Based on Kai Bird and Martin J. Sherwin’s 2006 biography, American Prometheus: The Triumph and Tragedy of J. Robert Oppenheimer, screenwriter-director Christopher Nolan (Batman Begins, Inception, Dunkirk) helms this film adaptation about the American scientist (Cillian Murphy), chronicling his role in developing the atomic bomb. The story shifts back and forth through time between Oppenheimer’s university years, his interest in communism, his work on the Manhattan Project, and most importantly, his shift in fates between American hero to villain.
This is a stunning, thrilling piece of cinema—a truly spectacular achievement from a director whose films never fail to dazzle. In it, we explore the brilliant enigma that is Oppenheimer—in turns tortured and egotistical. For better or worse, he’s credited with unleashing the most destructive weapon the world has ever known—a dubious honor, and certainly one that seemed to torment him. Aside from the United States nearly 78 years ago, atomic bombs have never been used, but the threat has hung ominously over humankind ever since.
There’s an uncomfortable scene when, after the successful Trinity nuclear test, Oppenheimer gives a speech before the cheering team that works on the Manhattan Project. The U.S. won the race for an atom bomb, and the world lost. (180 min.)
—Glen Starkey
This article appears in Jul 27 – Aug 6, 2023.