Oppenheimer was a bad man that caused suffering and torture to New Mexico, US Citizens & Hispanics, the Natives, and Japanese. He should not be glorified by a movie. The Truth: 1) Oppenheimer - The EXPLOSIVE Truth THAT NOBODY’S TALKING ABOUT!!!!: th-cam.com/video/2h4yDc4u75Y/w-d-xo.htmlsi=61DhsRoHP1-zFbAM 2) th-cam.com/video/HKEtLdfPQLk/w-d-xo.htmlsi=hYXG-yem3-LmVU5X 3) What Oppenheimer Film WON'T SHOW: How MIC Sacrificed Hispanics For Atomic Bomb Tests: th-cam.com/video/1igELwcXbDM/w-d-xo.htmlsi=FNPo3ffWkXYDWw_3
It’s so perfect that it could possibly (though still a longshot) join Ben-Hur, Titanic, and The Lord of the Rings The Return of the King in the 11-Oscar club.
Well, I haven't seen the video yet, but I do know Oppenheimer is a masterpiece. As I was leaving the theater I was thinking "I gotta watch the hell out of this when it hits streaming." Easily one of my favorite movies of all time. Nolan outdid himself
Same here man. I watched it in an IMAX screen and after the movie ended , I wanted to buy another ticket for the next show and watch it all over again. It was the most horrifyingly amazing experience I have ever had in a movie theater. I don't care about the 3 hr runtime, no other movie has ever made me FEEL like this . FREAKIN' MASTERPIECE !!!!
I watched it 2 times, the 2nd time was even better, I watched it on the biggest screen yet I could find, it was the best experience I had, unfortunately I have no IMAX in my country (they were going to open an IMAX theater a long time ago but I didn't see any progress), as I left the room, I spoke with a man about the consequences of how powerful elites use your work and push you aside, and that it serves as a reflection in a world that is still surrounded by wars and various threats, he told me "it mmight be necessary to watch this film again, because there are many details to grasp". I learned many things about self-control, the importance and management of opinion and how ideas can improve or destroy the world, I didn't leave depressed, the best thing one could do after seeing the movie is to know that you have to work for peace, I hope there's nuclear disarmament afterwards and all the proceeds from the film go to the organizations of residents in New Mexico who are descendants of the Trinity victims and have suffered from cancer and other diseases for decades. I already knew about Oppenheimer and the Mannhattan Project, I read everything I could and watch YT videos about the subject to get prepared, as I left the theatre, I wanted to learn more, if a biopic leaves you wanting to know more about a subject, then it did its job well, I think this is Nolan's most mature, serious and accomplished film, I get it might not be for everyone, since it's not sci-fi, superheroe or action and I'm glad about that, I need more original and well made movies that leave me something good to think about, but often most divissive films that don't appeal for anyone, are the most interesting to discuss and dissect.
Couldn’t agree more. The one thing I will say about Nolan is that you shouldn’t be streaming his films. Definitely try to get the blu-ray! It’s the second best thing to seeing it in theaters
Strangely enough, the ending didn't leave me with a newfound existential dread or something after leaving the theatre, I think it's because I was already well aware of the danger of a nuclear holocaust. But... the whole ending conversation scene did give me chills and it was the perfect way to end the movie, it was probably the scene that had the biggest emotional impact on me. The last sentence spoken "I believe we did" is so simple, yet so effective and meaningful. Hat's off to Nolan.
India and China have a treaty of not using fire-arms on their 2000 mile border, only because they both have nuclear weapons. So they fight with sticks and stones today leading to extremely low casualties. Without nukes there would have already been full fledged wars with tens of thousands of casualties. Nukes have brought decades of peace because all the big powers have them leading to smaller skirmishes instead of highly destructive wars, in which big powers like UK or France fought with millions of casualties.
@@ugowar* SPOILER * I thought the revelation that Oppenheimer and Einstein's conversation had nothing at all to do with Strauss was one of the greatest movie twists of all time.
Oppenheimer was the first movie that I have seen lately that feels like a movie with a purpose, a message, a question to the audience, something to get people talking and thinking. Truly a masterpiece
That's exactly why Barbenheimer worked. They both seem completely opposite but they talk about the self destructive nature of humanity. Oppenheimer focuses on how humans can quite literally end the world while Barbie focuses how we also destroy ourselves. Both movies genuinely feel like artwork that was pushed by the writers and director instead of the company trying to get money.
LOL looking at all these comment are hilarious. A movie with a purpose? What does that even mean? so much cringe. It's a frickin movie. It's not going to solve anything except filling studio pockets. 🤣
I have to say that watching the speech scene and ending in cinemas for the first time was an amazing experience and really changes your perspective on the world. Two amazing scenes and Cillian Murphy has to win an Oscar off his acting in that speech scene alone
@@samuelmair7191 it shows just how possible it is that if nuclear war happens we are all fucked and with the idiots we have in power now it’s always a possibility especially with Putin about
@@patroni8 not really, it just brought it to the front of my mind and let me look into it and I never realised that if nuclear war were to happen on a large scale between Russia and USA, everyone even thousands of miles away would all die
One of the best analysis of the movie that I have seen. The way you delved into the duality of their worldviews and what Nolan meant by the subjectivity and objectivity potrayed.
my favorite moment in the movie wasn't actually in the movie. It was right after the movie had ended. I was just staring at the screen amazed and devastated, only to realize after a while that nobody on the theater was clapping. All of them, just like me, just sitting on their chair silently looking at each other, trying to take in those past 3 hours. Incredible moment.
Could not agree more with you about how unforgettable the scream part was. That was exactly the part I immediately said was the best in the movie as I was walking out of the cinema.
First movie I watched in cinema more than once. It was a bit overwhelming at first, but after all it's an incredible movie. The ending scene is haunting. I'm still under the effect of the movie. Cillian Murphy deserves an oscar for sure (and the whole movie also)
Cillian Murphy was just brilliant in this film as was Robert Downey Jr. They really deserve, at least to be nominated, for Academy Awards next year. I also really appreciated the cinematography in this one, especially the Atom Bomb test scene, which is probably one of my favourite scenes I’ve seen all year.
It was such a fantastic movie it takes a hell of a scene to stick out from the rest of the movie… and the test detonation absolutely takes the cake. It truly had me on the edge of my seat, made my heart beat faster, and really had me vested in the story.
@@K-3619 Both times I saw the film, the silence that follows the explosion was mirrored by the audience being so quiet you could hear them trying to hold their breath. The audience was so invested at this point, they literally became part of the story, A true work of genius
Agree. Cillian was off the scale but Robert Downey almost stole every scene he was in. Loved them both, this film is epic in every sense, one of the greatest films of world cinema, Nolan has excelled. 😘
Thank you so much for this excellent review!!! It is nice to know that at least one reviewer actually watched the movie!!! One minor criticism... "He pursues Tatlock even though he is only interested in noncommittal trysts." In reality, he proposed marriage numerous times, at least twice but likely more. In fact, it was Jean who was supposed to accompany him to the ranch. She cancelled at the last minute to attend a party event in New Jersey. He invited Kitty along instead. She became pregnant on that trip, divorced her second husband, and married Oppie. Jean was the one woman he was most smitten by, but she was never able to commit to him fully. They were both badly mentally ill and argued frequently. Kitty was actually the backup girl who became his wife due to circumstances, leading to the conflict that nearly tore him apart. I saw the death of Jean Tatlock as a harbinger of things to come. If the project could take away and destroy the woman he truly loved, then it could ultimately take anything and everything away from him. In fact, Oppie named the test "Trinity" because of a line in a John Donne poem that he and Jean both loved together.
Yes - thank you. I recently read the book "American Prometheus" which confirms what you are saying, but even watching the movie on its own I don't know how this reviewer got such a wrong read of that relationship. That line in the video upset me so greatly that I had to stop watching and search the comments for someone else who knew the truth. Cheers.
I love how it's a film that builds on itself, and benefits from multiple viewings not just in the typical "now you know the twist, so watch it back for the clues!" way, but also emotionally, and in terms of character work/writing. The scene you mention, which is also my favorite, flummoxed me the first time and that plus the end scene are the reasons I went back a second and third time. And that second and third time, I found myself crying at multiple parts, just from an awful sadness, re: the things the film doesn't show, doesn't *explicitly* say about Hiroshima and Nagasaki, while simultaneously screaming it at us. Absolutely a masterpiece. I'm very very excited to see what comes next from Nolan's partnership with Universal after this.
Dang, dude, this essay finally made me understand the choices for "Fission" and "Fusion" as labels for Oppenheimer's and Strauss' POV! I particularly like how you latched on to the idea of entanglement as a metaphor, re: the role of Jean Tatlock. I interpreted the scene where he reads a section of the Baghavad Gita to her as two sources of guilt becoming conflated in the process of recollection. I feel like the train-like sound of the stomping feet from the pep rally is used in a similar fashion to ramp up tension well before the rally happens in the film, which makes the reveal of the source of the noise all the more effective. A sound of dread echoing from a "triumphant" scene. Perfect cognitive dissonance.
I like to look at the fission heading as the ‘split’ of Oppenheimer’s psyche for us to see inside And the fusion heading is meant to show what happens when two personalities collide (oppi and strauss)
What a great review! I’ve been waiting for a review of this movie that doesn’t just recount the plot step by step with a few lines of opinion thrown in and this is definitely that! This a true ANALYSIS. So worth the wait! I feel like I’ve seen so many new parts of this film that I never would have noticed on my own. Great work!
Thank you so much for that! I haven't watched many videos on the film but I'm glad I was able to add something new to the mix and provide a nice piece of insight 🙏🏻🤙🏻
Brilliantly worded and executed. Much like the film itself. This picture was a moment, a masterwork of history much like the event that inspired it. It will be appreciated, studied and talked about for years to come. I predict an absolute sweep of well deserved awards and accolades to further cement its legacy on film. We really did witness history, and what an experience it was.
12:07 Actually from what I could read, in real life Oppenheimer did propose at least twice to Tatlock and she was the one refusing as she was unsure whether or not she wanted to stay with him.
Totally agree about the autitorium scene. The very fact that the cheering and stamping of feet was louder and more unsettling than the bomb itself says everything.
Honestly…. Best video you have made yet! This one was SOOO good. Your craft and insight is super interesting and ultimately, I love your passion. Up and away my favorite movie of the decade thus far.
A little bit more that I absolutely adore about this movie: the film does not treat Albert Einstein's character as just a mere easter egg but also an important part of Oppenheimer's and Strauss' turning points
LOVE THIS MOVIE one of the best films of all time from the acting to the story to the soundtrack that is just so mesmerizing I’ve seen it 3 times and will be seeing it at least one more time before it leaves theaters
The contrast between Oppenheimer's final visions of science driving the destruction of the earth in contrast to his visions of the wonders of science and the universe at the start of the film totally floored me. The whole film is such a tremendous and beautiful punch to the gut and every single aspect of its production is phenomenal.
I've heard someone say this could be pronounced as 'Open-hymen' but then again I won't be complaining by any means. Oppenheimer has so much potential than meets the eye. Cillian Murphy here has got what it takes to sweep audiences under the feet without feeling the need to be apologetic about it.
Lord, I have never eagerly anticipated a TH-cam video this much in my life… I love your take on movies and after I watched Oppenheimer I could not wait for your thoughts.
Great insights, thank you. In all fairness to Strauss, because he deserves accurate remembrance by history too, he was much more than a shoe salesman. He led a life of public service (look up his military service during WW2) and philanthropy and was a self- made millionaire. He had planned to study physics as a young man, so most likely had some understanding of it. And I'm finding myself as lost in this film as you are. Could watch it another 20 times and would still be mesmerized.
THE WAIT IS OVER!!! Hell yes! Excellent work, Griffin. Been waiting for your Filmspeak treatment of Oppenheimer. The movie is such an outstanding achievement and one that will be talked about for years to come (as are a lot of Nolan's films). Hope you're also able to do video essays for Inception and Interstellar sometime. Best wishes from Nigeria.
Thank you so much man! I'm glad it was worth the wait. Really want to eventually cover his entire filmography, it's an undertaking though for sure haha
This is probably one of my favorite movies I’ve ever seen of all time, and given my previous ones were the dark knight trilogy I might just have a bias towards Nolan’s strategies. I actually really liked the length and although I understand the complaints people have with the length I’d be totally willing to just watch more and more of it hahaha
Each generation since the creation of the cinema tends to have its masterpiece. While my parents had Pulp Fiction, Seven and many more to theirs, I am happy to realize that Oppenheimer is the gem of mine.
genuinely the greatest movie I have ever seen , first movie I've ever watched in cinema 3x , the build up was amazing, the cinematography was on point , the acting was unbelievable, It did not feel like a 3 hour movie, after so many lackluster big budget movies. this was a fresh breath of air , words cannot describe how good cillain , Emily and especially RDJ was in this , 10/10,
Amazing movie, truly deserving of being a masterpiece. I just loved in the capturing of Oppenheimer’s face once they managed to set the atomic bomb off successfully. The ending was so simple, but the most chilling.
Excellent video! I haven’t stopped thinking about this movie since I first saw it in theaters nearly a month ago. And you are right, the auditorium scene is one of Nolan’s best scenes and it has stuck with me. I believe this is Nolan’s best film, even with his other all-time greats Inception and The Dark Knight. I was just floored with everything. This is a movie that will stand the test of time, unlike many movies within the past decade. Also, Rodrick from the Diary of a Wimpy Kid movies is here and it is nice to see him (he plays Seth Neddermeyer, the guy who throws up after the auditorium scene, for those wondering).
Just seeing the dread in Oppenheimer’s eyes as he realized what he had just created during that speech scene made me feel a way I had never felt before then. The stomping feet, his imagination depicted by the scenery, and how it was capped off by others realizing the same thing. It felt like tension for a whole 2 hours and that scene was the release of it. What came next was good but that scene felt like an amazing climax to the initial momentum.
Really great analysis, but I would have to disagree about your analysis of the Oppenheimer/Tatlock relationship. I’ve seen the movie twice and during both viewings, I didn’t get the impression that Oppenheimer just treated Jean Tatlock as a hookup and carelessly played with her emotions. In fact, I think it was clearly the other way around and Oppenheimer feeling confused by Tatlock’s capricious behavior. To play along with the the thematic binary of the film, I thought it was obvious that Oppenheimer deeply cared about Tatlock and would have wanted something serious with her…fusion…if it wasn’t for her fighting her own mental health issues that was causing the fission. It’s not shown in the movie, but in real life, Oppenheimer had proposed to Tatlock twice, and she refused. So I thought him bringing her flowers was a genuine gesture of his love for her rather than something callous. She wasn’t in the right frame of mind to have a relationship, frequently rejects his romances, and yet she pulls him along (I don’t think maliciously), still giving him hope. There’s even a line where he says something about feeling so confused by her behavior. And he also proclaims his devotion to her and says he will always answer her call. So I think the balance of power clearly leaned towards her at the beginning of their romance. And ultimately, Oppenheimer realizes he’ll never be able to have what he wants wit her and moves on with Kitty. And I got the impression that this failed relationship with Tatlock really affected him, took away some of the innocence of the unsure, wide-eyed nerd that he was when he first met her, and shaped him into the colder, more confident “womanizer” persona. And yes, he meets Tatlock later on once he’s married. But again, I don’t think at this moment, Oppenheimer was doing this in a callous way, treating her like a mistress to exploit. She reached out to him. She utilizes her mental distress (again, I don’t think maliciously) to manipulate him into seeing her. She knew he couldn’t resist this cry for help, because I felt like Jean was his true love. But at this point, the power dynamic has changed. Tatlock realizes he’s no longer devoted to her when he tells her he can never see her again. She even calls him out for going back on his previous statement of always being there for her. And when Oppenheimer finalizes the “fission” of this toxic relationship, it ends in a violent explosive way with her eventual suicide…just like the violent conclusion of the successful fission test of the bomb. I thought that parallel was very clever on Nolan’s part. Anyways, that’s my interpretation of their relationship.
🎯 Key Takeaways for quick navigation: 00:45 🎥 *Oppenheimer's legacy and the impact of his infamous words* - Oppenheimer's haunting expression and conflicted feelings post-Trinity test. - Public perception of Oppenheimer's words and their significance in 1965. - Christopher Nolan's thematic exploration in "Oppenheimer" mirroring mankind's self-destructive nature. 02:39 🔬 *Nolan's thematic evolution from individual self-destruction to societal downfall* - Evolution of Nolan's film themes from individual protagonist failures to societal destruction. - Examination of self-destructive behaviors in Nolan's earlier and recent films. - "Oppenheimer" as the synthesis of Nolan's thematic explorations on human destruction. 05:52 🌍 *Nolan's portrayal of the human condition and existential anxieties* - Nolan's portrayal of human contradictions and the human condition's inherent conflicts. - Films as reflections of humanity's primal anxieties and the possibility of overcoming them. - "Oppenheimer" as Nolan's powerful plea to awaken humanity to its self-made perils. 06:34 🎨 *Nolan's utilization of color and structure in "Oppenheimer"* - Nolan's distinctive use of color, nonlinear storytelling, and distinct timelines. - Contrasting perspectives through color (Murphy's Oppenheimer) vs. black and white (Downey Jr.'s Strauss). - Objective vs. subjective viewpoints depicted through visual and narrative structures. 08:22 ⚛️ *Oppenheimer vs. Strauss: Subjectivity, morality, and compartmentalization* - Oppenheimer's subjective morality and compartmentalization of contradictions. - Strauss's belief in objective morality and his attempts to define reality. - Nolan's use of fission and fusion as metaphors for Oppenheimer's and Strauss's worldviews. 14:16 💥 *Oppenheimer's cognitive dissonance and internal struggles* - Oppenheimer's struggle to confront contradictions and the resulting cognitive dissonance. - Impact of Oppenheimer's paradoxical worldview on his relationships and moral conflicts. - Visual motifs and sequences illustrating Oppenheimer's internal turmoil and dissonance. 16:21 ☢️ *Oppenheimer's moral descent and the atomic bomb realization* - Oppenheimer's rationalizations and evolving justifications for the atomic bomb. - Oppenheimer's moment of reckoning amidst applause and the realization of the bomb's aftermath. - Nolan's powerful visual portrayal of Oppenheimer's moral collapse and its consequences. 17:56 ⚫⚪ *Strauss's worldview and the pursuit of objective truth* - Strauss's objective moral stance and attempts to control and define reality. - Nolan's comparison of Strauss's worldview to a fusion reaction and its implications. - Strauss's tragic pursuit of defining an objective reality and its eventual fallout. 19:45 💔 *Tragic consequences and the self-defeating nature of Oppenheimer and Strauss* - Self-defeating actions of Oppenheimer and Strauss leading to devastating consequences. - Nolan's narrative resistance towards painting Oppenheimer and Strauss as tragic heroes. - Egotism, solipsism, and tragic outcomes stemming from personal actions and worldviews. 23:15 🌌 *Oppenheimer's Moral Justification* - Oppenheimer's belief in the inevitability of the bomb's creation drives his involvement. - Los Alamos becomes a manifestation of Oppenheimer's fusion of passion for physics and living in a community. 24:52 🏛️ *Cult of Personality at Los Alamos* - Oppenheimer's persona elevates him to a revered figure at Los Alamos. - His ego and power are emphasized through the naming of the bomb test site as Trinity. 26:00 🕰️ *Personal Accountability Post-Bombing* - Oppenheimer and Truman's exchange highlights the weight of responsibility and regret post-bombing. - The film refuses to exonerate Oppenheimer despite portraying his remorse. 27:22 🔍 *Strauss and Oppenheimer: Ego and Pettiness* - Strauss's conflict with Oppenheimer stems from personal grievances and ego. - Both men, despite differences, are portrayed as eerily similar in their pettiness. 28:44 💥 *Legacy and Ego in Scientific Pursuits* - Strauss's pursuit of the H-bomb is intertwined with his quest for a comparable legacy. - Oppenheimer's post-war stance triggers resentment, revealing the clash of egos. 30:21 🌍 *Short-sightedness and Consequences* - The film delves into humanity's short-sightedness and unwillingness to see the broader consequences. - Oppenheimer's lack of foresight contrasts with Einstein's preparedness for the outcomes of their work. 31:59 ☢️ *Understanding Actions to Break the Cycle* - Until people understand the actions that initiated catastrophic events, they risk perpetuating them. - Nolan suggests the need for comprehension to avert inevitable doom due to our actions. 34:30 🎭 *Impact of Supporting Characters* - The significance of minor characters in emphasizing the impact of Oppenheimer and Strauss. - The film moves beyond glorifying the protagonists, focusing on the broader repercussions. 35:49 🎥 *Nolan's Magnum Opus* - The film is hailed as possibly Nolan's greatest work, diving into contemporary themes. - Nolan's intricate narrative aligns Oppenheimer's story with present-day concerns, creating a visceral experience. 36:30 🖌️ *Political Commentary and Cinematic Mastery* - Oppenheimer becomes a platform for political commentary, delving into themes like the danger of knowledge and ego-driven pursuits. - Nolan's film taps into contemporary sociopolitical reflections, intertwining them with Oppenheimer's narrative. Made with HARPA AI
Great analysis and review, on point about everything. Ive seen the film three times, its been a few weeks now since those watches and its still on my mind. Currently reading American Prometheus to learn even more.
Saw it for the 2nd time in theaters yesterday and brought my mum. It is a definite masterpiece. Watching a second time, I noticed many nuances and was able to understand the dialogue better than the first time. On the 2nd watch I saw it on a 70mm screen and the Trinity test was amazing. I'm just bummed I missed the IMAX showing...they should've let it run longer in IMAX theaters. I may go watch a 3rd time.
I still remember getting out of the movie theater starting blank into the sky and gulping what i have just saw i couldn't even process what i have just seen it was truly a worth
@FilmSpeak I’ve watched many explanations of the film and yours by far is the best comprehensive break down of all the connecting parts of the film. Nolan’s adaptation and interpretation of “American Prometheus” along with Cillian Murphy’s performance left me spellbound and a desire to do a deep dive on all things Oppenheimer!
The countdown scene was one of the only times in the theaters that i felt at the edge of my seat. And i knew exactly what happened and how it would play out
I gotta see Oppenheimer yet but I know one thing, when I watch it, "Now I Am Become Death, The Destroyer Of Worlds." I will say, I thought Top Gun Maverick was one of the best movies in the 2020s. I'm sure this film will impress me. Christopher Nolan will always be a genius to me!
To me, the standout performance going under the radar is Alden Ehrenreich. His role is largely just a stand in for the audience being told the story if you think about but his performance that really hits home the eventual condemnation of Strauss
Your part about Oppenheimer not wanting to commit to a relationship with Tatlock is absolute bs. I was not there to check it myself unfortunately, but what I can find about it, is that he proposed to her more than once. So, nice you tried to link the bringing flowers, but not wanting to commit to the duality of his personality but you should not twist things to make them fit your story
FilmSpeak Bravo! Oh man! The way you extract and distill meaning from what is already a meaningful and arresting depiction such that I feel you handed me eyeglasses with which I can better see and understand what up until then was a fuzzy outline and a hazy understanding of what was really being shown me in this film. I’m awed and humbled. Thank you for your meticulous work and deep insights and sharing them with us so skillfully and compellingly.
This is one of my favourite ever video essays. Its very well edited, written, and structured while being engaging the entire time. I didn't even notice the runtime until it was over. Great video, keep doing what you're doing!
i think the scene of the auditorium address is impactful as well because he comes to a sudden precipice of what was once a small curiosity that became a massive destructive force in the world for all time to come and people are celebrating him. nolan created this perfect actualization of oppy being as mentally and spiritually obliterated as the bomb he helped to drop on millions of human beings and the way the scene comes to this massive cacophony of sound, like oppenheimer and his legacy will only ever be able to exist in that state, drowning in the white noise everytime someone congratulates or commends him
After watching it a second time I’d say it’s probably my number 1 film of the 21st century and is at least up there with There Will Be Blood, Parasite, Inception, The Irishman, Synecdoche, and No Country For Old Men
It's up there. It actually reminded me of There Will be Blood quite a bit, which is my favorite move of all time. The others you mentioned, outside of Inception, were only 'meh' for me.
I watched it with my parents in theaters and when we left, my mom turned to me and said ''I havent seen a movie this all encompassing and all devouring since Shawshank Redemption (her favourite movie of all time)'' she continued with that she doubts and movie released in the past and future 5 years will be able to top this, and I have to agree. its a work of art.
Great analysis! Usually movies never influence how i fell and i never understood why people cried or got overly emotional for movies since i see them just as entertainment to get distracted for a couple of hours. This will sound edgy and cringe to some, but this movie made my body freaking react. The last shot where they show what Oppenheimer and Einstein were talking about at the pond and then just cut to black made me shiver and shed a tear, it was so intense and powerful. Never had a movie experience like this and im happy that i was able to see it.
I watched this film 3 times while it was running in cinemas in my country. It’s sadly stopped screening now, but I will definitely watch it a million times more once it releases on streaming and bluray
Fabulous review! On every point! Knowledgeable and respectful and evidenced from the work of Nolan itself. I agree that Nolan's work is not devoid of emotion, but it's emotion caught up in the conflicts and push-pulls of his grand themes. Cerebral and emotional are not mutually exclusive in his work. Oppenheimer is possibly the most haunting film I've seen, and I'm a dyed in the wool Akira Kurosawa fan. Best wishes from Melbourne 😊❣️
So I saw this once in IMAX, once in a regular theater, and then for the third time tonight after I bought it today… With each viewing I’ve tended to focus on different aspects of the film, the first time being stoked for the Trinity Test obviously, the second time I really keyed into each actor’s performance, but this third time I kinda watched it in awe of Nolan’s writing and directing process (and Van Hoytemas photography), the typical Nolan non-linear narrative structure with the different time lines interwoven, and I was just blown away, AGAIN!! Throw in Göransson’s score to up the tension… all of these things combined make this not only the best movie of the year but imo the best film of Nolan’s career…. With the potential to nab 12-13 Oscar nominations. Damn what an experience. Great video by the way 👏🏼
this movie reminded me of like citizen kane and saving private ryan, i really really loved it and i think it will only get better with time. regardless if it wins best picture everyone will remember the summer of oppenheimer and barbie movie theater experience as iconic
The part that hit me and the answer to the reason why I was “hit” by the Oppenheimer ending was because this was an ending that directly effects me and my future to this day.
00:02 Robert Oppenheimer's haunting remorse after creating the atomic bomb 02:49 Nolan's Oppenheimer explores the self-destructive nature of humanity. 07:16 The film explores the subjective and objective perspectives of Oppenheimer and Strauss. 09:31 Oppenheimer's belief in coexisting paradoxes and his struggle to reconcile his actions with his ideals. 13:55 Oppenheimer's rationalization for building the bomb shifts until he justifies its use 16:08 Oppenheimer's subjective morality clashes with the reality of the bomb's destructive power. 20:20 Oppenheimer and Strauss are both tragic figures driven by ego. 22:19 Oppenheimer's egotism and justification for building the bomb 26:25 The film highlights Oppenheimer and Truman's concern about their place in history, rather than the impact on innocent Japanese civilians. 28:24 Strauss's petty revenge and narcissism undermine his entire scheme. 32:30 Oppenheimer's story is brought to life in a quintessentially Nolan film. 34:28 Nolan's film Oppenheimer explores the impact of Oppenheimer and Strauss on others.
Wow!!! So well explained!!! I was looking for some insight after watching the movie, this was perfect. What an intelligent and comprehensive analysis, thank you!!!!!!
I saw it 5x already! The last time I saw it was in IMAX 70mm. To say it was worth it would be such an understatement. An ASTOUNDING achievement from Christopher Nolan. Might be his best film since Dunkirk. I hope to see it in IMAX again in the future. Expect multiple Oscar nods to come its way. 😉
I loved the victory speech scene too. In fact, i cried watching the scene since i've been to the museum in Hiroshima & Nagasaki knowing what it did to the people there.
I’d love to see you make a video on the late great Czech director Miloš Forman who sadly gets very overlooked and I’m yet to see a decent TH-cam video on him. I found Nolan took a lot of influence from him on the making of Oppenheimer as Forman became very famous for his biopic films, which are all great, in that he would deliberately portray the complexities of each of his subjects in a nuanced manner plus one of his directorial trademarks was casting well known character actors in smaller roles which Nolan did in Oppenheimer. In the documentary ‘The Making of Amadeus’ Forman stated “I think the small parts are as important as the main characters, in certain ways I am paying more attention to casting smaller bit parts because once you see them you will never forget them” which is why I think his films heavily feature a lot of reaction shots due to the stacked cast. I think you could do him justice with a decent video essay in his life and work!
Pitch for a better Oppenheimer movie: -Remove Oppenheimer love life and political life. Remove Strauss. Nobody cares. Focus on the Manhattan Project. -Portray Oppenheimer not like a troubled genius, but like he was: a self delusional prick. -Show the actual bombing on Japan. Show how people used to live in Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Make a parallel between the japanese living in bliss ignorance and the american scientists. -Faster pace. Linear narrative.
Overrated flick. The movie itself left so many of us questioning Nolan's decision to leave out such vital pieces to the remarkable work. The innerworld-building aspects, the highlights of the science itself. The math, the problems, the solutions, the designs, the inner structures of work at Los Alamos. No montage, no groundbreaking research, no frame of view. It's an absolute must in biopics/historical filmmaking. Take a scene in Scorcese's Casino: "The dealers watch the players, the floormen watch the dealers, the pit bosses watch the floormen, and..." while seamlessly keying the audience in to the systems in place. From the beginning to end, the big picture is answered by the little things with balanced structure, screenplay, and dialogue. This is done in Goodfellas and Wolf of Wall Street flawlessly as well. For these specifically, they simplify and engage us with timeline, complexity, shock, and gratification. Nolan crushed this aspect in Inception, The Prestige, The Dark Knight, and parts of so many others. Some less than others, and some more. Some like Catch Me if You Can by Spielberg, surround the entire plot in this notion: of world-building, a microscopic lens into the logic, steps, structure, and overall theme. While I'm not asking he remove the first third, and last third chapter of the film, by just giving us a decent 10-15 mins in each third, or a few montages per chapter; like the contributions of each bright scientist, the timeline of advance, the problems to overcome, the math itself, etc. - this would have done the trick and satisfied us all so much more. The communism and relationship stuff was far overdone. We could have gotten all of the themes and implications of each, from about 60% of that whole combined hour, fully replaced by scenes and clips surrounding better above decisions. These guys were the greatest scientists in the world, the brightest minds in history, among a revolutionary project of high level problem solving, mathematics, physics, chemistry, design, engineering, and fabrication. Let us in on that stuff- their determination, pursuit, and brilliance, but not in a bland, underwhelming general way (like with a single 2 second shot of the bomb construction)... All the impacts of the emotional struggle, success and turmoil, and mental struggle; the plot and theme itself, is enhanced so much further when we can grasp a better idea around: the back-end, the grit, the aptitude, the raw talent, structure and precision, etc. Let us in on THAT, not on sending me out of the theater, right to youtube, to find out how the bomb was assembled and engineered, or what brilliant math allowed that assembly to come to fruition. Even a taste of it! There was just warm alcohol for so much of the behind-the-scenes. So much of the film would have satisified us all so much better, had he highlighted these aspects with a purposeful zoomed in lens, then back and forth out into the big picture stuff. Gets a 78% from me (a B+ in review score, not a C)
It's been a long time coming...but we're finally here! What did YOU think of Oppenheimer? 🤯One of Nolan's best? Comment below!💥
Oppenheimer was a bad man that caused suffering and torture to New Mexico, US Citizens & Hispanics, the Natives, and Japanese. He should not be glorified by a movie.
The Truth:
1) Oppenheimer - The EXPLOSIVE Truth THAT NOBODY’S TALKING ABOUT!!!!: th-cam.com/video/2h4yDc4u75Y/w-d-xo.htmlsi=61DhsRoHP1-zFbAM
2) th-cam.com/video/HKEtLdfPQLk/w-d-xo.htmlsi=hYXG-yem3-LmVU5X
3) What Oppenheimer Film WON'T SHOW: How MIC Sacrificed Hispanics For Atomic Bomb Tests: th-cam.com/video/1igELwcXbDM/w-d-xo.htmlsi=FNPo3ffWkXYDWw_3
It’s so perfect that it could possibly (though still a longshot) join Ben-Hur, Titanic, and The Lord of the Rings The Return of the King in the 11-Oscar club.
It's really good but I don't think it's one of Nolan's best considering how many great films he's made
I thought it was awesome and definitely my favourite film of the year so far followed by Asteroid City
@@TimLSimmight even get 12-15, losing out HMU, Lead Actress and/or Supporting actress to Barbie
Well, I haven't seen the video yet, but I do know Oppenheimer is a masterpiece. As I was leaving the theater I was thinking "I gotta watch the hell out of this when it hits streaming." Easily one of my favorite movies of all time. Nolan outdid himself
Same here man. I watched it in an IMAX screen and after the movie ended , I wanted to buy another ticket for the next show and watch it all over again. It was the most horrifyingly amazing experience I have ever had in a movie theater. I don't care about the 3 hr runtime, no other movie has ever made me FEEL like this .
FREAKIN' MASTERPIECE !!!!
I watched it 2 times, the 2nd time was even better, I watched it on the biggest screen yet I could find, it was the best experience I had, unfortunately I have no IMAX in my country (they were going to open an IMAX theater a long time ago but I didn't see any progress), as I left the room, I spoke with a man about the consequences of how powerful elites use your work and push you aside, and that it serves as a reflection in a world that is still surrounded by wars and various threats, he told me "it mmight be necessary to watch this film again, because there are many details to grasp".
I learned many things about self-control, the importance and management of opinion and how ideas can improve or destroy the world, I didn't leave depressed, the best thing one could do after seeing the movie is to know that you have to work for peace, I hope there's nuclear disarmament afterwards and all the proceeds from the film go to the organizations of residents in New Mexico who are descendants of the Trinity victims and have suffered from cancer and other diseases for decades.
I already knew about Oppenheimer and the Mannhattan Project, I read everything I could and watch YT videos about the subject to get prepared, as I left the theatre, I wanted to learn more, if a biopic leaves you wanting to know more about a subject, then it did its job well, I think this is Nolan's most mature, serious and accomplished film, I get it might not be for everyone, since it's not sci-fi, superheroe or action and I'm glad about that, I need more original and well made movies that leave me something good to think about, but often most divissive films that don't appeal for anyone, are the most interesting to discuss and dissect.
well, i watched it 4 times already and i'm glad i did that! @@RAHULDAS-7856
Couldn’t agree more. The one thing I will say about Nolan is that you shouldn’t be streaming his films. Definitely try to get the blu-ray! It’s the second best thing to seeing it in theaters
@@TheGoshdarnJets Yep , eagerly waiting for it !!!
The oppenheimer ending left me feeling pretty depressive and feeling pensive for a long time after. Great acting and soundtrack.
It's a HEAVY ending. One that sticks with ya
@@FilmSpeakI had to sit through the entire credits to process what I had just seen. I was just like Oppenheimer in the final shot/90% of marketing.
Strangely enough, the ending didn't leave me with a newfound existential dread or something after leaving the theatre, I think it's because I was already well aware of the danger of a nuclear holocaust. But... the whole ending conversation scene did give me chills and it was the perfect way to end the movie, it was probably the scene that had the biggest emotional impact on me. The last sentence spoken "I believe we did" is so simple, yet so effective and meaningful. Hat's off to Nolan.
India and China have a treaty of not using fire-arms on their 2000 mile border, only because they both have nuclear weapons. So they fight with sticks and stones today leading to extremely low casualties. Without nukes there would have already been full fledged wars with tens of thousands of casualties. Nukes have brought decades of peace because all the big powers have them leading to smaller skirmishes instead of highly destructive wars, in which big powers like UK or France fought with millions of casualties.
@@ugowar* SPOILER * I thought the revelation that Oppenheimer and Einstein's conversation had nothing at all to do with Strauss was one of the greatest movie twists of all time.
Oppenheimer was the first movie that I have seen lately that feels like a movie with a purpose, a message, a question to the audience, something to get people talking and thinking. Truly a masterpiece
That's exactly why Barbenheimer worked. They both seem completely opposite but they talk about the self destructive nature of humanity. Oppenheimer focuses on how humans can quite literally end the world while Barbie focuses how we also destroy ourselves. Both movies genuinely feel like artwork that was pushed by the writers and director instead of the company trying to get money.
Welcome to the wonderful world of movies!
LOL looking at all these comment are hilarious. A movie with a purpose? What does that even mean? so much cringe. It's a frickin movie. It's not going to solve anything except filling studio pockets. 🤣
I have to say that watching the speech scene and ending in cinemas for the first time was an amazing experience and really changes your perspective on the world. Two amazing scenes and Cillian Murphy has to win an Oscar off his acting in that speech scene alone
It was a great film but I’m just wondering how exactly it changed your perspective on the world?
@@samuelmair7191 it shows just how possible it is that if nuclear war happens we are all fucked and with the idiots we have in power now it’s always a possibility especially with Putin about
@@barry4649it took a movie for you to understand the impact of nuclear war? lol
@@patroni8 not really, it just brought it to the front of my mind and let me look into it and I never realised that if nuclear war were to happen on a large scale between Russia and USA, everyone even thousands of miles away would all die
A Hollywood movie changed your perspective? Oh, brother...
One of the best analysis of the movie that I have seen. The way you delved into the duality of their worldviews and what Nolan meant by the subjectivity and objectivity potrayed.
Thank you so much! 🙏🏻❤️
@@FilmSpeak Just subscribed. Great channel!
@@mamtakalsi1275 Amazing! Hope you continue to enjoy everything.
my favorite moment in the movie wasn't actually in the movie. It was right after the movie had ended. I was just staring at the screen amazed and devastated, only to realize after a while that nobody on the theater was clapping. All of them, just like me, just sitting on their chair silently looking at each other, trying to take in those past 3 hours. Incredible moment.
Sounds like Death of a Salesman when it was first open. Just silence in the theater and the sound of one woman crying mournfully.
I got chills reading this. I regret not seeing it in theaters...
Could not agree more with you about how unforgettable the scream part was. That was exactly the part I immediately said was the best in the movie as I was walking out of the cinema.
whose
I was finally able to see this masterpiece in theaters today. No I wasn’t able to see it in IMAX. It was incredible it left me feeling haunted.
i didnt get the chance to see it in imax either but it was still amazing
First movie I watched in cinema more than once. It was a bit overwhelming at first, but after all it's an incredible movie. The ending scene is haunting. I'm still under the effect of the movie.
Cillian Murphy deserves an oscar for sure (and the whole movie also)
Same, I just had to see it again!
Cillian Murphy was just brilliant in this film as was Robert Downey Jr. They really deserve, at least to be nominated, for Academy Awards next year. I also really appreciated the cinematography in this one, especially the Atom Bomb test scene, which is probably one of my favourite scenes I’ve seen all year.
It was such a fantastic movie it takes a hell of a scene to stick out from the rest of the movie… and the test detonation absolutely takes the cake. It truly had me on the edge of my seat, made my heart beat faster, and really had me vested in the story.
Robert Downey jr could rematch again Joaquin Phoenix by Oscar 2024. (After 4 year Later)
@@K-3619 Both times I saw the film, the silence that follows the explosion was mirrored by the audience being so quiet you could hear them trying to hold their breath. The audience was so invested at this point, they literally became part of the story, A true work of genius
@@richardperhai8292 I as well saw it twice in theater, and it was just such an incredible experience
Agree. Cillian was off the scale but Robert Downey almost stole every scene he was in. Loved them both, this film is epic in every sense, one of the greatest films of world cinema, Nolan has excelled. 😘
This movie left me horrified and in awe, every moment was great. 10/10.
It's truly a chilling experience
@@FilmSpeak Absolutely!
This movie was boring and pretentious.
Agree master piece
Thank you so much for this excellent review!!! It is nice to know that at least one reviewer actually watched the movie!!!
One minor criticism... "He pursues Tatlock even though he is only interested in noncommittal trysts." In reality, he proposed marriage numerous times, at least twice but likely more. In fact, it was Jean who was supposed to accompany him to the ranch. She cancelled at the last minute to attend a party event in New Jersey. He invited Kitty along instead. She became pregnant on that trip, divorced her second husband, and married Oppie. Jean was the one woman he was most smitten by, but she was never able to commit to him fully. They were both badly mentally ill and argued frequently. Kitty was actually the backup girl who became his wife due to circumstances, leading to the conflict that nearly tore him apart. I saw the death of Jean Tatlock as a harbinger of things to come. If the project could take away and destroy the woman he truly loved, then it could ultimately take anything and everything away from him.
In fact, Oppie named the test "Trinity" because of a line in a John Donne poem that he and Jean both loved together.
I was so confused at this part... She wasn't refusing flowers bc he won't commit. SHE didn't want commitment.
Yes - thank you.
I recently read the book "American Prometheus" which confirms what you are saying, but even watching the movie on its own I don't know how this reviewer got such a wrong read of that relationship. That line in the video upset me so greatly that I had to stop watching and search the comments for someone else who knew the truth. Cheers.
I love how it's a film that builds on itself, and benefits from multiple viewings not just in the typical "now you know the twist, so watch it back for the clues!" way, but also emotionally, and in terms of character work/writing. The scene you mention, which is also my favorite, flummoxed me the first time and that plus the end scene are the reasons I went back a second and third time. And that second and third time, I found myself crying at multiple parts, just from an awful sadness, re: the things the film doesn't show, doesn't *explicitly* say about Hiroshima and Nagasaki, while simultaneously screaming it at us. Absolutely a masterpiece. I'm very very excited to see what comes next from Nolan's partnership with Universal after this.
That last cheering scream before the sound cut out in the auditorium, combined with the woman's erie smile, was horror movie level terrifying.
Dang, dude, this essay finally made me understand the choices for "Fission" and "Fusion" as labels for Oppenheimer's and Strauss' POV! I particularly like how you latched on to the idea of entanglement as a metaphor, re: the role of Jean Tatlock. I interpreted the scene where he reads a section of the Baghavad Gita to her as two sources of guilt becoming conflated in the process of recollection. I feel like the train-like sound of the stomping feet from the pep rally is used in a similar fashion to ramp up tension well before the rally happens in the film, which makes the reveal of the source of the noise all the more effective. A sound of dread echoing from a "triumphant" scene. Perfect cognitive dissonance.
I like to look at the fission heading as the ‘split’ of Oppenheimer’s psyche for us to see inside
And the fusion heading is meant to show what happens when two personalities collide (oppi and strauss)
a simple google would have sufficed lol
What a great review! I’ve been waiting for a review of this movie that doesn’t just recount the plot step by step with a few lines of opinion thrown in and this is definitely that! This a true ANALYSIS. So worth the wait! I feel like I’ve seen so many new parts of this film that I never would have noticed on my own. Great work!
Thank you so much for that! I haven't watched many videos on the film but I'm glad I was able to add something new to the mix and provide a nice piece of insight 🙏🏻🤙🏻
It's like my reviews but much more structured and easier to comprehend than me just rambling on.
Brilliantly worded and executed. Much like the film itself. This picture was a moment, a masterwork of history much like the event that inspired it. It will be appreciated, studied and talked about for years to come. I predict an absolute sweep of well deserved awards and accolades to further cement its legacy on film. We really did witness history, and what an experience it was.
12:07 Actually from what I could read, in real life Oppenheimer did propose at least twice to Tatlock and she was the one refusing as she was unsure whether or not she wanted to stay with him.
Totally agree about the autitorium scene. The very fact that the cheering and stamping of feet was louder and more unsettling than the bomb itself says everything.
Honestly…. Best video you have made yet! This one was SOOO good. Your craft and insight is super interesting and ultimately, I love your passion. Up and away my favorite movie of the decade thus far.
Man thank you so much that means the world 🙏🏻 I'm so proud of this. Hoping to make more videos of this caliber going forward
This video was sooooo worth the wait. Nolan truly outdid himself with this one.
A little bit more that I absolutely adore about this movie: the film does not treat Albert Einstein's character as just a mere easter egg but also an important part of Oppenheimer's and Strauss' turning points
LOVE THIS MOVIE one of the best films of all time from the acting to the story to the soundtrack that is just so mesmerizing I’ve seen it 3 times and will be seeing it at least one more time before it leaves theaters
It should never leave theatres
The contrast between Oppenheimer's final visions of science driving the destruction of the earth in contrast to his visions of the wonders of science and the universe at the start of the film totally floored me. The whole film is such a tremendous and beautiful punch to the gut and every single aspect of its production is phenomenal.
I've heard someone say this could be pronounced as 'Open-hymen' but then again I won't be complaining by any means. Oppenheimer has so much potential than meets the eye. Cillian Murphy here has got what it takes to sweep audiences under the feet without feeling the need to be apologetic about it.
You stole that from epic rap battles of history, Oppenheimer vs Thanos
Lord, I have never eagerly anticipated a TH-cam video this much in my life…
I love your take on movies and after I watched Oppenheimer I could not wait for your thoughts.
Thank you so much!!' I'm glad it delivered 🥹🙏🏻
Same here!
I felt like every shot, every line had intent. No filler. The score was amazing. Stunned to see a project like this be executed so well.
Great insights, thank you.
In all fairness to Strauss, because he deserves accurate remembrance by history too, he was much more than a shoe salesman. He led a life of public service (look up his military service during WW2) and philanthropy and was a self- made millionaire. He had planned to study physics as a young man, so most likely had some understanding of it.
And I'm finding myself as lost in this film as you are. Could watch it another 20 times and would still be mesmerized.
THE WAIT IS OVER!!! Hell yes! Excellent work, Griffin. Been waiting for your Filmspeak treatment of Oppenheimer. The movie is such an outstanding achievement and one that will be talked about for years to come (as are a lot of Nolan's films). Hope you're also able to do video essays for Inception and Interstellar sometime. Best wishes from Nigeria.
Thank you so much man! I'm glad it was worth the wait. Really want to eventually cover his entire filmography, it's an undertaking though for sure haha
This is probably one of my favorite movies I’ve ever seen of all time, and given my previous ones were the dark knight trilogy I might just have a bias towards Nolan’s strategies. I actually really liked the length and although I understand the complaints people have with the length I’d be totally willing to just watch more and more of it hahaha
Each generation since the creation of the cinema tends to have its masterpiece.
While my parents had Pulp Fiction, Seven and many more to theirs, I am happy to realize that Oppenheimer is the gem of mine.
genuinely the greatest movie I have ever seen , first movie I've ever watched in cinema 3x , the build up was amazing, the cinematography was on point , the acting was unbelievable, It did not feel like a 3 hour movie, after so many lackluster big budget movies. this was a fresh breath of air , words cannot describe how good cillain , Emily and especially RDJ was in this , 10/10,
One of the best reviews of Oppenheimer I've ever seen. Bravo
Thank you so much!!! That means a lot.
Finally someone who understands just how huge this movie is. Amazing work
Amazing movie, truly deserving of being a masterpiece. I just loved in the capturing of Oppenheimer’s face once they managed to set the atomic bomb off successfully. The ending was so simple, but the most chilling.
The ending just left me speechless knowing the last lines told we’re all true.
Excellent video! I haven’t stopped thinking about this movie since I first saw it in theaters nearly a month ago. And you are right, the auditorium scene is one of Nolan’s best scenes and it has stuck with me. I believe this is Nolan’s best film, even with his other all-time greats Inception and The Dark Knight. I was just floored with everything. This is a movie that will stand the test of time, unlike many movies within the past decade.
Also, Rodrick from the Diary of a Wimpy Kid movies is here and it is nice to see him (he plays Seth Neddermeyer, the guy who throws up after the auditorium scene, for those wondering).
This is the longest a film has ever lingered in my mind. It’s all I’ve thought about and just hearing you break it down gave me chills
I honestly hope they keep releasing it in cinema every couple years or so I NEED to go see it on the big screen again
Just seeing the dread in Oppenheimer’s eyes as he realized what he had just created during that speech scene made me feel a way I had never felt before then. The stomping feet, his imagination depicted by the scenery, and how it was capped off by others realizing the same thing.
It felt like tension for a whole 2 hours and that scene was the release of it. What came next was good but that scene felt like an amazing climax to the initial momentum.
Oppenheimer stayed in my head longer than any other movie I've watched since I was a kid.
Really great analysis, but I would have to disagree about your analysis of the Oppenheimer/Tatlock relationship. I’ve seen the movie twice and during both viewings, I didn’t get the impression that Oppenheimer just treated Jean Tatlock as a hookup and carelessly played with her emotions. In fact, I think it was clearly the other way around and Oppenheimer feeling confused by Tatlock’s capricious behavior. To play along with the the thematic binary of the film, I thought it was obvious that Oppenheimer deeply cared about Tatlock and would have wanted something serious with her…fusion…if it wasn’t for her fighting her own mental health issues that was causing the fission. It’s not shown in the movie, but in real life, Oppenheimer had proposed to Tatlock twice, and she refused. So I thought him bringing her flowers was a genuine gesture of his love for her rather than something callous.
She wasn’t in the right frame of mind to have a relationship, frequently rejects his romances, and yet she pulls him along (I don’t think maliciously), still giving him hope. There’s even a line where he says something about feeling so confused by her behavior. And he also proclaims his devotion to her and says he will always answer her call. So I think the balance of power clearly leaned towards her at the beginning of their romance.
And ultimately, Oppenheimer realizes he’ll never be able to have what he wants wit her and moves on with Kitty. And I got the impression that this failed relationship with Tatlock really affected him, took away some of the innocence of the unsure, wide-eyed nerd that he was when he first met her, and shaped him into the colder, more confident “womanizer” persona.
And yes, he meets Tatlock later on once he’s married. But again, I don’t think at this moment, Oppenheimer was doing this in a callous way, treating her like a mistress to exploit. She reached out to him. She utilizes her mental distress (again, I don’t think maliciously) to manipulate him into seeing her. She knew he couldn’t resist this cry for help, because I felt like Jean was his true love. But at this point, the power dynamic has changed. Tatlock realizes he’s no longer devoted to her when he tells her he can never see her again. She even calls him out for going back on his previous statement of always being there for her. And when Oppenheimer finalizes the “fission” of this toxic relationship, it ends in a violent explosive way with her eventual suicide…just like the violent conclusion of the successful fission test of the bomb. I thought that parallel was very clever on Nolan’s part.
Anyways, that’s my interpretation of their relationship.
I agree
I agree, that relationship wasnt nearly as black and white as he made it seem and neither was the morality of dropping the bomb
Was able to see Oppenheimer in both IMAX and 70mm. The movie is breathtaking, just utter perfection.
Glad you gave a shoutout to the performance of Rabi. Such an emotional performance
🎯 Key Takeaways for quick navigation:
00:45 🎥 *Oppenheimer's legacy and the impact of his infamous words*
- Oppenheimer's haunting expression and conflicted feelings post-Trinity test.
- Public perception of Oppenheimer's words and their significance in 1965.
- Christopher Nolan's thematic exploration in "Oppenheimer" mirroring mankind's self-destructive nature.
02:39 🔬 *Nolan's thematic evolution from individual self-destruction to societal downfall*
- Evolution of Nolan's film themes from individual protagonist failures to societal destruction.
- Examination of self-destructive behaviors in Nolan's earlier and recent films.
- "Oppenheimer" as the synthesis of Nolan's thematic explorations on human destruction.
05:52 🌍 *Nolan's portrayal of the human condition and existential anxieties*
- Nolan's portrayal of human contradictions and the human condition's inherent conflicts.
- Films as reflections of humanity's primal anxieties and the possibility of overcoming them.
- "Oppenheimer" as Nolan's powerful plea to awaken humanity to its self-made perils.
06:34 🎨 *Nolan's utilization of color and structure in "Oppenheimer"*
- Nolan's distinctive use of color, nonlinear storytelling, and distinct timelines.
- Contrasting perspectives through color (Murphy's Oppenheimer) vs. black and white (Downey Jr.'s Strauss).
- Objective vs. subjective viewpoints depicted through visual and narrative structures.
08:22 ⚛️ *Oppenheimer vs. Strauss: Subjectivity, morality, and compartmentalization*
- Oppenheimer's subjective morality and compartmentalization of contradictions.
- Strauss's belief in objective morality and his attempts to define reality.
- Nolan's use of fission and fusion as metaphors for Oppenheimer's and Strauss's worldviews.
14:16 💥 *Oppenheimer's cognitive dissonance and internal struggles*
- Oppenheimer's struggle to confront contradictions and the resulting cognitive dissonance.
- Impact of Oppenheimer's paradoxical worldview on his relationships and moral conflicts.
- Visual motifs and sequences illustrating Oppenheimer's internal turmoil and dissonance.
16:21 ☢️ *Oppenheimer's moral descent and the atomic bomb realization*
- Oppenheimer's rationalizations and evolving justifications for the atomic bomb.
- Oppenheimer's moment of reckoning amidst applause and the realization of the bomb's aftermath.
- Nolan's powerful visual portrayal of Oppenheimer's moral collapse and its consequences.
17:56 ⚫⚪ *Strauss's worldview and the pursuit of objective truth*
- Strauss's objective moral stance and attempts to control and define reality.
- Nolan's comparison of Strauss's worldview to a fusion reaction and its implications.
- Strauss's tragic pursuit of defining an objective reality and its eventual fallout.
19:45 💔 *Tragic consequences and the self-defeating nature of Oppenheimer and Strauss*
- Self-defeating actions of Oppenheimer and Strauss leading to devastating consequences.
- Nolan's narrative resistance towards painting Oppenheimer and Strauss as tragic heroes.
- Egotism, solipsism, and tragic outcomes stemming from personal actions and worldviews.
23:15 🌌 *Oppenheimer's Moral Justification*
- Oppenheimer's belief in the inevitability of the bomb's creation drives his involvement.
- Los Alamos becomes a manifestation of Oppenheimer's fusion of passion for physics and living in a community.
24:52 🏛️ *Cult of Personality at Los Alamos*
- Oppenheimer's persona elevates him to a revered figure at Los Alamos.
- His ego and power are emphasized through the naming of the bomb test site as Trinity.
26:00 🕰️ *Personal Accountability Post-Bombing*
- Oppenheimer and Truman's exchange highlights the weight of responsibility and regret post-bombing.
- The film refuses to exonerate Oppenheimer despite portraying his remorse.
27:22 🔍 *Strauss and Oppenheimer: Ego and Pettiness*
- Strauss's conflict with Oppenheimer stems from personal grievances and ego.
- Both men, despite differences, are portrayed as eerily similar in their pettiness.
28:44 💥 *Legacy and Ego in Scientific Pursuits*
- Strauss's pursuit of the H-bomb is intertwined with his quest for a comparable legacy.
- Oppenheimer's post-war stance triggers resentment, revealing the clash of egos.
30:21 🌍 *Short-sightedness and Consequences*
- The film delves into humanity's short-sightedness and unwillingness to see the broader consequences.
- Oppenheimer's lack of foresight contrasts with Einstein's preparedness for the outcomes of their work.
31:59 ☢️ *Understanding Actions to Break the Cycle*
- Until people understand the actions that initiated catastrophic events, they risk perpetuating them.
- Nolan suggests the need for comprehension to avert inevitable doom due to our actions.
34:30 🎭 *Impact of Supporting Characters*
- The significance of minor characters in emphasizing the impact of Oppenheimer and Strauss.
- The film moves beyond glorifying the protagonists, focusing on the broader repercussions.
35:49 🎥 *Nolan's Magnum Opus*
- The film is hailed as possibly Nolan's greatest work, diving into contemporary themes.
- Nolan's intricate narrative aligns Oppenheimer's story with present-day concerns, creating a visceral experience.
36:30 🖌️ *Political Commentary and Cinematic Mastery*
- Oppenheimer becomes a platform for political commentary, delving into themes like the danger of knowledge and ego-driven pursuits.
- Nolan's film taps into contemporary sociopolitical reflections, intertwining them with Oppenheimer's narrative.
Made with HARPA AI
Great analysis and review, on point about everything. Ive seen the film three times, its been a few weeks now since those watches and its still on my mind. Currently reading American Prometheus to learn even more.
the trinity test scene was one of the most tense scenes i have ever watched i could feel my heart beating in my neck by the end of it
Saw it for the 2nd time in theaters yesterday and brought my mum. It is a definite masterpiece. Watching a second time, I noticed many nuances and was able to understand the dialogue better than the first time. On the 2nd watch I saw it on a 70mm screen and the Trinity test was amazing. I'm just bummed I missed the IMAX showing...they should've let it run longer in IMAX theaters. I may go watch a 3rd time.
Not since the docking scene in Interstellar have I been so enthralled with a scene as Oppy's speech to the auditorium.
I was literally speechless at the end of the film. Was truly a tour de force that did not give up until the very last moment. Truly is a masterpiece.
I still remember getting out of the movie theater starting blank into the sky and gulping what i have just saw i couldn't even process what i have just seen it was truly a worth
One perfect video, one perfect thumbnail, to one masterpiece of a movie 🔥🔥🙏🏼🙏🏼
I got completely distracted by how much Cillian ended up resembling Oppenheimer
It's uncanny!
This is the best video essay on Oppenheimer that I've seen. Amazing writing and dissection of the themes
Thank you so much!
@FilmSpeak I’ve watched many explanations of the film and yours by far is the best comprehensive break down of all the connecting parts of the film. Nolan’s adaptation and interpretation of “American Prometheus” along with Cillian Murphy’s performance left me spellbound and a desire to do a deep dive on all things Oppenheimer!
The countdown scene was one of the only times in the theaters that i felt at the edge of my seat.
And i knew exactly what happened and how it would play out
I gotta see Oppenheimer yet but I know one thing, when I watch it, "Now I Am Become Death, The Destroyer Of Worlds." I will say, I thought Top Gun Maverick was one of the best movies in the 2020s. I'm sure this film will impress me. Christopher Nolan will always be a genius to me!
Nolan's the goat haha well at least imo, but he never disappoints. I hope you enjoy it when you see it!
To me, the standout performance going under the radar is Alden Ehrenreich. His role is largely just a stand in for the audience being told the story if you think about but his performance that really hits home the eventual condemnation of Strauss
Shoutout to Josh Peck who did nothing except detonate the test bomb
The self destruct approach through self absorbing attention is great, I really enjoyed your review.
The film is so good it's actually hard to articulate it. Sublime and profound are the words I've kept coming back to.
It was powerful especially in the IMAX
Your part about Oppenheimer not wanting to commit to a relationship with Tatlock is absolute bs. I was not there to check it myself unfortunately, but what I can find about it, is that he proposed to her more than once. So, nice you tried to link the bringing flowers, but not wanting to commit to the duality of his personality but you should not twist things to make them fit your story
Nice dissection and it deserves more than 25k views. Hope the algorithm blesses this one.
"When the chips are down, these....Civilized People?... They'll eat each other."
I have watched Oppenheimer two times a the movies, the second time was just as good as the first. A masterpiece of a movie!
FilmSpeak
Bravo!
Oh man! The way you extract and distill meaning from what is already a meaningful and arresting depiction such that I feel you handed me eyeglasses with which I can better see and understand what up until then was a fuzzy outline and a hazy understanding of what was really being shown me in this film.
I’m awed and humbled.
Thank you for your meticulous work and deep insights and sharing them with us so skillfully and compellingly.
This is one of my favourite ever video essays. Its very well edited, written, and structured while being engaging the entire time. I didn't even notice the runtime until it was over. Great video, keep doing what you're doing!
Literally me film of the 21st century
The editing in the video is fenominal. That intro? Chills
i think the scene of the auditorium address is impactful as well because he comes to a sudden precipice of what was once a small curiosity that became a massive destructive force in the world for all time to come and people are celebrating him.
nolan created this perfect actualization of oppy being as mentally and spiritually obliterated as the bomb he helped to drop on millions of human beings
and the way the scene comes to this massive cacophony of sound, like oppenheimer and his legacy will only ever be able to exist in that state, drowning in the white noise everytime someone congratulates or commends him
sorry, not to state the obvious
After watching it a second time I’d say it’s probably my number 1 film of the 21st century and is at least up there with There Will Be Blood, Parasite, Inception, The Irishman, Synecdoche, and No Country For Old Men
You must be fun at parties (not)
It's up there. It actually reminded me of There Will be Blood quite a bit, which is my favorite move of all time. The others you mentioned, outside of Inception, were only 'meh' for me.
That’s a hell of a list!
I watched it with my parents in theaters and when we left, my mom turned to me and said ''I havent seen a movie this all encompassing and all devouring since Shawshank Redemption (her favourite movie of all time)'' she continued with that she doubts and movie released in the past and future 5 years will be able to top this, and I have to agree. its a work of art.
Great analysis! Usually movies never influence how i fell and i never understood why people cried or got overly emotional for movies since i see them just as entertainment to get distracted for a couple of hours. This will sound edgy and cringe to some, but this movie made my body freaking react. The last shot where they show what Oppenheimer and Einstein were talking about at the pond and then just cut to black made me shiver and shed a tear, it was so intense and powerful. Never had a movie experience like this and im happy that i was able to see it.
I cant remember the last time I left a movie theater feeling so shaken.
Fission is Oppenheimer's world being torn apart, Fission is him trying to piece it back together
I watched this film 3 times while it was running in cinemas in my country. It’s sadly stopped screening now, but I will definitely watch it a million times more once it releases on streaming and bluray
Fabulous review! On every point! Knowledgeable and respectful and evidenced from the work of Nolan itself.
I agree that Nolan's work is not devoid of emotion, but it's emotion caught up in the conflicts and push-pulls of his grand themes.
Cerebral and emotional are not mutually exclusive in his work.
Oppenheimer is possibly the most haunting film I've seen, and I'm a dyed in the wool Akira Kurosawa fan.
Best wishes from Melbourne 😊❣️
So I saw this once in IMAX, once in a regular theater, and then for the third time tonight after I bought it today…
With each viewing I’ve tended to focus on different aspects of the film, the first time being stoked for the Trinity Test obviously, the second time I really keyed into each actor’s performance, but this third time I kinda watched it in awe of Nolan’s writing and directing process (and Van Hoytemas photography), the typical Nolan non-linear narrative structure with the different time lines interwoven, and I was just blown away, AGAIN!! Throw in Göransson’s score to up the tension… all of these things combined make this not only the best movie of the year but imo the best film of Nolan’s career…. With the potential to nab 12-13 Oscar nominations. Damn what an experience. Great video by the way 👏🏼
this movie reminded me of like citizen kane and saving private ryan, i really really loved it and i think it will only get better with time. regardless if it wins best picture everyone will remember the summer of oppenheimer and barbie movie theater experience as iconic
It'll definitely be a summer double feature to remember.
The part that hit me and the answer to the reason why I was “hit” by the Oppenheimer ending was because this was an ending that directly effects me and my future to this day.
00:02 Robert Oppenheimer's haunting remorse after creating the atomic bomb
02:49 Nolan's Oppenheimer explores the self-destructive nature of humanity.
07:16 The film explores the subjective and objective perspectives of Oppenheimer and Strauss.
09:31 Oppenheimer's belief in coexisting paradoxes and his struggle to reconcile his actions with his ideals.
13:55 Oppenheimer's rationalization for building the bomb shifts until he justifies its use
16:08 Oppenheimer's subjective morality clashes with the reality of the bomb's destructive power.
20:20 Oppenheimer and Strauss are both tragic figures driven by ego.
22:19 Oppenheimer's egotism and justification for building the bomb
26:25 The film highlights Oppenheimer and Truman's concern about their place in history, rather than the impact on innocent Japanese civilians.
28:24 Strauss's petty revenge and narcissism undermine his entire scheme.
32:30 Oppenheimer's story is brought to life in a quintessentially Nolan film.
34:28 Nolan's film Oppenheimer explores the impact of Oppenheimer and Strauss on others.
Wow!!! So well explained!!! I was looking for some insight after watching the movie, this was perfect. What an intelligent and comprehensive analysis, thank you!!!!!!
I saw it 5x already! The last time I saw it was in IMAX 70mm. To say it was worth it would be such an understatement. An ASTOUNDING achievement from Christopher Nolan. Might be his best film since Dunkirk. I hope to see it in IMAX again in the future. Expect multiple Oscar nods to come its way. 😉
If Oppenheimer doesn't sweep up all of the Oscars it will be definitive proof that the Academy has finally disappeared up its own a#*ehole.
Oppenheimer is this decade's Lawrence of Arabia. It deserves a place in the best movies ever.
Fuuuuuck this analysis is SO good. You nailed it!
Thank you for this analysis. Truly a great service to the movie. And to all of us viewers.
I saw this twice and you kept blowing my mind with insights. 😅
probably the best video essay on a movie I have ever seen.
I loved the victory speech scene too. In fact, i cried watching the scene since i've been to the museum in Hiroshima & Nagasaki knowing what it did to the people there.
I’d love to see you make a video on the late great Czech director Miloš Forman who sadly gets very overlooked and I’m yet to see a decent TH-cam video on him.
I found Nolan took a lot of influence from him on the making of Oppenheimer as Forman became very famous for his biopic films, which are all great, in that he would deliberately portray the complexities of each of his subjects in a nuanced manner plus one of his directorial trademarks was casting well known character actors in smaller roles which Nolan did in Oppenheimer. In the documentary ‘The Making of Amadeus’ Forman stated “I think the small parts are as important as the main characters, in certain ways I am paying more attention to casting smaller bit parts because once you see them you will never forget them” which is why I think his films heavily feature a lot of reaction shots due to the stacked cast.
I think you could do him justice with a decent video essay in his life and work!
To be fair, Oppenheimer did actually propose to Jean Tatlock and she rejected him
Oppenheimer is one of best film of all time
Well done! Both the movie and your introspective analysis.
Absolutely best review I’ve seen hear, instant subs, you are very well spoken and researcher.
Pitch for a better Oppenheimer movie:
-Remove Oppenheimer love life and political life. Remove Strauss. Nobody cares. Focus on the Manhattan Project.
-Portray Oppenheimer not like a troubled genius, but like he was: a self delusional prick.
-Show the actual bombing on Japan. Show how people used to live in Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Make a parallel between the japanese living in bliss ignorance and the american scientists.
-Faster pace. Linear narrative.
There are almost my exact notes on the movie too… especially the bombing of Japan.
Overrated flick. The movie itself left so many of us questioning Nolan's decision to leave out such vital pieces to the remarkable work. The innerworld-building aspects, the highlights of the science itself. The math, the problems, the solutions, the designs, the inner structures of work at Los Alamos. No montage, no groundbreaking research, no frame of view. It's an absolute must in biopics/historical filmmaking. Take a scene in Scorcese's Casino: "The dealers watch the players, the floormen watch the dealers, the pit bosses watch the floormen, and..." while seamlessly keying the audience in to the systems in place. From the beginning to end, the big picture is answered by the little things with balanced structure, screenplay, and dialogue. This is done in Goodfellas and Wolf of Wall Street flawlessly as well. For these specifically, they simplify and engage us with timeline, complexity, shock, and gratification.
Nolan crushed this aspect in Inception, The Prestige, The Dark Knight, and parts of so many others. Some less than others, and some more. Some like Catch Me if You Can by Spielberg, surround the entire plot in this notion: of world-building, a microscopic lens into the logic, steps, structure, and overall theme.
While I'm not asking he remove the first third, and last third chapter of the film, by just giving us a decent 10-15 mins in each third, or a few montages per chapter; like the contributions of each bright scientist, the timeline of advance, the problems to overcome, the math itself, etc. - this would have done the trick and satisfied us all so much more.
The communism and relationship stuff was far overdone. We could have gotten all of the themes and implications of each, from about 60% of that whole combined hour, fully replaced by scenes and clips surrounding better above decisions. These guys were the greatest scientists in the world, the brightest minds in history, among a revolutionary project of high level problem solving, mathematics, physics, chemistry, design, engineering, and fabrication.
Let us in on that stuff- their determination, pursuit, and brilliance, but not in a bland, underwhelming general way (like with a single 2 second shot of the bomb construction)... All the impacts of the emotional struggle, success and turmoil, and mental struggle; the plot and theme itself, is enhanced so much further when we can grasp a better idea around: the back-end, the grit, the aptitude, the raw talent, structure and precision, etc.
Let us in on THAT, not on sending me out of the theater, right to youtube, to find out how the bomb was assembled and engineered, or what brilliant math allowed that assembly to come to fruition. Even a taste of it! There was just warm alcohol for so much of the behind-the-scenes. So much of the film would have satisified us all so much better, had he highlighted these aspects with a purposeful zoomed in lens, then back and forth out into the big picture stuff. Gets a 78% from me (a B+ in review score, not a C)
Just saw this again. Ending is still gut wrenching 😢