Christopher Nolan, the Acadamy-nominated filmmaker behind several successful films, has made a bold declaration concerning his latest project, a biopic titled Oppenheimer that focuses on the eponymous historical figure. His bold words came after the film’s positively received screening at CinemaCon.
J. Robert Oppenheimer was a theoretical physicist made famous through his contributions to the Manhattan Project, which led to the creation of the atomic bomb deployed by the US during World War II. His story has been adapted and retold by myriad storytellers, the latest of which is Nolan, whose plans for the biopic and preference for practical effects have already contributed to some of the biggest challenges filming Oppenheimer.
At the CinemaCon screening of Oppenheimer, Nolan, who is widely recognized as one of the most influential sci-fi directors of all time, said some bold words about his biopic’s subject matter. “I know of no more dramatic tale with higher stakes, twists and turns, and ethical dilemmas," Nolan said. "The finest minds in the country were in a desperate race against the Nazis to harness the power of the atom in World War II. Picture those same minds realizing the possibility that they might set fire to the entire world, yet they went ahead and pushed the button. I wanted to be there and see what that might be like.”
“There are no easy answers but the most fascinating paradoxes,” he remarked, touching on his disinterest in crafting a straightforward, linear narrative for the audience to buy into. This writing lines up with many historians, who consider the events the film intends to portray as a contemporary tragedy. Despite this, Oppenheimer has been a project of interest since its announcement, in no small part due to it being set to star Cillian Murphy in the lead and feature a score by composer Ludwig Göransson right from the beginning of the project's public campaign. This sort of build is unusual for a biopic and is a testament to the star power of Nolan but also everyone else who has been signed on since the initial announcement.
The announcements in question were as high profile as one could hope for, with Robert Downey Jr. and Matt Damon signing on to join Nolan's Oppenheimer. More names like Emily Blunt, Rami Malek, Florence Pugh, Benny Safdie, Michael Angarano, Josh Hartnett, and Kenneth Branagh joined after another to ensure that not a single film enthusiast could afford to miss the picture. But beyond star power, the story's substance comes highly recommended, with Nolan insisting that it “has to be seen to be believed” as it “poses the most unsettling questions.”
Oppenheimer is set for a theatrical release on July 21, 2023.
Sources: Independent