Nolan vs Oppenheimer: Unveiling the Controversial Biopic Genre

Summary

According to Christopher Nolan, labeling Oppenheimer as a biopic is flawed and oversimplified since it overlooks the unique qualities and intricate nature of the protagonist.

Nolan suggests that genres like heist films and courtroom dramas are more suitable for conveying the essence of Oppenheimer's story, captivating the audience. He argues that biopics, although they may highlight a specific individual and historical connections, are not a useful term and do not offer significant insights into the film.

Christopher Nolan does not consider Oppenheimer to be a biopic. The film recounts the story of J. Robert Oppenheimer's involvement in the Manhattan Project and the development of the atomic bomb. Despite featuring a star-studded cast and generating a significant following on social media, the movie's financial success was remarkable, grossing close to $950 million with a budget of only $100 million.

While the entire Oppenheimer cast revolves around the scientist, Nolan argues against labeling the film as a biopic. During a conference at the Graduate Center for the City University of New York, Nolan expressed his concerns about this categorization. He believes that other genres can better capture the essence of a movie instead of simply classifying it as a biopic. He cited examples such as Lawrence of Arabia and Citizen Kane, which are acknowledged as biopics but referred to by different genre names. According to Nolan, these alternative genres offer a more comprehensive understanding of the film. You can find his full explanation below.

In post-Freudian biographies, there has been a tendency to oversimplify individuals by attributing their characteristics solely to their genetic inheritance from their parents. This reductionist perspective fails to capture the complexity of human beings. When crafting a substantial book spanning 500 or 1,000 pages, it is crucial to find a way to strike a balance between the influence of genetics and the uniqueness of personal experiences. However, when condensing the narrative into a screenplay format, this reductionist approach becomes excessively simplistic.

This is precisely where the biopic genre falls short. It lacks practicality and usefulness. I find fulfillment in working within genres that have clear utility. In this particular film, I explore the heist genre in relation to the Manhattan Project and the courtroom drama genre in relation to the security hearings. Examining the conventions of these genres allows me to captivate and establish a means of communication with the audience.

Biopic, as a term, is typically used to describe a film that lacks strong dramatic elements. For instance, legendary movies like 'Lawrence of Arabia' or 'Citizen Kane' are not typically classified as biopics. These films instead fall into genres such as adventure or a portrayal of someone's life. In a similar vein, biopic isn't considered a particularly helpful genre, much like drama. It fails to provide a specific anchor for viewers to connect with.

Is The Biopic Designation Useful?

Biographical films, commonly known as biopics, have been a frequently mentioned aspect of media. However, there are certain problems associated with this categorization. Numerous movies can be labeled as biopics, yet their similarities are minimal. For instance, Napoleon and Oppenheimer are both historical biopics centered around war, but their settings, narratives, and influences differ greatly. The former leans towards an epic style, whereas the latter delves into a character study exploring the idea of potentially forgiving the notorious Oppenheimer.

The numerous differences between biopics suggest that the concept itself may be futile. Maestro's thorough exploration of Leonard Bernstein differs greatly from Schindler's List's examination of Oskar Schindler. Likewise, comparing Oppenheimer to other biopics will yield no meaningful results. It is more practical to categorize separate genres that can better inform audiences.

However, this does not mean that identifying biopics serves no purpose. It can inform viewers that a film revolves around a specific individual rather than an ensemble cast. Additionally, it can emphasize a movie's connection to actual history instead of a purely fictional character or event. Nevertheless, Nolan disagrees with labeling Oppenheimer as a biopic.

Source: CUNY Graduate Center