The Hidden Truth Behind Oppenheimer's Silence on the 1945 Bombings of Hiroshima & Nagasaki: Unveiling Nolan's Revelations

The article contains spoilers for Oppenheimer as Christopher Nolan explains why the Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombings are not depicted in the film. The acclaimed director's latest work showcases the true story of J. Robert Oppenheimer, a renowned theoretical physicist, and his involvement in developing the first nuclear weapons during World War II. These weapons were infamously used to devastating effect with the dropping of atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945, causing the deaths of numerous civilians, estimated between 129,000 and 226,000 individuals.

During an interview following the film's premiere in New York, Nolan outlined his reasoning for omitting the depiction of Japan's destruction in Oppenheimer. It is important to note that his decision was not aimed at glossing over the subject matter, but rather because the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki were events that transpired beyond Oppenheimer's direct perspective. Nolan's complete explanation can be found below.

We know so much more than he did at the time. He learned about the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki on the radio, the same as the rest of the world.

Oppenheimer Still Features A Nuclear Explosion

Given that the historical drama Oppenheimer revolves around its eponymous character, it is understandable that the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki are not depicted. In a unique approach, Nolan wrote the Oppenheimer script in the first person, a technique unprecedented and unlikely to be replicated by anyone else. The majority of the film centers on Oppenheimer's subjective perspective of events. Nolan clarifies that since Oppenheimer learned about the bombings through the radio, it would be disorienting for the film to illustrate something he did not witness firsthand.

While Oppenheimer refrains from depicting the Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombings, it does showcase a nuclear explosion known as the Trinity test. This was the inaugural detonation of a nuclear weapon. Notably, in Oppenheimer, the visually impressive sequence was reenacted using practical effects exclusively, without any assistance from CGI. This decision by Nolan may have been influenced by budget constraints, as the Oppenheimer production lacked the necessary funds to authentically recreate two additional nuclear explosions, a testament to the director's notorious aversion to CGI.

Although the film does not directly depict the bombings in Japan, it does delve into Oppenheimer's personal reaction and immediate disapproval of future nuclear development. This placed him at odds with both politicians and a handful of dissenting scientists. Consequently, the remaining portion of Oppenheimer's screen time centers on the historical figure's endeavors to raise awareness about nuclear destruction, amid efforts by certain politicians to tarnish the physicist's reputation. Thus, the bombings in Japan exerted a profound influence on Oppenheimer's career, as he was acutely aware of the deadly potential inherent in his globally destructive creation.

Source: IndieWire