Breathtaking Brilliance Unleashed: Christopher Nolan's Oppenheimer Rocks the Critics!

Christopher Nolan’s upcoming film Oppenheimer has garnered positive reactions from audiences at its France premiere. The film, which has a $100 million budget, runs for three hours, and notably does not rely on CGI, includes scenes in black and white, offering a departure from the typical big-budget blockbusters known for their heavy use of computer-generated effects. Directed by Nolan, who is known for his unconventional thinking and practical effects, Oppenheimer has also received praise from Kai Bird, co-author of the Pulitzer-winning book American Prometheus: The Triumph and Tragedy of J. Robert Oppenheimer, who was left “stunned.” Early reviews from journalists further confirm the positive reception of the film.

The historical drama featuring Cillian Murphy premiered in France before its release in the country, with director Nolan attending the premiere. Reactions on social media have poured in, with AP film writer Lindsey Bahr describing Oppenheimer as an "impressive achievement" and a "thoughtful, profound, and mature drama." Josh Horowitz, host of Happy Sad Confused, hails Oppenheimer as "one of Nolan's best works," high praise considering his previous films The Dark Knight and Interstellar. Murphy's performance has been praised as "flawless" and "deserving of awards" by some, while Telegraph film critic Robbie Collins declares it a "complete knockout" that leaves a lasting impact. Vulture critic Bilge Ebiri describes Oppenheimer as "remarkable," "intimidating," and "exceedingly detailed," while Jonathan Dean from The Sunday Times dubs it a "daring, innovative, and intricate film that deeply affects its audience."

The buzz surrounding Oppenheimer is as remarkable as the power of an atomic bomb, marking a major success for Nolan after his previous film Tenet, which faced challenges from Warner Bros. Nolan was disappointed with WB's lack of support for Tenet's transition to a content-focused business strategy. While Oppenheimer signifies Nolan's move from Warner Bros. to Universal, reports suggest that Michael De Luca and Pam Abdy from Warner Bros. Discovery are interested in bringing Nolan back (via Variety). However, other WBD executives have been criticized for their potentially toxic relationships with directors. Since the merger with Discovery, the shift from traditional cinema to content creation has become even more evident under the leadership of WBD CEO David Zaslav, particularly in light of the ongoing WGA writers' strike.

Oppenheimer is set to debut in theaters on July 21, 2023. This coincides with the release of Barbie, and despite efforts by Universal to change the date, WBD has refused to budge. This decision has reportedly disappointed Nolan and does not aid in repairing previous tensions with the studio. Nevertheless, Murphy encourages moviegoers to see both films, stating, "You can enjoy a full day at the cinema. What could be better?" Murphy suggests starting with the Nolan biopic, Oppenheimer, as it offers a unique experience, followed by Barbie for an unforgettable weekend.

Source: The Hollywood Reporter, Variety