Irish actor Cillian Murphy, known for his roles in “Inception” and “Peaky Blinders,” has recently disclosed an intriguing aspect of his preparation for the upcoming biopic “Oppenheimer.”
To fully immerse himself in the mindset of the titular character, Murphy delved into the depths of Hindu philosophy, specifically by reading the Bhagavad Gita, a revered text in Hinduism.
Cillian Murphy shares his admiration for Bhagvad Gita
“Oppenheimer,” directed by the acclaimed filmmaker Christopher Nolan, explores the life and contributions of American nuclear physicist J. Robert Oppenheimer, the director of the Los Alamos Laboratory during World War II.
Often hailed as the “father of the atomic bomb” due to his pivotal role in the Manhattan Project, Oppenheimer had an unexpected connection to the Bhagavad Gita. His fascination with the Sanskrit language led him to study it while he was at Berkeley.
Murphy, speaking about his experience preparing for the role, expressed his admiration for the Bhagavad Gita and its profound impact on Oppenheimer’s life.
He stated,
“I did read the Bhagavad Gita in preparation for the film. I thought it was an absolutely beautiful text. Very inspiring. It was a consolation to him. He kind of needed it. It provided a lot of consolation to him all his life.”
The Bhagavad Gita, often hailed as a spiritual guide, delves into existential questions, morality, and the nature of life and death.
Oppenheimer’s affinity for this ancient wisdom highlights the depth of his character and the solace he found within its verses.
Christopher Nolan, known for his visually stunning and thought-provoking films, has taken on the challenge of bringing Oppenheimer’s story to the silver screen.
In a recent interview with Wired magazine, Nolan revealed that the movie “Oppenheimer” would center around the invention that forever altered the course of human history—the atomic bomb.
When discussing the dangers of uncontrolled technological advancements, Christopher Nolan drew a parallel between the atomic bomb and the rise of artificial intelligence.
He expressed,
“I think the relationship is an interesting one. It’s not the same. But it’s the best analogy — which is why I used it in ‘Tenet,’ for the dangers of unthinkingly unleashing a new technology on the world. It’s a cautionary tale. There are lessons to be learned from it.”
Nolan emphasized that the atomic bomb was undeniably an invention that posed a grave threat to the world at large.
“Oppenheimer” is poised to be another masterpiece in Christopher Nolan’s repertoire, as the visionary director joins forces with Cillian Murphy once again.
Known for their successful collaborations in films like “Inception” and “The Dark Knight Trilogy,” the duo’s partnership promises to deliver an enthralling cinematic experience.
As the world eagerly awaits the unveiling of the film’s story, audiences can anticipate a captivating portrayal of a complex historical figure and the enduring influence of the Bhagavad Gita.
With Murphy’s immersive portrayal and Christopher Nolan’s keen directorial vision, “Oppenheimer” is set to be an introspective exploration of history, humanity, and the profound impact of the atomic bomb.
The highly anticipated biopic is scheduled for release on July 21, 2023.
