eden ☆’s review published on Letterboxd:
A little more smooth the second time around, yet still there’s so much packed into this I still have a headache.
Was able to appreciate the soundtrack and visuals much more this time, and having seen it in 70mm, I am still in awe. Love the way the black and white parts of the film had more of a vintage-y feel. Great dialogue but found it slightly muffled and a little hard to follow due to the intensity of the sound/music, which is essential due to the sheer amount of detail.
Enjoyed the range of characters throughout the film and they were thought out well. Loved the contrasts and range throughout of each character.
The mood of post-war America was presented eerily well. One scene that showed this at its highest was when Oppenheimer went to make a speech in the gymnasium. Absolutely stomach twisting as we see the blind patriotism of American students who celebrate the actions of the US government without a second thought.
At Oppenheimer’s hearing the scene were Roger Robb became distorted shows us a glimpse of America at the time. What would have been the consequences for Oppenheimer if he refused to take on the Manhattan project? This is further shown as we see two possible explanations to Jean Tatoe’s death - her taking her own life or another hand pushing her head underneath the water - characteristic to America during the time where numerous anti-communist laws came into place.
Not any easier to watch the second time around.
