Critics have finally shared their full opinions on Christopher Nolan's highly anticipated film Oppenheimer, set to release on July 21. While some critics found the movie to be a bit scattered and lacking cohesion over its three-hour duration, the consensus remains that it is a gripping and thrilling political thriller. Cillian Murphy's performance as the titular physicist is particularly praised for its depth and complexity. With a star-studded cast including Emily Blunt, Matt Damon, Robert Downey Jr., and Florence Pugh portraying real-life historical figures, Oppenheimer has the potential to become Nolan's masterpiece. Here are some excerpts from select reviews:
Nolan has faced criticism for his perceived emphasis on technical aspects rather than human elements in his filmmaking. However, Oppenheimer successfully combines both aspects. Through close-up shots, Murphy effectively conveys personal devastation while realizing the creation of a new world. Nolan skillfully portrays technical conversations and domestic conflicts as gripping action sequences, infusing every word and facial expression with a looming sense of doom. Oppenheimer is a remarkable achievement, simultaneously intimate and grand, and perhaps Nolan's most significant accomplishment.
Ross Bonaime, writing for Collider, praises Murphy's nuanced portrayal of Oppenheimer. Despite the tremendous impact of Oppenheimer's actions, Murphy effectively conveys the magnitude of his achievements through subtle facial expressions and hesitations in his speech. With his collaboration with Nolan, Murphy's portrayal of Oppenheimer will be remembered as one of the greatest performances captured by Nolan's camera.
Nolan's ability to create an overwhelming experience is unparalleled in this big bang of a film. However, while it delves into the torment of genius-functionary Oppenheimer, it falls short in representing the Japanese experience and the people of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
Owen Gleiberman, a reviewer from Variety, describes how the film maintains Nolan's distinct style. The film expertly weaves together elements of chronology, psychodrama, scientific inquiry, political intrigue, and historical events, creating a dizzying and thought-provoking experience. The story revolves around the creator of the atomic bomb, and at times, it feels as if it explores the very essence of lightning itself.
Pete Hammond, Deadline:
At three hours there is a lot of story to tell here, and Nolan condenses it nicely and really moves this along with the pace of the best thrillers.
Christopher Nolan, the mastermind behind "Memento," "Inception," and the "Dark Knight" trilogy, astutely envisions a biopic of J. Robert Oppenheimer, the renowned father of the atomic bomb, as a thought-provoking, informative, and mesmerizing cinematic experience.
Oppenheimer, Christopher Nolan’s latest film, masterfully combines a captivating character study with a sweeping historical narrative. It delves into the intriguing life of the man behind the Manhattan Project, which ultimately led to the development of the atomic bomb that brought World War II to its devastating conclusion. However, rather than relying on explosive action, Oppenheimer takes a more measured approach, building tension gradually. What truly sets this audacious epic apart is its unexpected focus on the cutthroat world of political maneuvering. While the pursuit of atomic weapons takes center stage, the film brilliantly tackles the vilification of one of the century's greatest scientific minds for daring to challenge America's relentless arms race mentality.
Is Oppenheimer Really Christopher Nolan's Masterpiece?
Christopher Nolan has become one of the most acclaimed directors of our time. Since gaining worldwide recognition with his second film, Memento, he has been synonymous with thought-provoking and captivating filmmaking. Throughout his career, he has been nominated for five Oscars, including Dunkirk, Inception, and Memento.
In addition to his acclaimed Oscar nominations, Nolan has achieved tremendous success with the Dark Knight trilogy, consisting of Batman Begins, The Dark Knight, and The Dark Knight Rises. While his movies consistently find success, the director tends to work in two distinct styles. He either leans towards grand, high-concept epics like Inception, Tenet, and Interstellar, or explores psychological narratives on a slightly smaller scale, as seen in Memento, Insomnia, and The Prestige.
Oppenheimer appears to have established its initial reputation by successfully blending both of Nolan's styles. Primarily presented as a biopic and political thriller, the reviews indicate that it effectively captures the captivating excitement and expansive nature of his iconic epics. Although the audience's response is yet to be determined, this critical reception may indicate a promising indication of the movie's worldwide acclaim.