Oppenheimer

Published: 03/08/2023

Christopher Nolan is back with a film that might just be the saviour of cinema, Oppenheimer. Already having generated over half a billion dollars worldwide in less than two weeks of its release, it’s clear that the world is excited about films outside of large franchises again.

It also successfully beats the stereotype of films bombing with casts packed with too many Hollywood a-listers, crazy to think that a film composed of a bad screenplay and plot can’t be saved by a handful of multiple time Oscar nominees. Nolan’s film by no means needs saving by its cast with the talent of Cillian Murphy leading with Emily Blunt, Kenneth Branagh, Florence Pugh and Robert Downey Jr. supporting the film is only heightened by its big names. Everyone brought their best performances to the table, particularly Murphy and Blunt, which I would go as far to say is the best performances of their careers and has landed them on the tops of many people’s award season favourites.

While not quite at the top of my list for films released this year, Oppenheimer’s use of sound is by far the most impressive example. Paired with the incredible use of practical effects, Nolan made an immersive and shocking experience that had you on the edge of your seat.

A run time of 3 hours is always at risk of feeling dragged out and unnecessary to the final film but the pace Nolan sets with Oppenheimer, I can assure it passes by quick. It is also easier to follow and understand than his past projects, despite the length, level of detail and many years the films spans over.

The Barbenheimer event of the summer is far from a disappointment. I hope that it has reignited people’s love for the cinema experience and hope that sold out film screenings become the normal once again despite the rise of streaming’s popularity.

Letterboxd Review on Oppenheimer

Oppenheimer, dir. Christopher Nolan

Release: 21 July 2023

Lara Edwards.