Universal Pictures has finally unveiled Christopher Nolan’s highly anticipated atomic bomb epic, Oppenheimer, at a world premiere event in Paris. The initial reactions from the screening are pouring in, and the consensus is overwhelmingly positive. Critics and attendees praise the film as a “spectacular achievement” and an “audacious” piece of cinema.
Writing for The Los Angeles Times, former critic Kenneth Turan hailed Oppenheimer as “arguably Nolan’s most impressive work yet in the way it combines his acknowledged visual mastery with one of the deepest character dives in recent American cinema.”
#Oppenheimer left me stunned: a character study on the grandest scale, with a sublime central performance by Cillian Murphy. An epic historical drama but with a distinctly Nolan sensibility: the tension, structure, sense of scale, startling sound design, remarkable visuals. Wow
— Matt Maytum (@mattmaytum) July 11, 2023
Matt Maytum, deputy editor of Total Film, said Nolan’s latest left him “stunned,” adding, “[It’s] a character study on the grandest scale, with a sublime central performance by Cillian Murphy. An epic historical drama but with a distinctly Nolan sensibility: the tension, structure, sense of scale, startling sound design, remarkable visuals. Wow.”
Christopher Nolan’s #Oppenheimer is truly a spectacular achievement, in its truthful, concise adaptation, inventive storytelling and nuanced performances from Cillian Murphy, Emily Blunt, Robert Downey Jr., Matt Damon and the many, many others involved —- some just for a scene.
— Lindsey Bahr (@ldbahr) July 11, 2023
Associated Press film writer Lindsey Bahr called the movie “a spectacular achievement in its truthful, concise adaptation, inventive storytelling and nuanced performances from Cillian Murphy, Emily Blunt, Robert Downey Jr., Matt Damon and the many, many others involved.”
Totally absorbed in OPPENHEIMER, a dense, talkie, tense film partly about the bomb, mostly about how doomed we are. Happy summer! Murphy is good, but the support essential: Damon, Downey Jr & Ehrenreich even bring gags. An audacious, inventive, complex film to rattle its audience
— Jonathan Dean (@JonathanDean_) July 11, 2023
“Totally absorbed in Oppenheimer, a dense, talkie, tense film partly about the bomb, mostly about how doomed we are,” The Sunday Times writer Jonathan Dean posted. “Happy summer! Murphy is good, but the support essential: Damon, Downey Jr & Ehrenreich even bring gags. An audacious, inventive, complex film to rattle its audience.”
Oppenheimer, based on the 2005 book “American Prometheus” by Kai Bird and Martin J. Sherwin, tracks the creation of the atomic bomb during World War II through the eyes of theoretical physicist and Manhattan Project leader J. Robert Oppenheimer.
The director’s longtime collaborator Cillian Murphy gets his first leading turn in a Nolan tentpole thanks to Oppenheimer, which also stars Matt Damon as Manhattan Project director Gen. Leslie Groves Jr. and Robert Downey Jr. as Lewis Strauss, a founding commissioner of the U.S. Atomic Energy Commission. Emily Blunt, Florence Pugh, Benny Safdie, Michael Angarano, Josh Hartnett, Rami Malek and more also star.
Bird previously raved about Nolan’s Oppenheimer adaptation during a conversation at the Institute for Advanced Study last month.
“I am, at the moment, stunned and emotionally recovering from having seen it,” Bird said. “I think it is going to be a stunning artistic achievement, and I have hopes it will actually stimulate a national, even global conversation about the issues that Oppenheimer was desperate to speak out about — about how to live in the atomic age, how to live with the bomb and about McCarthyism — what it means to be a patriot, and what is the role for a scientist in a society drenched with technology and science, to speak out about public issues.”
Notably, Oppenheimer is Nolan’s first R-rated release since 2002’s Insomnia. It also marks his first collaboration with Universal Pictures following his exit from Warner Bros., where he spent over a decade helming films such as Interstellar, Inception, and his Dark Knight trilogy.
A Visual and Emotional Tour de Force
Christopher Nolan has carved a niche in cinema as a visionary director with a penchant for pushing boundaries. With Oppenheimer, he takes on the formidable task of delving into one of the most significant events in human history—the creation of the atomic bomb.
The early reactions from the film’s premiere indicate that Nolan has delivered a cinematic masterpiece once again. Kenneth Turan of The Los Angeles Times lauds Oppenheimer as Nolan’s most impressive work, seamlessly blending his visual prowess with a deep exploration of complex characters. The film is poised to leave an indelible mark on the landscape of American cinema.
Matt Maytum of Total Film echoes the sentiment, emphasizing the grand scale of the character study in Oppenheimer. Cillian Murphy’s central performance is hailed as sublime, breathing life into the enigmatic J. Robert Oppenheimer. Maytum highlights Nolan’s signature elements—the palpable tension, meticulously crafted structure, sense of scale, immersive sound design, and breathtaking visuals—that elevate the film to astonishing heights.
One cannot overlook the remarkable ensemble cast that brings Oppenheimer to life. Lindsey Bahr of the Associated Press praises the nuanced performances from Cillian Murphy, Emily Blunt, Robert Downey Jr., Matt Damon, and the other talented actors involved. Their dedication and skill add depth and authenticity to the narrative, immersing the audience in the tumultuous era of World War II.
The Sunday Times writer Jonathan Dean encapsulates the essence of Oppenheimer as a dense and tense cinematic experience. The film delves into the intricate moral complexities surrounding the atomic bomb. With Murphy’s powerful portrayal supported by the exceptional performances of Damon, Downey Jr., and Ehrenreich, Oppenheimer strikes a delicate balance between audacity, inventiveness, and thought-provoking storytelling.
Unveiling History Through Stellar Performances
Oppenheimer is a testament to Christopher Nolan’s ability to transform historical events into riveting and immersive cinematic experiences. Based on the book “American Prometheus” by Kai Bird and Martin J. Sherwin, the film offers an intimate and gripping exploration of the creation of the atomic bomb.
Cillian Murphy, a longstanding collaborator of Nolan’s, steps into the spotlight with a commanding performance as J. Robert Oppenheimer. Murphy’s portrayal captures the complexities and inner turmoil of the brilliant physicist spearheading the Manhattan Project. It is a performance bound to leave a lasting impression on audiences.
Matt Damon takes on the role of Gen. Leslie Groves Jr., the director of the Manhattan Project, infusing the character with authority and gravitas. Robert Downey Jr. portrays Lewis Strauss, a founding commissioner of the U.S. Atomic Energy Commission, bringing his trademark charisma to the screen. The stellar supporting cast, including Emily Blunt, Florence Pugh, Benny Safdie, Michael Angarano, Josh Hartnett, and Rami Malek, further elevates the film with their remarkable performances.
Kai Bird, the author of “American Prometheus,” expressed his awe and excitement after seeing Nolan’s book adaptation. Bird believes that Oppenheimer is a stunning artistic achievement that has the potential to ignite a global conversation about the profound issues surrounding the atomic age, the moral implications of the bomb, and the role of scientists in society.
A Bold Step Forward: Nolan and Universal Pictures
With Oppenheimer, Christopher Nolan embarks on a new chapter in his illustrious career. After spending over a decade at Warner Bros., where he directed critically acclaimed films such as Interstellar, Inception, and the groundbreaking Dark Knight trilogy, Nolan has joined forces with Universal Pictures for his latest venture.
This collaboration marks an exciting turning point for the acclaimed director. Oppenheimer is Nolan’s first R-rated release since 2002’s Insomnia, allowing him to explore more mature themes and push the boundaries of storytelling. The move to Universal Pictures showcases Nolan’s desire to embrace new opportunities and expand his creative horizons.
The anticipation surrounding Oppenheimer is palpable, with audiences eagerly awaiting the film’s release on July 21. Christopher Nolan’s unparalleled ability to transport viewers through time and space, combined with the remarkable performances of the cast, promises an unforgettable cinematic experience. Brace yourself for a journey that will challenge your perceptions, ignite introspection, and leave an indelible mark on the landscape of cinema.
Source: Variety
