Oppenheimer (2023), Dir Christopher Nolan, Universal Pictures.

5*****: Matthew Alicoon

Runtime: 180 minutes

Friday July 21st 2023 came upon us with one of the most talked about events of the year, the Barbie and Oppenheimer double feature. A monstrous success both films have provided for the box office taking staggering amounts of money. Barbie is on track to be the highest grossing film of the year and Oppenheimer had the highest opening weekend for an R / 15 rated film. There is no greater time to say cinema is officially back with an additional breadth of films currently including Joyride, Meg 2: The Trench, Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning Part One, Talk to Me and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem. With such a versatility of choices that all have individualistic purposes, there is plenty for you to appreciate this summer with your cinemagoing. There have been several discussions about which order to see Barbenheimer and which film was truly the better of the two. Time to discuss Oppenheimer first.

Oppenheimer is a biographical thriller showcasing the life and career of J. Robert Oppenheimer. The film predominantly focuses on Oppenheimer’s early educational stages, the recruitment and direction involved within the Manhattan Project, following up with the 1954 security hearing.

Oppenheimer is a magnificent feat and truly an extraordinary film for respective reasons. It is a rarity for a film to leave such a prevalent imprint when the credits roll. By Oppenheimer having the guts to be raw, authentic and forthright with this story it paves the way to appreciate the sheer scope of Oppenheimer’s life. The film is ultimately about Oppenheimer realising how much power he will have with the impact of the atomic bomb but the excruciating punches get thrown in the third half in a way that is deeply troubling yet powerfully outspoken, as it leaves a mark on the current political climate.

The film is the pure definition of having an all-star ensemble cast but crucially everyone is utilised regardless of their screentime. Cillian Murphy is impeccable as J. Robert Oppenheimer turning in a textbook career best performance. His range of emotions were at times epitomised by his eyes which conveyed such strong notions of trepidation and paranoia. Cillian skilfully showcases the fascination of science in which Oppenheimer is all about and he perfectly encapsulates the determination and attentiveness of Oppenheimer when appropriate. It is a performance for the ages and Cillian deserves every award going. Cillian Murphy became Oppenheimer.

The supporting cast are a triumph. Emily Blunt masterfully gives a hardcore emotional edge to Katherine Oppenheimer. Robert Downey Jr. has shaken the Iron Man role off as he outstandingly portrays the scheming and disingenuous edge to Lewis Strauss. Alden Ehrenreich was unbelievable as the Senate aide to Lewis Strauss. Even actors who had minimal screentime relished their performances such as Rami Malek who plays a highly substantial role in the finale of the film. Seeing the acting gravitas within Oppenheimer truly confirms how much the entire cast and crew valued what they were making.

There is distinctive intercutting between the time periods in Oppenheimer’s Life. However, the narrative strands blend together seamlessly, therefore you forget that the film is jumping back and forth between history. Not a line of dialogue ever feels wasted. Ludwig Göransson’s score rip-roaringly comes alive offering a well-orchestrated tonal contrast of beautiful and uplifting music to cascading into horror sounds. The trinity test strikingly captures a moment in time. The immersive sound design post trinity-test is haunting but exceptionally composed. Hoyte van Hoytema’s cinematography is breath-taking to watch, particularly with the trinity test.

Christopher Nolan understands his assignments and he continues to knock it out of the park in an everlasting manner. Oppenheimer is made for IMAX, seek it out in full 70mm or digital IMAX. The black and white footage looks immaculately polished. The sound explodes at times.

Bravo Christopher Nolan and I hope to see your name among with many fellow cast and crew at next year’s Academy Awards.

Cast

Cillian Murphy as J. Robert Oppenheimer

Emily Blunt as Katherine Oppenheimer

Matt Damon as Gen. Leslie Groves

Robert Downey Jr. as Lewis Strauss

Florence Pugh as Jean Tatlock

And plenty more famous faces