Surjendu Ghosh
3 min readJul 21, 2023

Oppenheimer Movie Review: — Now I am become Death, the Destroyer of Worlds.

Oppenheimer is a gripping and innovative biographical thriller adapted and directed by Christopher Nolan. Based on American Prometheus by Kai Bird, the film delves into the life of the physicist who led the development of the atomic bomb during World War II. Nolan’s unique storytelling approach presents Oppenheimer’s life in a non-linear manner and timeline based storytelling, exploring his accomplishments and personal struggles.

As the Second World War rages on, Oppenheimer is tasked by the U.S. government to head the “Manhattan Project” and build the world’s first nuclear weapons. Alongside Major General Leslie Groves, played by the exceptional Matt Damon, Oppenheimer chooses the secretive place named Los Alamos, New Mexico as their base. The film masterfully portrays the intense race against time to beat the Nazis in developing these devastating weapons.

The story also delves into the ethical dilemma surrounding the use of the atomic bomb. On August 6th, 1945, “Little Boy” was dropped on Hiroshima, ending the war but initiating the “Atomic Age.” Oppenheimer is branded as the “father of the atomic bomb,” burdened by the consequences of his creation. The movie brilliantly examines his legacy and how it continues to shape history.

Nolan’s resourceful direction employs practical effects instead of CGI to heighten tension during crucial scenes. The audience is kept on edge as they witness the scientists testing the prototype bombs, racing against time to complete the ultimate weapon. Cillian Murphy’s exceptional performance as Oppenheimer brings depth to the complex character, showcasing his brilliance, flaws, and inner conflicts.

The supporting cast, including Matt Damon, Robert Downey Jr, Emily Blunt, and Florence Pugh, deliver outstanding performances. Each character adds layers to Oppenheimer’s story, portraying the impact of his choices on those around him. The film thoughtfully explores the choices between intellect and instinct, adding to the complexity of Oppenheimer’s character.

In the end, “Oppenheimer” stands as a top-notch biopic and a testament to Christopher Nolan’s filmmaking prowess. It navigates challenging subject matter with precision while keeping the audience engaged throughout. Nolan’s ability to tell such a compelling story while inspiring thoughtful discussions is commendable, and it cements his position as a visionary filmmaker. Also I felt this film is not for the mass audience neither does it cater to the so- called Nolan Fans. It’s a character study about Robert Oppenheimer.

Surjendu Ghosh
Surjendu Ghosh

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