“Now I am become Death, the destroyer of worlds”

- J. Robert Oppenheimer, ‘The Father of the Atomic Bomb’

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‘Oppenheimer’, a sharp contrast from the blissful and lively depiction of the adventures of Berbie and Ken in the ‘Barbie’ movie, made its way to the cinemas on 21st July, giving us yet another opportunity to indulge in the fresh, buttery aroma of popcorn, with our loved ones.

 

Famous director Christopher Nolan has returned to the big screen with a prestigious cast, but this time with a non-fictious biopic, taking a break from his classical mind-bending, science fiction expression. Nonetheless, you have to lend all eyes and ears to grasp the beauty of this 3 hour epic.

 

This intellectually stimulating visual spectacle ads onto its uniqueness through the use of several simultaneous storylines - each based around different phases of the second World War, spread across different significant locations. A distinctive feature was the occasional use of black and white colour grading hinting towards the gravitas and monotony of Oppenheimer’s future.

 

This biographic work showcased the special mind behind the Manhattan Project, following the roller-coaster of emotions faced by Oppenheimer. Awaiting his theory to be proven right, his switch from physicist to politician helps build a guild of the country’s best scientists, funded generously by the US government in an attempt to build a nuclear bomb before the Nazi’s do.

 

After toiling away for 3 years - bankrolled by 2 billion US dollars - the breakthrough finally came on one fateful night in the New Mexico desert. Despite being shielded by Welder’s glasses, the Oppenheimer’s mortal eyes could not fathom what he had just done. The devastation that the splitting of Uranium and Plutonium could lead to could not be comprehended. Oppenheimer was emotionally stabbed; with the thousands of lives it would eventually claim, it claimed his as well. The portrayal of this moment was done brilliantly, as audience were propelled to feel as he did, colours fading into the thin air and trembling of the earth beneath him.

 

Through the use of non-linear storytelling, as Oppenheimer’s complex layers unfold, the characters surrounding him also become more translucent. These characters, portrayed by a star studded group of actors including Robert Downey Jr, Emily Blunt, Florence Pugh, and Matt Doman, slowly reveal their true nature. A form of situation irony unfolds onto the movie’s climax.

 

This historically-accurate drama evokes a sense of nostalgia and authenticity, through the rich cinematography with minimal CGI usage. The delivery of moral-dilemma weighing down Oppenheimer was perfect. Eyes dark and deep as the trenches, hollow-cheeks and severe dependence on nicotine: Nolan’s attention to detail can leave one mesmerized.

 

Furthermore, aspects such as the soundtrack and white noise during one of the loudest sounds (explosion of the atomic bomb) only amplify the richness of a much-anticipated project and the guilt faced by its creators - that made a mortal reflect on himself as the Hindu ‘Destroyer of Worlds. My personal favourite scene from the movie was the depiction of Harry S. Truman by Gary Oldman, the intensity that built-up within a few moments was palpable.

 

In conclusion, the movie is a must-watch, its blend of global politics and quantum mechanics portraying a significant milestone in human history. The undressing of complexities in Oppenheimer’s life, and how he starts a chain-reaction when trying to avoid one, makes you keep your hands on your knees in awed attention. Oppenheimer is another Christopher Nolan masterpiece that has dominated the IMBD ratings. You must pay the IMAX a visit, after all an atom bomb was dropped for its production.