Oppenheimer is a 2023 epic biographical thriller film written and directed by Christopher Nolan. Based on the 2005 biography American Prometheus: The Triumph and Tragedy of J. Robert Oppenheimer by Kai Bird and Martin J. Sherwin, the film chronicles the career of American theoretical physicist J. Robert Oppenheimer.
The film stars Cillian Murphy as Oppenheimer, Emily Blunt as his wife, Katherine “Kitty” Oppenheimer, Matt Damon as General Leslie Groves Jr., director of the Manhattan Project, and Robert Downey Jr. as Lewis Strauss, a founding commissioner of the U.S. Atomic Energy Commission. The supporting cast includes Florence Pugh, Benny Safdie, Michael Angarano, Josh Hartnett, Dane DeHaan, Dylan Arnold, David Krumholtz, Alden Ehrenreich, and Matthew Modine.
Oppenheimer premiered at Le Grand Rex in Paris on July 11, 2023, and was theatrically released in the United States and the United Kingdom on July 21 by Universal Pictures. The film has received positive reviews from critics, with praise for Murphy’s performance, Nolan’s direction, and the film’s technical aspects.
The film is set during World War II and follows Oppenheimer as he leads the Manhattan Project, the top-secret American mission to develop the atomic bomb. The film explores Oppenheimer’s complex personality and his moral dilemmas as he helps to create a weapon that has the potential to destroy the world.
The film is based on a great deal of research, and Nolan has said that he wanted to make a film that was both accurate and thought-provoking. The film is a departure from Nolan’s previous work in terms of its subject matter and tone. It is a slower-paced film that is more focused on character development and historical accuracy.
Overall, Oppenheimer is a well-made and thought-provoking film that offers a unique perspective on one of the most important figures of the 20th century. It is a must-see for fans of Christopher Nolan and anyone interested in the history of the atomic bomb.
Box Office
As of August 12, 2023, Oppenheimer has grossed $300.2 million worldwide. Of this, $171.8 million was grossed in the United States and Canada, and $128.4 million was grossed in other territories.
The film’s opening weekend gross in the United States and Canada was $50.4 million, which was lower than expected. However, the film has since had strong legs at the box office, and it is now Nolan’s highest-grossing film to date.
Oppenheimer’s box office performance has been attributed to a number of factors, including positive reviews from critics, strong word-of-mouth, and the star power of its cast. The film has also benefited from its release during the summer movie season, which is typically a busy time for box office revenues.
It remains to be seen how Oppenheimer will perform in the long run. However, its early box office success is a promising sign for the film. It is possible that Oppenheimer could reach $400 million or even $500 million worldwide, which would make it a major commercial success.
Here is a table showing Oppenheimer’s box office gross by region as of August 12, 2023:
| Region | Gross (millions) |
|---|---|
| United States and Canada | $171.8 |
| Other territories | $128.4 |
| Worldwide | $300.2 |
Controversies
J. Robert Oppenheimer was a brilliant physicist who played a key role in the development of the atomic bomb. However, his legacy has been tarnished by a number of controversies.
One of the biggest controversies surrounding Oppenheimer is his role in the Manhattan Project. The Manhattan Project was the top-secret American mission to develop the atomic bomb. Oppenheimer was the scientific director of the project, and he is often credited with being the “father of the atomic bomb.”
Some people have accused Oppenheimer of being responsible for the deaths of hundreds of thousands of people in the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. They argue that he should have done more to prevent the bombs from being used. Others have defended Oppenheimer, arguing that he was simply following orders and that he did not fully understand the destructive power of the atomic bomb.
Another controversy surrounding Oppenheimer is his alleged communist sympathies. Oppenheimer was a member of the Communist Party USA in the 1930s. He later renounced his membership, but some people have accused him of continuing to have communist sympathies after World War II. This led to his security clearance being revoked in 1954.
Finally, Oppenheimer has also been criticized for his personal life. He had multiple affairs, and he was divorced twice. Some people have criticized his personal life, arguing that it was evidence of his moral weakness. Others have defended him, arguing that his personal life should not be held against him.
Oppenheimer’s legacy is complex and contested. He was a brilliant scientist who made significant contributions to the field of physics. However, he was also a flawed human being who made some questionable decisions. It is likely that there will continue to be debate about his role in history for many years to come.
Reviews
Here are some of the best-rated reviews for the Oppenheimer movie:
- Peter Bradshaw, The Guardian: “A towering, challenging, and fascinating film about the man who created the atomic bomb.” [5/5 stars]
- Owen Gleiberman, Variety: “A sprawling, ambitious, and visually stunning film that captures the moral complexities of its subject.” [A-]
- David Ehrlich, IndieWire: “A masterpiece of epic filmmaking that is both intellectually challenging and emotionally resonant.” [A-]
- Richard Brody, The New Yorker: “A powerful and disturbing film that is both a portrait of a man and a meditation on the nature of power.” [4/5 stars]
- Leah Greenblatt, Entertainment Weekly: “A complex, challenging, and ultimately moving film that does justice to its subject.” [B+]
These are just a few of the many positive reviews that Oppenheimer has received. The film has been praised for its acting, directing, writing, and production values. It has also been praised for its handling of a complex and controversial subject matter.
If you are interested in learning more about Oppenheimer or the Manhattan Project, we would recommend seeing the film. It is a challenging film, but it is also a rewarding one.
