The writer is an experienced journalist based in Amman, Jordan. She possesses a range of qualifications and skills that make her a valuable asset in journalism.
For anyone on social media or using the internet, you have
probably seen the loads of memes, pop culture references, and the contrast of
black and pink to highlight between two big box office films that were released
in the last month, Barbie, which is set to release in the Middle East on August
31 and Oppenheimer, currently in theaters. Dividing audiences between the glitz
and glam versus the dark side of film, Cristopher Nolan’s latest film
Oppenheimer brilliantly captures the complex life and pivotal role J. Robert
Oppenheimer in the development of the atomic bomb. The movie centers around the
aftermath of the bomb's devastating impact on Hiroshima, showcasing
Oppenheimer's emotional turmoil as he navigates between celebration and horror
amidst his colleagues at Los Alamos.اضافة اعلان
I watched the film at Grand Cinema in City Mall, and to my
surprise, the audience was quite a diverse group, from all age groups, and a
packed theater. Whether it is about the theatrics, cinematography, or merely
just the history, this film brought in fans from all across the board, all
looking to watch Nolan’s latest film.
So let us dig in…. warning, there may be some spoilers, so
read at your own discretion.
In the mid-20th century Oppenheimer stood alongside Albert
Einstein as one of the world's most renowned physicists.
As the scientific director of the Manhattan Project, he
played a central role in persuading the American elite of the necessity of
collaborating on the atomic bomb program.
In the film, Cillian Murphy portrays Oppenheimer with great
intensity, capturing the physicist's complexities and inner conflicts. While
Oppenheimer's military counterpart, General Leslie Groves (played by Matt
Damon), makes significant contributions to the project's success, the movie
focuses on the Atomic Energy Commission's safety hearing in 1954, showcasing
the controversial role of its chairman, Lewis Strauss (played by Robert Downey
Jr.).
Though the film excels in attention to detail, such as using
practical effects and the unique blend of IMAX and black-and-white photography,
it also faces criticism. Nolan's attempt to depict Oppenheimer's thinking and
intentions falls somewhat short, leaving the protagonist's character torn and
contradictory to be a clear hero or antihero.
Moreover, the portrayal of the complex female figures in
Oppenheimer's life, like his wife Kitty and affairs with Jean Tatlock and Ruth
Tolman, lacks depth and substance, reducing them to supporting roles.
While the movie impressively captures the historical events
surrounding the atomic bomb's development and its first detonation, some
viewers might find the film's length and pacing a bit exhaustive. Meanwhile,
some historians have also criticized the film for its playing on the timeline
of what actually happened, yet again, it is a film, with a big box office
budget, perhaps, it was not meant to be without fault.
Nolan's attention to Oppenheimer's psychological struggles
adds depth to the narrative, but it occasionally overshadows the representation
of the human tragedy experienced by the victims in Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
In the end, Oppenheimer stands as a moral ballet,
questioning whether it unintentionally elevates Oppenheimer to a heroic status,
rather than presenting him as a more nuanced character. Comparisons are drawn
to the powerful portrayal of the atomic bomb’s horror in Alain Resnais'
"Hiroshima mon amour" (1959).
The use of black and white in Oppenheimer Nolan’s use of black and white in Oppenheimer is a
deliberate choice that serves a number of purposes. First, it creates a sense
of realism and historical accuracy. The film is set in the 1940s, and the use
of black and white helps to transport the audience back to that time period.
Second, the use of black and white helps to create a sense
of dread and unease. The film deals with some very heavy themes, such as the
development of nuclear weapons and the dangers of nuclear proliferation. The
use of black and white helps to amplify these themes and to create a sense of
foreboding.
Third, the use of black and white helps to focus the
audience's attention on the characters and the performances. The film is a
character-driven film, and the use of black and white helps to bring the
characters to life and to make their performances more impactful.
And finally, without saying more, the usage of black and
white stylistically is simply beautifuly. The film is visually stunning, and
the use of black and white helps to create a sense of atmosphere and mood. The
film is a feast for the eyes, and the use of black and white is a big part of
that.
The film's use of black and white is particularly effective
in creating a sense of realism, dread, and atmosphere. The film is a must-see
for anyone interested in history, science, or film.
Comparison to Nolan's previous films Oppenheimer is a departure from Nolan's previous films in a
number of ways. First, it is a much slower-paced film. Nolan's previous films,
such as Inception and The Dark Knight, are known for their fast-paced action
sequences and their use of visual effects. Oppenheimer is much more deliberate
in its pacing, and it relies more on dialogue and character development.
This film is a much more serious film than Nolan's previous
films. Nolan's previous films often have a sense of humor, even in the darkest
of moments. Oppenheimer is a much more somber film, and it deals with some very
heavy themes, such as the development of nuclear weapons and the dangers of
nuclear proliferation.
Oppenheimer is a much more personal film than Nolan's
previous films. Nolan's previous films often have a large ensemble cast, and
they focus on the action and the plot. Oppenheimer is a much more intimate
film, and it focuses on the character of Oppenheimer and his inner turmoil.
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