SCREEN SHOT - Oppenheimer

 

Though its running time might seem a bit of an ask when pinned to a cinema seat, Oppenheimer more than justifies its three hours dramatically. It is a visual tour de force from Christopher Nolan, maintained with consistency and flare. He has also assembled here some of the greats of modern day cinema. Cillian Murphy (Oppenheimer) that most chameleon of actors is superb. As are Florence Pugh and Emily Blunt as his two unconventional wives, who both make the most of their limited screen time. Blunt in particular seems on fire playing the ever morally indignant Kitty.

The story arc of Oppenheimer is structured over the lamentable bones of a committee, trying to assess whether Oppenheimer should have his security clearance renewed.  This entails interviews of friends and work colleagues, secret documents, passed surveillance, all his passed actions trawled over in order to establish whether he was really a 'commie' or not. For the committee is really a set up, a kangaroo court, organised covertly by Lewis Strauss ( Robert Downey Jnr) to basically trash Oppenheimer's public image and reputation post war. In the process it tells the story of how the famous theoretical physicist took over the management of The Manhatten Project that devised the atomic bomb, in a nail biting aim to beat the Nazi's in developing it. Then to make the bomb in order to launch it against the Japanese and bring the war to a end.  Followed by his own guilt over the mass casualties and his part in that, and the public slandering of him and his reputation.

This story has everything going for it treachery, betrayal, sex, communism, rivalry, scientific break throughs, acclaim and infamy. And Nolan gives it all the punch and propulsion it needs to keep you with it. It is no wonder this has won so many awards, particularly for its leads. Whilst in the background you have notable cameos from the likes of Kenneth Branagh as Niels Boher and Gary Oldman as President Truman, who both give restrained toned down performances, for a change. At a few years distance I cannot for the life of me envisage why you would want to do a Barbenheimer and see Barbie and Oppenheimer back to back. Were they completely mad?

CARROT REVIEW - 6/8