Robert Downey Jr Unearthed: The Secret Motive Behind Christopher Nolan's Oppenheimer Casting

Summary

Through his portrayal of Lewis Strauss, Downey finds an opportunity to scrutinize public perception of himself and confront certain idealized versions of his persona.

Downey is intrigued by his uncertainty regarding who was on the right side of history, suggesting that Lewis Strauss might have had valid motives for his conduct.

Caution: Oppenheimer spoilers ahead.

Actor Robert Downey Jr. speculates on the hidden motives behind writer and director Christopher Nolan's decision to cast him in the role of Lewis Strauss in the film Oppenheimer. Adapted from the book American Prometheus by Kai Bird and Martin J. Sherwin, Oppenheimer features Cillian Murphy as the renowned American theoretical physicist, J. Robert Oppenheimer, often referred to as the "father of the atomic bomb". Downey himself plays an important character in the film, portraying Strauss, a politician and the former Chair of the Atomic Energy Commission (AEC). The actor shares his thoughts on Nolan's possible ulterior motive in a recent Vanity Fair video (relevant section starting at 20:28).

In the video, Downey explains that playing the role of Strauss not only allowed him to explore a different character type, but also provided him with a fresh perspective on his own life and career. This perspective may have been a contributing factor in Nolan's decision to cast him. Downey's full comment can be found below:

"Strauss embodies conservatism, devotion, and a life dedicated to service. Amidst the complexities of the Cold War, it was empowering for me to assume the position of a righteous critic, observing the actions of these liberal geniuses. It felt like an opportunity to reflect not only on myself, but also on the perceptions of others throughout my entire career."

"And thus, I engaged in this counterpoint, as if I were engaged in a debate with the facets of my own self that I have greatly admired. I had the opportunity to scrutinize each one of them and acknowledge, 'That perspective is not entirely accurate, and perhaps you don't deserve that admiration.' It has been a profound exchange.

"I have a sense that Nolan wanted me to undertake this task in order to gain a complete 180-degree perspective. However, deep down, I genuinely believe that Lewis Strauss pursued his actions based on what he perceived as correct reasons. I don't mean this in the sense of a villainous superhero, but rather as a fellow human being. Hence, it is intriguing that I remain somewhat undecided regarding who was truly on the right side of history."

Robert Downey Jr. Is Oppenheimer's Secret Weapon

Apart from showcasing impressive practical filmmaking, Oppenheimer heavily relies on strong performances. Murphy takes center stage as the conflicted and multi-dimensional scientist at the heart of the film, bringing his character to life in a powerful way. Florence Pugh's portrayal of Jean Tatlock, Emily Blunt's depiction of Kitty Oppenheimer, and Matt Damon's portrayal of General Leslie Groves also contribute significantly to shaping the narrative.

However, a significant portion of Oppenheimer's narrative also rests on Downey's performance as Strauss. Strauss serves as the film's antagonist, attempting to undermine Oppenheimer's life by revoking his AEC security clearance. Besides his personal vendetta against Murphy's character, Strauss also helps to explore the film's central themes on how the creation of atomic weapons impacted the world.

Oppenheimer, the creator of the atomic bomb, opposed the development of thermonuclear bombs due to the potential destruction resulting from an arms race with the Soviet Union. In contrast, Strauss, influenced by the Soviets' successful atomic bomb test in 1949, considered the creation of these weapons essential for American national security. This disagreement eventually resulted in Strauss putting Oppenheimer on trial for his alleged communist affiliations.