Oppenheimer

Dr. J. Robbert Oppenheimer (Cillian Murphy) is one of the most revered scientists in the history of theoretical physics. The narrative for the film “Oppenheimer” takes place in four different settings: his time working as a professor at Cambridge University, his time as the manager of the Manhattan Project (the project that led to the creation of both the hydrogen bomb and the atomic bomb). And both a closed and open session with members of Congress.

Within these various settings, we witness the rise and fall of J. Robert Oppenheimer, the man whom the world would later name the “father of the atomic bomb.” We watch as Oppenheimer struggles with himself in what may occur with the atomic bomb (as it is being created in Los Alamos) and what DOES occur as a result of not only releasing one, but two atomic bombs on Japan. We watch his claim to fame after spending three years in Los Alamos creating these weapons of destruction and his sudden fall from grace among the public during the Second Red Scare (a time in our history where individuals with left-wing political beliefs were persecuted and ostracized for having Socialist and Communist associations with the Communist Party USA, regardless of whether these accusations were true or not).

“Oppenheimer” serves as a stern, grim reminder of the cost of greatness, the cost of war, and the emotional inner turmoil that comes from unleashing the most destructive and powerful weapon on the planet.

“Oppenheimer,” as I stated, is far from a feel-good film. Anyone who is versed in even a little U.S. history, knows exactly what the implications of the Manhattan Project were. As a result of the Manhattan Project, just like an atomic bomb itself, the fallout led to a new variety of issues in the United States and abroad, such as the regulation of atomic weapons, both their creation and use.

The film “Oppenheimer” brings a complex, yet conflicting message that addresses the age old question “Does the end justify the means?” If you were ask to some historians, many would state that, yes, the bombings were necessary in an effort to quell the fighting by the Japanese and bring an end to World War II. However, as famous physicist Niels Bohr, states in the film, “A bomb falls on the just and the unjust.” While the bombings did lead to the end of WWII and Japan’s surrender, it came at a heavy cost: the loss of over 129,000-226,000 individuals, most of them Japanese civilians. The film, “Oppenheimer,” beautifully dives into both sides of the discussion, while critically examining the thoughts and actions of everyone involved in the Manhattan Project, not just Dr. Oppenheimer himself.

To put it simply, “Oppenheimer” has elements of a cinematic masterpiece. The film, coming in at a whopping 3 hours in length never felts overly lengthy to me, nor does it feel underwhelmingly short. Within the 3 hours, the level of tension and anxiety almost never lightens up. As I sat there, trying to take as many notes as I could, I felt the level of gravitas surrounding the film. Director Christopher is without a doubt one of the most prolific and skilled directors and producers in Hollywood. His films alway carry heavy, yet difficult messages to examine. Nolan takes such a clear approach to this film. He is not trying to preach a message we don’t already know or understand. He is clearly trying to make his audience realize that even the father of the atomic bomb did not take the creation of the bomb lightly. He does this, as previously mentioned, through the careful examination of the four most significant moments of Dr. Oppenheimer’s life.

Let me be clear from the start: “Oppenheimer” is not a film for the faint of heart, and it is certainly NOT for young audiences (this includes teens). There is some intense violence in the film (though some, like the results of the bombings, are never shown), as well as some INCREDIBLY unnecessary graphic nudity and sexual content throughout the entire film (I mean really Nolan? Don’t cheapen yourself with this kind of content in your films. You’re better than this).

On a performance note, Cillian Murphy, who plays Oppenheimer, gives the performance of his career. Every line he gives is carefully delivered, and he brings depth and humanistic understanding of Dr. Oppenheimer. Robert Downey Jr. also puts in a brilliant performance as Dr. Leopold Strauss, as does Matt Damon as General Leslie Groves, the director of the Manhattan project. Additionally some commendable performances come from Emily Blunt as Katherine Oppenheimer and Kenneth Branagh as Niels Bohr.

On a final note, the visuals and camerawork in this film are spot on. As I stated, the film almost never lightens up in its 3 hour run, and this is in part due to the jaw-dropping visuals of the film, whether this is during Dr. Oppenheimer’s dreams or during the testing of the bomb, every visual is carefully crafted to receive the maximum amount of shock and awe.

Content of Concern

Nudity: Extreme. There is some serious, graphic nudity in the film, not just once but FIVE times! The first scene includes a woman displaying full frontal nudity for an extended sequence (her genitals are not shown) while engaging in intercourse with another naked individual. In another scene, these two characters are seen again, engaging in intercourse in front of someone who accidentally walks in. In the third instance, these individuals are, again, fully naked, sitting in chairs having a discussion with each other. In one final scene, a character is seen sitting naked on a chair. In a dream sequence, Oppenheimer is naked, once again, in front of members of Congress.

Sexual Content: As previously mentioned, two characters are engaging in graphic sexual intercourse on two different instances. Oppenheimer was known as a “womanizer” during his lifetime, and he engages in an affair while married to someone else. He begins to describe to his wife how wonderful his intercourse was to his mistress. This affair is mentioned in Oppenheimer’s testimony to Congress.

Violence: Someone is seen committing suicide by drowning. There are multiple discussions about the destruction and aftermath of a possible atomic bomb, including discussions on which of the Japanese cities to target. In some dream sequences, Oppenheimer imagines the atomic bomb melting the skins off of people. In another sequence, Oppenheimer is seen walking on the burnt carcasses of individuals. There is another moment when people are discussing the horrific aftermath of the atomic bomb (this is after it’s been used). Someone throws a glass at another person. We witness a couple dummy tests of the bomb, as well as the first test of the atomic bomb at Los Alamos. There are some suggestions about torturing individuals. President Truman mentions to Oppenheimer that only he will be remembered for the deaths of the people of Hiroshima and Nagaski, not Oppenheimer and his team. We witness the test of the atomic bomb.

Vulgar Language: F***ing (7-10), Sh*tty (1), Sh*t (2), Scr*w you (1), “Cr*p,” “Smart a**” (1), A**-hole. Someone makes a crude reference to male anatomy. A female character mentions to someone that the fallout of an atomic bomb will affect male anatomy more than female as the male has “anatomy that is exposed.”

Profanity: J*sus (2), Chr*st (1), D*mn (1), D*mnit (2), “G*d d*mn,” “Go to H*ll” (1), “What the h*ll (1)

Drugs: Someone is seen addicted to painkillers, which causes her to drown herself in her tub.

Alcohol: There are multiple scenes where characters are seen drinking alcohol.

Other: There are references to the fact that members of Oppenheimer’s family are part of the Communist Party of America (it is even rumored in the film that Oppenheimer was part of the party, but these are only rumors. He even criticizes his brother for being a member of the Party). People are seen throwing up. Kitty and Oppenheimer are seen as neglectful parents in the film: the children are often seen crying, and Kitty and Oppenheimer even pass off their children to some friends to be taken care of for several months.

Morals

A huge portion of the film is devoted to showing the audience how conflicted many scientists were during the Manhattan Project, including Oppenheimer. In fact, Oppenheimer quotes to himself on two occasions, “Now I am becoming Death. The destroyer of all worlds” (a line from the Hindu sacred text, the Bhagavad Gita).

Initially after the detonation of the atomic bomb on the two cities, Oppenheimer is praised for all his hard work and the success of the bombs. But as quick as Oppenheimer is praised, he is quickly admonished by members of Congress and the public during the Second Red Scare.

This moment reminded me of the following Scriptures which discuss the lunacy of living in the world and the dangers of fame…

“Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world.” —1 John 2:15-16

“For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul?” —Mark 8:36

In essence it is important to remember that as Christians we should be very cautious about seeking fame and fortune, for both of them are frail and fleeting moments, and in the end do not matter to God. What will matter on the day of Judgment will be where are hearts are for the Lord and our witness to the world.

Closing Thoughts

Like Dr. Oppenheimer and the members of the Manhattan Project, I feel conflicted when it comes to the film “Oppenheimer.” On one hand, the film is cinematically brilliant from start to finish: the camera work, the performances, the tone, the setting, and the pacing of the film (in spite of its 3 hour length, in my opinion).

On the OTHER hand, this film is littered with vulgar dialog, profanity and extremely graphic sexual content and nudity (even two days after having seen the film, the obscenely graphic imagery still plays in my head).

Due to the above mentioned content (all of which could have been left out of the film), I strongly discourage anyone from viewing “Oppenheimer” (please note the stars do NOT warrant a recommendation either. They are based on cinematic quality ONLY). As I mentioned previously, this film is NOT for children, teens or Christians in general. You are better off reading a history book on this matter instead.

• Nudity: Extreme
• Sex: Very Heavy
• Vulgar/Crude language: Very Heavy
• Profane language: Moderately Heavy
• Violence: Moderate
• Drugs/Alcohol: Moderate
• Wokeism: Mild
• Occult: None

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