Christopher Nolan is one of the few well-respected directors out there that is able to draw people back to theatres just to watch his latest release. With a fantastic filmography including The Prestige (2006), Inception (2010), and Interstellar (2014), he’s become a director synonymous with thought-provoking, visually stunning films. So when news spread that Nolan was directing a film on Robert Oppenheimer and the atomic bomb, naturally, there was widespread interest. Released in late July, just over a week ago, Oppenheimer hit the theatres to raving critic reviews, sold out seats, and universal acclaim. The film is a biographical drama, following J. Robert Oppenheimer in the early stages of his career to the creation of the atomic bomb and the fallout afterwards. I was lucky enough to watch Oppenheimer in 1 of 30 IMAX theatres in North America with a 70mm projector, and let me just say, it was one of the greatest movie experiences I’ve ever had.
Thanks to the rare cinematic phenomenon, Barbenheimer, I was able to watch Oppenheimer on an IMAX 70mm screen with a FULLY packed audience. Seriously, I didn’t understand how people in the front row did it! But while most people don’t appreciate a sold out theatre, I was more than happy to experience this special movie with a room full of people. Before I even dive into critiquing the movie itself, I just want to quickly comment on the experience of watching a film on such a massive, crystal clear IMAX screen – it was mindblowing. While sure, it cost a hefty amount, it was definitely worth it.
If I ever get the chance again, I would love to see another Nolan movie on this screen. I just love that he makes his movies for IMAX, and that he makes careful choices regarding how his movies are meant to be watched. While I’d argue Oppenheimer isn’t one of his most visually jaw-dropping films to date (I think Interstellar would have been absolutely phenomenal), it was certainly interesting seeing how Nolan used the big screen to emphasize other factors like intimacy and emotion. Of course though, the Trinity Test was beyond amazing in IMAX. There was just something wonderful about the enhanced visuals and the stunning sound system that really made my whole experience better than I could have ever imagined. This was a big movie, and fittingly, I have some big thoughts on it.
Let’s just get this out of the way: I thought Oppenheimer was absolutely splendid. While I thought I had a general idea of what to expect out of this film, I was completely shocked as I exited the theatre. Not only did the film go far deeper into exploring Oppenheimer’s mental state than I expected, but the film as a whole felt deeply intimate and personal. It was a challenging balancing act that Nolan executed perfectly, showcasing the great and terrible destructive nature of human beings while also highlighting the innocent humanity of it all.
For many, Oppenheimer will be a vastly different Nolan experience. With a long 3 hour runtime and a heavy dialogue-based plot, I think it’s safe to say that this movie isn’t for everyone. In fact, just talking among my group of friends, it seems to be a hit or miss depending on personal preference. If you’ve yet to see this film, don’t go in expecting exciting action sequences and countless explosions; this film is nothing like that. If anything, it almost seems like a character study – the audience feels as if they’re constantly invading Oppenheimer’s privacy to access his thoughts and emotions.
But that’s not to say that the film didn’t feel “action-packed” in its own way. By that I mean, despite there being mostly dialogue throughout the film, it’s impossible to say Oppenheimer wasn’t intense or engaging. Sitting there in the theatre, I could feel my heart racing and my nerves accelerating as the scientists inched closer and closer towards the infamous Trinity Test. I could feel the heavy weight of the movie, as if knowing there was so much at stake made me feel like I was watching an action movie. There was just always something going on, something to worry about, and something to think over, making me engaged throughout the entire thing.
And after seeing this movie, I’m seriously expecting some Oscar nominations. As his 7th collaboration with Nolan over 2 decades, Cillian Murphy had me in awe of his performance. While he was surrounded by an insanely talented cast (Matt Damon, Robert Downey Jr., Emily Blunt, Florence Pugh, Rami Malek, Kenneth Branagh, Casey Affleck, Gary Oldman, and many more), Murphy simply shone the brightest. It was clear to me that he was the lead, single-handedly carrying the entirety of Oppenheimer on his back. While the rest were fantastic supports, I have no doubts that this film wouldn’t have been this amazing without Murphy’s brilliant performance. He was exceptionally raw, emotional, and vulnerable while simultaneously being stoic and guarded. At times, I even forgot he wasn’t Oppenheimer himself.
Two other areas of this film that I’m hoping to see get recognition are definitely visual effects and sound design. The entire Trinity Test sequence was absolutely mind-blowing. From the lead up to the eventual explosion, I had my eyes completely transfixed on the screen. The combination of the very real visuals with the silent to suddenly devastatingly loud sound was both effective and memorable. Here’s a fun fact for you, I read that the silence after the test bomb was purposely timed to match how long it took for the scientists to hear the bomb during the actual Trinity Test (they were stationed that far away!). But aside from that scene, I absolutely loved the wonderful cinematic shots and well-placed suspenseful music that enhanced each scene to its very best.
To be honest, I don’t have much criticism – I sincerely enjoyed Oppenheimer that much. If I had to point out one thing, it would be that I wish the female characters, Kitty and Jean, were better fleshed out. From reading more about Oppenheimer after the film, both were substantial figures in his life, but I didn’t feel that being properly portrayed from the film alone. Especially Jean Tatlock (played by Pugh), who is deemed Oppenheimer’s true love, deserved more screen time or at least better character exploration. But of course, since it’s already a 3 hour film focused on Oppenheimer, I understand that not much could be done.
For my first IMAX 70mm experience, I have to say, I’m glad it was Oppenheimer. It’s a wonderfully crafted film that is a solid addition to Nolan’s filmography. While I can definitely understand the mixed reviews it’s gotten due to its exceptionally long runtime and heavy plotline, for me personally, I loved it. It was a thoughtful look into Oppenheimer’s life, displaying all the ups and downs – the guilt, the ambition, and the determination. I remember when I walked out of the theatre, I gave the film an 8.5/10. But thinking about it now, Oppenheimer isn’t the type of movie you want to review right away. You have to sit on it and really think about it. So with that being said, after over a week of contemplation, I’ve decided to bump up the score: I’m giving Oppenheimer a well-deserved 9/10. Thanks to its impressive cast, superb direction, amazing cinematography, and well-written screenplay, I would definitely argue Oppenheimer lives up to the hype (and is worth the twenty something dollars it cost to watch it!).
For me I see all Nolan’s movies in IMAX theatres. 70mm is a bonus. I want to see as the director intended for his vision. I saw Dunkirk as such, Nolan was actually there for the screening and we as audience received a snippet of film. Cool. You mentioned the women. One could argue that the women represent the two types of women that men seek out (those they desire/lust, and those they marry). Both have their issues. I laughed that Pugh obviously did not have the same rider in her contract as Emily Blunt did given the wardrobe choices. I did find this more political than I expected, with more hearings and witness discussions. But this was a quality experience and a story well told, but really good acting.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Hi Robbie, thanks for commeting! Definitely wish I watched more movies in IMAX now that I’ve experienced it once! I love your dedication in viewing films as intended by the director 🙂
I think that’s definitely an interesting approach to understanding the female representation on screen too. They both definitely had their fair share of issues 😂
Happy to hear you enjoyed the movie as much as I did 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
so glad you enjoyed oppenheimer too!! and seeing it in imax, that must’ve been amazing!! (and just…generally a lot I bet haha). I definitely agree with your criticism about how kitty and jean were portrayed, but otherwise, I have no notes. never before have I seen robert downey jr. so creepy
great review!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hey Madeline!! Thanks for sharing your thoughts 🙂 I’m so happy to hear you loved Oppenheimer and yes, IMAX really was amazing 😀
Glad you pointed out RDJ – it was definitely kind of strange seeing him out of his charismatic superhero role, but I thought he did great. Hope he gets more unique roles like this in the future! 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
me too!! I hope this role will get him more roles that will be able to show his range. gary oldman is always creepy, but I didn’t even know it was him under all the harry s. truman makeup until somebody mentioned it, but he was TERRIFYING in that role
LikeLiked by 1 person
LOL, I watched Oppenheimer with my boyfriend and he didn’t even know it was Gary Oldman until after the movie when I told him! He’s so amazing at transforming into his characters 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sounds like the ideal Nolan-viewing movie experience! 70mm (IMAX!), surround sound, and a packed house. That’s super fun. Glad you enjoyed this one. I hope to see it soon👍✌️
LikeLiked by 1 person
It was fantastic! Hope you have as good of an experience as I did 😊 Can’t wait to see your review of the film!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great review. Definitely felt that this movie was worth the hype. It was a great cinematic experience that only Nolan could achieve. Very insightful and a great cast, Oppenheimer is one of my current favorite movies of the year.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Jason! I’m glad to hear you loved the film as much as I did – it’s definitely one of my favourites this year as well (and will likely remain so till the end of the year!) 😁
LikeLiked by 1 person
Awesome review (although I didn’t think watching the film in IMAX was worth it — I feel like I’m the only person on the planet who thought that, LOL).
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you! 😊 Actually, I watched it with my boyfriend who also didn’t think we needed to watch it in IMAX LOL.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Cathy, I always seek out Nolan’s films in IMAX, and I am never disappointed by the product. Wonderful direction and performances here. One of my favorite directors of all-time.
LikeLiked by 1 person