‘Oppenheimer’ Could Have Been Two Movies

The Big Picture: Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer and Its Missed Opportunities

Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer has reached the $500M global milestone, on its way to an estimated $551M through Sunday.

Christopher Nolan’s biopic “Oppenheimer,” focusing on the life of Robert J. Oppenheimer, the “father of the atomic bomb,” is undeniably a visual marvel. However, as the film progresses, it becomes apparent that it struggles to maintain focus on its numerous storylines, leaving key moments unexplored and the protagonist’s guilt underdeveloped. The ensemble cast, despite being filled with talented actors, feels underutilized. This article delves into the missed opportunities and challenges faced by the film in delivering a comprehensive portrayal of Oppenheimer’s life.

The Inconsistent Pacing and Lack of Character Development

At the midway point of “Oppenheimer,” the film’s pacing becomes erratic, rushing through various timelines and events. This rapid approach results in an incomplete exploration of Oppenheimer’s guilt, leaving some viewers confused about his moral crisis and character development. The film portrays Oppenheimer as a genius physicist grappling with his troubling moral decisions, but it fails to connect the dots effectively, leading to a scattered portrayal of his struggles.

The Need for More Time to Develop Oppenheimer’s Guilt

A controversial scene in the film involves Oppenheimer attempting to kill his professor but reconsidering the act later. This scene highlights the decline of Oppenheimer’s moral compass, but the film struggles to establish a clear bridge between his conflicting mental states. As a result, the film fails to fully justify and explore the complexity of Oppenheimer’s guilt, leaving some key aspects of his character unexplored.

What’s Wrong with Oppenheimer’s Pacing?

The film’s inconsistent pace impacts its ability to portray the gradual growth of Oppenheimer’s guilt convincingly. For a significant portion of the film, Oppenheimer’s moral consequences are not adequately emphasized. Only towards the end, when he witnesses the devastating power of the atomic bomb, does he start questioning his actions. This shift in stance may appear abrupt to some viewers, highlighting the need for a more gradual and nuanced character development.

Unanswered Questions on Oppenheimer’s Stance on Communism

The film touches upon Oppenheimer’s interest in communism, which plays a pivotal role in shaping public perception of him. However, it fails to offer a clear explanation of his stance on the subject. Was he genuinely interested in communism for intellectual reasons, or did his political beliefs align with it? The film leaves this question unanswered, leaving room for audience interpretation and speculation.

The Ensemble Cast: A Missed Opportunity

“Oppenheimer” boasts an impressive ensemble cast featuring renowned actors like Gary Oldman, Rami Malek, and Matt Damon. However, due to the film’s compressed runtime, these talented performers don’t receive enough screen time to fully flesh out their characters. As a result, their roles feel more like extended cameos than fully realized supporting characters. A two-part movie could have provided the perfect opportunity to delve deeper into the lives of these influential figures.

Speculations on a Disturbing Detail in the Film

Some viewers have noticed a potentially haunting detail in the film involving Florence Pugh’s character, Jean Tatlock. The scene depicts Jean’s suicide, but a quick shot of hands wearing black gloves pushing her head into the tub has sparked speculation. Could this imply that her death was faked, or is it a symbolic representation of Oppenheimer’s guilt? The film leaves this aspect open to interpretation, adding an intriguing layer to Jean Tatlock’s story.

Conclusion: The Missed Potential of “Oppenheimer”

“Oppenheimer” is undoubtedly a visually captivating film that attempts to portray the complex life of Robert J. Oppenheimer. However, due to its inconsistent pacing and limited runtime, it fails to delve deeply into the protagonist’s guilt and struggles, leaving some key aspects unexplored. The ensemble cast, despite their talent, doesn’t get ample opportunity to shine in their roles. While the film’s ambition is commendable, it may have benefited from being split into two parts to provide a more comprehensive and satisfying portrayal of this influential historical figure.