Highlights
Other countries resorted to CGI censorship in the biopic Oppenheimer, sparking additional controversy over a non-gratuitous, intimate scene involving Florence Pugh's character.The movie delves into the ethical intricacies surrounding the development of the atomic bomb, presenting a narrative that refrains from glorifying the depicted events.
Censoring nudity without acknowledging the disturbing instances of violence caused by the bomb appears to be an inconsistent approach across various cultures. Oppenheimer generated controversy for several reasons prior to and after its debut. However, Christopher Nolan's recent movie became even more polarizing when other nations employed CGI to censor a delicate scene.
Nolan's latest film was bound to be controversial in some way from the start. It depicted a crucial moment in American history, carrying significant weight. J. Robert Oppenheimer, known as the father of the atomic bomb, led a team of scientists in the Manhattan Project to develop a devastating weapon to end World War II. While it did achieve that goal, it also came with a significant drawback. The American government dropped two bombs on Japanese soil, resulting in the indiscriminate deaths of civilians. The moral implications of this act continue to be a contentious issue. However, interestingly, this is not the only aspect of the Nolan film that sparked heated discussions.
A particular scene involving Oppenheimer became so controversial that some countries edited it using computer graphics. The scene portrayed an intimate conversation between Oppenheimer and his lover, played by Florence Pugh as Jean Tatlock in the film. Both characters were depicted nude, but this was not the version shown in other countries. Florence Pugh Daily reported, "In several countries, a censored version of 'OPPENHEIMER' is being screened, featuring CGI to cover Florence Pugh with a black dress."
The report coincided with India's criticism of the film, which featured a scene where the scientist recited a portion of the Bhagavad Gita, containing Oppenheimer's well-known quote, "I am become death, destroyer of worlds," during a sex scene with Jean. The religious significance of the book and its usage in the film stirred controversy.
Taking into account the topic of Oppenheimer, this perspective is intriguing. The film has faced some backlash, as it has been accused of glorifying a dark period in human history. However, likening the film's portrayal of complex historical events to promoting them is flawed. Christopher Nolan's decision to narrate the story of Oppenheimer and the atomic bomb does not imply his endorsement of these events. In fact, the film addresses the moral complexities associated with them. Oppenheimer, who famously opposed targeting civilians and utilizing the H-bomb during the McCarthy era, is portrayed in this light. Similarly, depicting the relationship between Oppenheimer and Jean was crucial in illustrating the significant impact of these events.
The censored scene depicted a non-sexual interaction between two individuals who happened to be naked, showcasing the intimacy and emotional intensity between them. This scene carried equal significance to Oppenheimer's professional endeavors. This is not to say that we should disregard or disrespect the cultural differences among countries. It's worth noting that Oppenheimer is not the first movie to undergo censorship in Eastern countries, as even Marvel Studios' Eternals faced a ban for refusing to make cuts. However, it is perplexing that nudity was censored while the disturbing scene portraying Oppenheimer's contemplation of the violence caused by his creation remained untouched. Oppenheimer is presently being screened in theaters.
Source: Variety, Florence Pugh Daily