Nick Cross’s review published on Letterboxd:
“NOW I AM BECOME DEATH, THE DESTROYER OF WORLDS.” 💯
"Oppenheimer" is an awe-inspiring masterpiece that leaves a lasting impression to watching an opera unfold on the big screen. From its grand beginning, where the birth of fusion is vividly portrayed with powerful operatic performances of the cast, to the seamless transitions between colored and black-and-white cinematography, the film captivates the audience from start to finish.
First and foremost, Ludwig Göransson's score lends an enchanting and immersive quality to the film from the very beginning. Göransson elevates the film, infusing each scene with a sense of grandeur and emotional resonance. The music becomes a character, gracefully guiding the audience through the story's highs and lows, much like the soaring notes of an opera. The haunting melodies that accompany the intense clashes between characters become an integral part of the narrative, making it somewhat of a floating experience.
The story delves deep into the life of J. Robert Oppenheimer, a figure often associated solely with creating the atomic bomb, which was the only fact I knew before going in. However, the film takes a refreshing approach by offering a behind-the-scenes narrative, shedding light on the personal struggles and clashes between characters, particularly the exceptional portrayal by Robert Downey Jr. The film not only showcases Oppenheimer's determination to build the bomb but also delves into the emotional aftermath, exploring the ethical dilemmas that arose after the Trinity test and the eventual detonation.
Cillian Murphy's performance as Oppenheimer is a standout, demonstrating his versatility and acting prowess. The entire ensemble cast delivers captivating performances, each character shining through in their moments, making it a testament to Christopher Nolan's directorial genius. The film deftly weaves themes of guilt throughout, painting nightmares that are both breathtaking and deeply introspective as it progresses.
"Oppenheimer" is undoubtedly Christopher Nolan's most abstract yet exacting work to date. The contrast between enormous scale and intimate character explorations left me in a state of wonderment and contemplation. With its gripping portrayal of historical events and profound introspection into the human psyche, the film proves to be a cinematic triumph!
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