Why Oppenheimer is a MASTERPIECE | Video Essay

Summary

In this review of *Oppenheimer*, the film is hailed as a masterpiece by Christopher Nolan, praised for its intellectual depth, character-driven storytelling, and thought-provoking exploration of the moral implications of creating the atomic bomb. Unlike modern blockbusters, the film eschews action and CGI in favor of a dialogue-heavy narrative that invites viewers to grapple with complex ethical dilemmas. The performances, particularly Cillian Murphy as Oppenheimer, are lauded for their nuance, and the film's haunting sound design and cinematography are integral to its impact. Overall, *Oppenheimer* stands as a rare achievement in today's cinema, offering a profound and relevant commentary on humanity's past and future.

Takeaways

• 😀 Oppenheimer is praised as one of Christopher Nolan's best films, with its depth, complex characters, and moral dilemmas making it a masterpiece.
• 😀 Unlike typical blockbusters that rely on action and CGI, Oppenheimer is a dialogue-driven film, focusing on the intellectual and psychological aspects of its characters.
• 😀 The film doesn't cater to modern Hollywood's typical blockbuster style, instead opting for thoughtful storytelling, which challenges audiences to think about its moral and social questions.
• 😀 Despite the film's lack of action, the use of sound design and music is highlighted as a key tool to immerse the audience in Oppenheimer's psychological and emotional state.
• 😀 Oppenheimer is noted for its re-watchability, with its layered narrative and complex themes encouraging viewers to return and analyze it further.
• 😀 The film addresses the moral dilemma of creating a weapon of mass destruction for peace, showcasing the human cost and the lasting impact of the atomic bomb.
• 😀 Oppenheimer is commended for its visual storytelling, showing rather than telling the characters' inner thoughts and emotions, particularly through the scientific and moral implications of their work.
• 😀 The film's ending is described as haunting and thought-provoking, leaving the audience with a sense of dread about the future consequences of nuclear weapons.
• 😀 The performances, especially by Cillian Murphy as Oppenheimer, are praised for their nuance and emotional depth, with many actors delivering standout moments despite smaller roles.
• 😀 The film is seen as a response to the current state of cinema, where many blockbuster films are formulaic and forgettable, with Oppenheimer standing out as a thoughtful, high-quality alternative that reaffirms the importance of cinema.

Q & A

What is the central critique of modern blockbuster films in the script?

The script criticizes modern blockbuster films for being formulaic, heavily reliant on CGI, action, and rehashed IPs, often lacking depth, originality, and substance. The author highlights that many of these films seem designed purely for profit, rather than artistic or narrative integrity.

How does the script describe Christopher Nolan's filmmaking style?

Christopher Nolan is portrayed as a master storyteller, known for weaving complex narratives that focus on character development and moral dilemmas. His films are characterized by high levels of complexity, layered storytelling, and visual flair, which elevate the impact of the narrative without relying on typical blockbuster conventions like excessive action or CGI.

What makes 'Oppenheimer' stand out compared to other blockbuster films, according to the script?

'Oppenheimer' stands out for its intellectual depth, focusing on dialogue-driven storytelling, moral and philosophical questions, and the psychological burden of its central character, J. Robert Oppenheimer. The film doesn't resort to action or CGI to engage audiences but instead relies on complex characters, nuanced performances, and thought-provoking themes.

How does the script describe the use of sound in 'Oppenheimer'?

Sound in 'Oppenheimer' is described as playing a crucial role in immersing the audience in the psychological state of Oppenheimer. The script emphasizes how sound is used to depict chaos and the psychological aftermath of the bomb’s creation, with the soundtrack and sound design working in tandem with visuals to convey the internal struggle of the characters.

What is the significance of the visual storytelling in 'Oppenheimer'?

The script praises the visual storytelling in 'Oppenheimer' for its ability to show rather than tell. Instead of relying on direct exposition, the film uses visuals to reveal the characters' inner thoughts and dilemmas, especially through Oppenheimer’s scientific and moral reflections, making the audience experience the weight of his decisions.

How does the film explore the moral dilemmas associated with the creation of the atomic bomb?

The film delves into the tension between the potential for the atomic bomb to end the war and the devastating consequences it could have for humanity. It questions whether creating such a weapon can truly ensure peace, or if it has given humanity a tool for its own destruction, exploring the profound ethical and psychological burdens carried by those who were involved.

What role does Robert Downey Jr.'s character play in the film?

Robert Downey Jr. plays Lewis Strauss, a key figure who contrasts with Oppenheimer in terms of ambition and moral approach. The script highlights Downey's performance as pivotal in the latter stages of the film, particularly in showing Strauss’s role in the post-war accusations and conflicts that challenge Oppenheimer's legacy.

Why does the author appreciate the lack of action in 'Oppenheimer'?

The author appreciates the absence of action because it allows the film to focus on its intellectual and emotional depth. The film doesn’t rely on spectacle to maintain engagement but instead uses thought-provoking dialogue, complex character arcs, and visual storytelling to draw the audience into the dilemmas faced by the characters.

What is the impact of the film's ending, according to the script?

The ending of 'Oppenheimer' is described as haunting and terrifying, leaving the audience to reflect on the long-term consequences of the atomic bomb's creation. The final scene, featuring a conversation between Oppenheimer and Einstein, visualizes the future spread of nuclear weapons, effectively answering the film's central question about whether the bomb will lead to peace or humanity’s destruction.

What is the significance of the film's portrayal of the scientists' reactions to the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki?

The portrayal of the scientists' reactions is crucial in showing the moral conflict and horror they experienced after their creation was used in warfare. Rather than glorifying their achievement, the film focuses on their internal struggle and regret, particularly through subtle performances, such as Jack Quaid's character’s reluctant handshake, which conveys the terror and relief of their success.