The Films

Synopsis

In 1939, Oppenheimer discovers the Nazi nuclear threat and joins the Manhattan Project led by General Groves. With renowned scientists, they design the first atomic bomb despite ethical dilemmas. The story reaches its climax with the 1945 Trinity nuclear test, leaving Oppenheimer fascinated and horrified, quoting the Bhagavad-Gita, expressing guilt and regret.

The film concludes with the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, ending the war. Oppenheimer becomes globally famous but also a target for U.S. enemies. He undergoes a smear campaign, ruins his reputation and career. He witnesses the rise of tensions between the U.S. and the Soviet Union in a nuclear arms race. He dies in 1967, haunted by remorse and bitterness.

Review

Oppenheimer, Christopher Nolan's film, brilliantly blends science fiction, thriller, and drama. It offers a captivating historical epic, exploring the tragic and exceptional life of Oppenheimer while delving into the backstage of the Manhattan Project, exposing technical challenges, military secrets, human conflicts, and ethical and political issues of creating the atomic bomb. Impeccable direction, stunning cinematography, enchanting soundtrack, and skillful use of special effects, flashbacks, and ellipses create a captivating and rhythmic narrative. The cast, led by Benedict Cumberbatch, brings characters to life with talent and charisma, offering a deep and nuanced exploration of Oppenheimer's emotions and complexity as an ambiguous character.

Oppenheimer is a film that not only explodes the box office but also minds. It is a film that introduces us to an unknown page of history, makes us reflect on the role of science in society, and evokes strong emotions. It is a film that makes us realize that theory has its limits.

Christopher Nolan's Best Films

MEMENTO (2000)

A captivating psychological thriller that follows the story of Leonard Shelby, a man seeking revenge after the brutal assault and murder of his wife. The film is constructed with reverse editing that reflects the protagonist's faulty memory.

INCEPTION (2010)

An action and science-fiction film that explores the world of dreams and the power of imagination. The film follows a team of extraction experts who must implant an idea in the mind of an industrial heir. The film is famous for its spectacular scenes and ambiguous ending.

INTERSTELLAR (2014)

A science-fiction odyssey that breaks the barriers of time and space, coupled with a heartbreaking family narrative. The film tells the journey of a group of astronauts searching for a new habitable planet to save humanity threatened by ecological catastrophe.

DUNKIRK (2017)

A war drama that recounts the evacuation of Allied troops surrounded by Nazi forces on the Dunkirk beach in 1940. The film is divided into three parts following the action on land, at sea, and in the air, with different timelines.