There are just SO many films out there! You see two to three wide releases on a weekend with a handful more in limited release. Throw out at least a dozen more on VOD or streaming and now you have an overload of content. But we only have so many hours in the day, and we must be thoughtful towards what we dedicate that precious free time to. That is the point of this series of articles giving you specific reasons why you should run out to your nearest multiplex, drive to search for that limited release, drop some money in the virtual cinema, or to surf those streaming services. Here on The Wasteland Watchlist, you will find some reasons to check out the latest and greatest of films including…Oppenheimer (theaters July 21h)
The True Meaning
I sat in my seat with tears in my eyes as this film came to an end. Why? The sheer force of the existential dread that this film captures was more than I anticipated. In its final moments, Oppenheimer thrusts upon its audience the truth about this man’s invention. One single missile can lead to a series of events that will destroy the whole entire world. Few filmmakers could have possibly captured the scale, weight, and impact of this story and Nolan does it miraculously. In a time of rise in artificial intelligence, Oppenheimer shines a light onto human arrogance and vanity. Will these creators put the world in the same precarious position as J. Robert Oppenheimer? This is one of the most poignant films of recent memory and it just might make you question your place in this greater world we are a part of.
The Filmmaking
What can you not argue? Nolan is one of the most impressive technical filmmakers working in the world today. Every shot and moment in this film feels weighty and impactful. Nolan knows how to create a cinematic atmosphere that captures the possibilities of film. The soundscape that he creates through the film’s sound mixing and the score by Ludwig Goransson is penetrating and never leaves you. The use of black & white and color creates an intriguing thoughtfulness to what is objective and what is subjective. The full use of practical effects makes for such a tangible and affecting cinematic experience. Hoyte van Hoytema matches Nolan’s vision perfectly as the audience is treated to a textured and real-looking film that expertly captures the significance of every action on screen. This is a masterpiece of the filmmaking process.
The Structure
What does Christopher Nolan love to manipulate? Time. Oppenheimer presents no exception. The way that the balances multiple timelines in creating an impactful and engrossing narrative is most impressive. There are shocking twists and turns that worked so well due to weaving the events of different times together. Nolan has a feel for the best way to play out a story to maximize the effect. This film is no different. The framing devices also work so well with a deposition and cabinet confirmation hearing. The allows the film to grow its mystery around its protagonist. He was an unknowable man and the way this film plays out; we try to piece together his character and motivations. This is a storytelling flex along with the technical one that we all can enjoy.
Cillian Murphy
Is it Murphy’s time to finally shine? This Irish actor has been an important piece in so many Nolan films to date. He finally got a leading role in Peaky Blinders where he became such a towering presence and got the spotlight he deserved. But now he gets to anchor and lead a three-hour biopic, he soared. His performance is so layered and complex. We cannot fully understand where Oppenheimer comes from. He is unknowable. But Murphy strikes the balance of being at a distance while also getting us to connect and follow his journey. There are deeply emotional moments and others that are cold and calculating. Murphy has a rich full performance worth the price of admission.
Robert Downey Jr.
Did anyone else realize that Downey Jr. was playing the foil to Oppenheimer whose story is a significant piece of the film? I sure didn’t. What RDJ can do with Dr. Strauss is so impressive. This complex figure has plenty of layers and Downey can shuffle them to perfection. There is always something going on underneath the surface when it comes to this character and Downey handles that mystery expertly. There is so much emotion right there and this performance handles the release of it so well. This performance needs to be acknowledged as Downey steals every scene he is in.
The Ensemble
There are SO many cast members and they all do their jobs SO well. Emily Blunt is saddled with a bit of an underwritten role, but she can make the most out of every line. Her physicality is so expressive and poignant as well. Florence Pugh arrives with minimal screen time and still excels. Matt Damon offers up a strong and steady performance that provides the minimalistic relief needed for this weighty film for three hours. David Krumhotlz, Josh Hartnett, Alden Ehrinreich, and Benny Safdie all shine in their supporting roles. Kenneth Branagh and Gary Oldman roll up for small but essential roles and steal the screen. There are plenty more to shout out but I will be going on for forever.
