And the Best Picture goes to....

“Oppenheimer,” directed by Christopher Nolan, is a biographical drama that delves into the life of J. Robert Oppenheimer, the man often referred to as the “father of the atomic bomb”.  With an estimated budget of $100,000,000, this film showcases a wealth of strengths, including remarkable performances, stunning cinematography, settings and costumes—yet it fell short with how the story was presented.

The film explores various aspects of Oppenheimer’s life, including his early education, his role in the Manhattan Project, a Security Clearance hearing in 1954, and a Senate confirmation hearing in 1959. However, Nolan uses a series of flashbacks and flash-forwards, which creates confusion and detracts from the film.  Apparently, presenting non-linear timelines is a trademark of Christopher Nolan’s work, but I believe that if the film had been presented in chronological order, it would have been much easier to understand the action. As it was, I had to turn to Wikipedia for clarification of the plot, which felt like a jumble of events. Additionally, it should be noted that if the film had been presented chronologically, it might have reduced the running time and improved the pacing as well.

Cillian Murphy does give a riveting performance, bringing Oppenheimer’s brilliance and inner conflicts to the screen. Emily Blunt shines as Katherine “Kitty” Oppenheimer, highlighting not only her personal sacrifices but her sense of loyalty to her husband.  One standout moment is in her last scene, where she refuses to shake hands with Edward Teller (Benny Safdie) because he testified against her husband—without uttering a single word Kitty manages to say exactly what she’s feeling.  The film doesn’t shy away from the couples’ personal flaws either, which include his narcissism, her alcoholism, and their mutual infidelities and connections to the Communist Party.

The extensive supporting cast enriches the plot, especially Robert Downey Jr. as Lewis Strauss, whose relationship with Oppenheimer introduces elements of betrayal that add to the intrigue and political vendettas.  However, there were so many additional characters that it was challenging to keep track of who was who, unless it was someone recognizable such as Matt Damon or Josh Hartnett.

The film undeniably builds tension leading up to the crucial moment of the atomic bomb detonation in the desert, and visually, “Oppenheimer” is striking, with cinematography that was shot for an IMAX format.

Overall, “Oppenheimer” is visually impressive with a strong lead performance, but it suffers from pacing issues and its presentation. If the plot had been structured differently, I believe a good film could have been a great one. While it’s worth watching, especially for history buffs or Nolan fans, it may not be for everyone.