The best drama this year, Oppenheimer opens with a bang. The true story gets absolutely compelling with the terrific cast putting on a great show. Led by Cillian Murphy as the title character and Robert Downey Jr. as Lewis Strauss, the three hour show flies by as it takes you into the of the biggest challenge for mankind. But, do your best to see the motion picture as it was filmed with IMAX cameras. Or the next best thing, see it the biggest screen and good sound you can find in your local community.
It’s the mid 1930’s and J. Robert Oppenheimer, a physicist, has been working on the theory of adapting the use of nuclear fission. Believing that a massive amount of energy could give a country the power that could be used to end World War II, he accepts the positon to head the Manhattan Project. The highly secretive plan would ultimately build the most devastating explosive than any other in the world at that time.
As he works his team with his designs and mathematic equations he forms an alliance with some of the best minds in the world. Director and writer of the screenplay, Christopher Nolan, who used the biography American Prometheus (a chronical of Oppenheimer’s actual work on the Manhattan Project) creates the amazing character for a show that puts his audience inside the mind of the brilliant physicist. Sticking to his visions, he deals with the US Government, his personal life and the results of his provocative work.
Going to the special screening I was expecting a long, boring and drawn out biography of the man’s life, but was I surprised. The film is one of the best dramas that I’ve seen in several years and should easily be set for award nominations. The performance by Cillian Murphy is astounding to say the least. His depiction of a man who took a theory and turned it into a mission to end one of the most devastation wars of all time, is point on. I don’t know how Murphy would not be awarded top honors during Awards Season.
Also, watch for an outstanding performance by Robert Downey, Jr. who plays Lewis Strauss a former naval officer who represented the U.S. Atomic Energy Commission. Cagey and self-centered, his Strauss puts a damper on any accolades Oppenheim should have gotten.
The cinematography having been filmed with IMAX cameras it astounding, absorbing and electrifying at times. The use of Black and White scenes are additional ploys to show Oppenheimer’s past that included the Communist ties of his wife Kitty (Emily Blunt) and his mistress Jean Tatlock (Florence Pugh). The fiery scenes and sounds of the explosions rattle the theater seats at times giving the film a realistic feel.
Oppenheimer has been rated R by the MPAA for some sexuality, nudity and language. The movie deserves the full count of 5 stars for those who like an engrossing drama and true historical plot.
Additional Film Information:
Cast: Cillian Murphy, Emily Blunt, Matt Damon, Robert Downey, Jr., Florence Pugh, Jack Quaid, Kenneth Branagh, Gary Oldman, Josh Hartnett, Alden Ehrenreich, Remi Malek, Casey Affleck
Directed and co-written by: Christopher Nolan
Genre: Biography, Drama, History
MPAA Rating: R for some sexuality, nudity and language
Running Time: 3 hrs.
Opening Date: July 21, 2023
Distributed by: Universal Pictures
Released in: Theaters
Writer, critic, film editor John Delia, Sr. has been on all sides of the movie business from publications to film making. He has worked as a film critic with ACED Magazine for more than 20 years and other publications for a total of 40 years. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of Florida. John is a member of the Southeastern Film Critics Association and Critics Association of Central Florida Send John a message at jdelia@acedmagazine.com
