Oppenheimer (2023) | Film Review
Nolan’s gritty biopic is tremendous.
Often lauded for his complex storytelling and ambitious experimentation, Oppenheimer is somewhat an outlier in Christopher Nolan’s filmography, in that it is a grounded and unembellished biopic.
Following theoretical physicist J. Robert Oppenheimer and his involvement with the Manhattan Project as well as the subsequent fallout, Nolan effortlessly displays his directorial prowess with a heart-wrenching and forthright film surrounding one of history’s most significant tragedies.
Jaw-dropping visuals and expert cinematography work cohesively with skilful editing from Jennifer Lame and a potent score from Ludwig Göransson to deliver a visceral cinematic experience depicting the monumental scale of nuclear weaponry, along with the devastation of the tortured genius behind it.
Unrelenting close-up shots interlaced with sporadic bursts of fire illustrate this marked attention to detail and regard now expected from Oppenheimer’s director.
Nolan’s long-time collaborator Cillian Murphy (Inception, Batman Begins) delivers a career defining performance in the lead role, with an understated yet intense portrayal of J. Robert Oppenheimer, countered by a sterling Robert Downey Jr (Iron Man, Sherlock Holmes) as well as brilliant supporting performances from Matt Damon and Emily Blunt.
The cast complement each other well, delineating the profundity of the screenplay with consuming performances that represent each actor’s real-life counterpart with precision.
Murphy’s distinctive ability to convey the outward composure of a deeply tormented protagonist is possibly the most stunning facet the film has to offer, arguably bestowing the audience more than the still unforgettable shots of the atomic bomb itself.
The film makes use of a non-linear narrative across 3 hours to serve the vastness of its source material, a mechanism well known to Nolanites, but it’s executed with a flair that justifies Oppenheimer’s lengthy runtime. These jumps between time periods are signified by a memorable monochrome to colour and back visual finesse.
Naturally, films in excess of 2 and a half hours require an elevated level of attention, and Oppenheimer’s focus on discourse and subtle storytelling to carry it along make it no exception. But when viewers commit, Nolan rewards them with arousing and inspiring work that could even benefit from a second viewing.
Oppenheimer is a visual marvel and a heart-breaking true story dispensed by its director in relentless practice. The entire cast achieve exceptional performances but are led through the smoke by an unparalleled Cillian Murphy. Crafted with meticulousness, drive and a ruthless honesty, Oppenheimer positions itself amongst Christopher Nolan’s best work to date, and arguably the greatest cinematic release of the year.
5/5
