Oppenheimer | Review by: Stefano Bove

It has been a long wait but Oppenheimer is finally in theatres and it is magnificent. Christoper Nolan delivers what many can make the argument is his best film ever made. Considering his track record, that is not a simple feat but he accomplished this in many ways by building on what make Nolan films so special. Beautiful visuals, impeccable acting, an engaging story and a stellar score from the incredibly talented Ludwig Goransson. It has all of the ingredients you want in what will arguably be the movie of the year. 

Oppenheimer is Nolan’s most grounded film, which makes sense since it is a biopic that recounts a major moment in human history but that does not mean it lacks any Nolan flair. 

This film does not celebrate the creation of the Atomic bomb as this achievement that they thought it was during its inception, in fact, It does the complete opposite by focusing almost one third of the film on the repercussions and the weight Oppenheimer must bear with the creation of humanities most destructive weapon. 

Oppenheimer recounts the life of Julius Robert Oppenheimer from his early years in physics to well after the creation of the atomic bomb. The events of Oppenheimer's life are recounted to us through the trials that take place after the creation of the atomic bomb with Nolan's signature style.of non-linear storytelling. At least three different time periods in Oppenheimer's life are used to tell the whole story. The story is also told from multiple perspectives, black and white scenes are told from the perspective of Robert Downey Jr's character, Strauss and coloured scenes are told from the perspective of Oppenheimer. 

I left the film feeling like I watched a documentary on Oppenheimer's life because Nolan crafted a story that felt unbiased by capturing different perspectives on Oppenheimer's life. Having been accused of treason to the USA for associating himself with known Communists, Oppenheimer's whole life was meticulously probed. By forming the story around the trials, we were given the unique opportunity for Cillian to give us a complete breakdown on how Oppenheimer's mind worked. 

Nolan films have always been known for having big name actors in all of his films but Oppenheimer is a rarity as it boasts a large ensemble of actors and puts the spotlight on many actors that I genuinely felt happy to see on screen in such dramatic roles; Josh Peck and Josh Zuckerman just to name a few. Josh Hartnett and Alden Ehrenreich also deserve to be mentioned after having each had their drought in large feature films. The main cast of stars are all phoniminal, especially Cillian Murphy and Robery Downey Jr. Many Cillian Murphy fans have known for a long time that he has the capability of being a leading man, as is evident with Peaky Blinders but it is wonderful to not only see him lead a big summer blockbuster but go beyond everyone's expectations in a role so well done, it will likely land him an oscar nom. 

 Nolan is one of Hollywood's most consistent directors, but Oppenheimer truly demonstrates his ability to craft a truly beautiful film that deserves to be watched in Imax at least once to experience the gorgeous visuals and hair-raising sounds. 

4.5/5

Review by: Stefano Bove

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