you are interested in the history of the atomic bomb, then you should definitely watch Oppenheimer. The film is a challenging but rewarding experience.
However, if you are looking for a more straightforward biopic, then you may be disappointed. Oppenheimer is not a traditional biopic. It is a more complex and nuanced film.
Overall, Oppenheimer is a good film that is worth watching. It is challenging but rewarding, and it will stay with you long after you have seen it.
