Review: Oppenheimer

The bomb flashes. Everyone in the theater is holding their breath, suspended in time as they wait for the sound of the explosion. 

After months of anticipation alongside Greta Gerwig’s “Barbie,” Christopher Nolan’s three hour feature “Oppenheimer” finally released on July 21, 2023. With an iconic cast starring actors like Cillian Murphy and Robert Downey Jr., “Oppenheimer” immerses viewers into the trial of J. Robert Oppenheimer, the presidential cabinet appointment of Lewis Strauss and the development of the atomic bomb. 

Throughout the movie, Nolan uses full color to represent Oppenheimer’s point of view, and black and white for Strauss’. This cinematographic choice is significant in various scenes throughout the film, such as Oppenhiemer’s conversation with Albert Einstein, where the two character’s perspectives change the perceived story.

Despite the well-known outcome of The Manhattan Project, Nolan’s use of the characters’ personal lives keeps viewers on their toes. The movie depicts the affair between Oppenheimer and Jean Tatlock, (Florence Pugh) whose communist affiliations complicate matters later on. His controversial relationship with his wife, Kitty (Emily Blunt) and other characters, such as General Leslie Groves (Matt Damon), are also essential to the deep-rooted framework of Oppenheimer’s life.

All of these actors put on stellar performances and in combination with Nolan’s unique and thoughtful writing style, helped place the audience in the world of the ‘40s. Murphy was the perfect actor to cast for Oppenheimer, his wide, wild eyes capturing Oppenheimer’s eccentric genius. 

Long and suspenseful, “Oppenheimer’s” storyline and character development keeps the film interesting throughout its three hour run time. With that in mind, the extensive length is a better watch for viewers with longer attention spans.

4/5