Sizzling Controversy Surrounding Oppenheimer Sex Scene Sparks Unprecedented Outrage and Demands for Hollywood Accountability

Summary

Certain viewers are expressing strong indignation towards the utilization of this sacred text within a sexual context, deeming it to be disrespectful and possibly sacrilegious.

While opinions vary on the use of the Bhagavad Gita in the film, with some defending it as not being depicted as holy, others argue that its inclusion is historically inaccurate and unnecessary.

Although Oppenheimer's sex scenes have elicited differing reactions from audiences, they have particularly outraged Hindus due to the presence of the Bhagavad Gita in one of the scenes. Even before its premiere, the sex scenes in Oppenheimer caused a significant stir, as it marked the first R-rating for nudity and sexuality in a Christopher Nolan film in 20 years. While this is Nolan's first film to feature a sex scene, he believed it was essential to authentically portray J. Robert Oppenheimer's (played by Cillian Murphy) life and his intense relationship with Jean Tatlock (played by Florence Pugh), despite some finding the scenes offensive.

Oppenheimer viewers on Twitter are expressing their anger over the film's sex scene involving the Bhagavad Gita. User @HarrisSultan criticized Oppenheimer for disrespecting the holy book by using it in a sexual context.

In addition, certain viewers were taken aback when Oppenheimer was released in India with a blurred sex scene, while the Bhagavad Gita reference remained, which could be perceived as "blasphemous."

Others also pointed out that the scene wasn't historically accurate or necessary.

Some defended the decision, though, since the characters don't regard the book as "holy", and only as "Sanskrit."

One user even argued that not all Hindus consider Bhagavad Gita a holy book.

Why The Bhagavad Gita Is In Oppenheimer And Why It's Controversial

Oppenheimer's inclusion of the Bhagavad Gita in the sex scene is just one way he references the book. He was fascinated by Sanskrit and immersed himself in ancient Hindu texts, including the Bhagavad Gita. Despite considering it a philosophical work, Oppenheimer never identified as a traditional Hindu, but the Gita resonated with him due to its profound insights on religion and language.

Meanwhile, in Oppenheimer, the quote from the Gita plays a significant role. It is said by the physicist himself when he witnesses the destructive power of the atomic bomb he helped create, saying, "Now I am become Death, destroyer of worlds." This quote had a historical accuracy, as Oppenheimer himself claimed later that it was this Gita quote that came to his mind during the bomb's detonation. Therefore, it is not surprising that the Gita holds prominence in Oppenheimer, given Oppenheimer's personal connection to the Hindu scripture.

However, the historical accuracy of a sex scene in Oppenheimer, featuring Tatlock instructing Murphy's character to recite the Bhagavad Gita, remains uncertain. With the initial reports of nudity and the age gap between the actors, the reaction from audiences, particularly from the Hindu community, will be interesting. This may prompt Nolan to be more considerate in the future when including such intimate scenes in his films.

Source: Various (see above)