Christopher Nolan, the director of Oppenheimer, has addressed fans' concerns about the use of a real atomic bomb during filming. The film, which stars Cillian Murphy as J. Robert Oppenheimer, a key figure in the development of nuclear weapons, is expected to have utilized practical effects due to its significant budget of $180 million.
During an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Nolan acknowledged that there was a portion of his fanbase who believed he would employ an actual atomic bomb during the production of Oppenheimer. While flattered by their faith in his commitment to accuracy, Nolan also highlighted the potential dangers associated with such a decision. Read his response below:
It’s flattering that people would think I would be capable of something as extreme as that on the one hand, but it’s also a little bit scary.
How Much Of Oppenheimer's Effects Are Real?
Given Nolan's no-CGI approach for Oppenheimer, it's understandable why some viewers might believe he'd actually detonate a genuine atomic bomb for the film's authenticity. However, employing such a dangerous and real weapon would jeopardize the well-being of the entire cast and crew, exposing them to the enduring perils of nuclear radiation. Moreover, if Nolan were to utilize an atomic bomb in Oppenheimer, it would undermine the movie's intended message, which aims to convey the horrors that arise from the invention of nuclear weaponry.
Despite not actually possessing a genuine atomic bomb, Nolan made it a priority to minimize the use of CGI in the film Oppenheimer. Although there are instances in the promotional material where CGI appears to have been employed, Nolan's insistence on relying on practical effects for all aspects of the movie may still hold true. It is possible, however, that there are no completely CGI shots in Oppenheimer, and instead, some digital VFX have been superimposed onto practical ones.
While Oppenheimer lacks a genuine atomic weapon, it is reasonable to assume that the explosions depicted in the film will be produced using practical visual effects. This will serve to intensify the impact of the explosions, as both the audience and the actors will be reacting to a large-scale simulation of what an atomic bomb would resemble. Despite the absence of actual hazardous nuclear weapons, Oppenheimer can still effectively convey the horrors of their creation.
Source: THR