The film “Oppenheimer” (2023), directed by Christopher Nolan, delves into the life of physicist J. Robert Oppenheimer, known as the “father of the atomic bomb.” Based on the book American Prometheus, the film highlights both the scientific triumphs and the ethical dilemmas faced by the scientist during the Manhattan Project, which led to the creation of the first nuclear weapons during World War II.
In addition to the captivating narrative, “Oppenheimer” includes intriguing details about its production. Nolan’s commitment to realism, such as recreating explosions without CGI, and the stellar cast led by Cillian Murphy, are just a few of the many features that enriched the film. From the historical authenticity of the sets and costumes to the complex technical challenges involved, the film offers a unique immersion into the Cold War context and the impacts of science on humanity, revealing lesser-known aspects of this significant history.
1 – THE SCRIPT
The script for Oppenheimer was written in the first person. Christopher Nolan began writing the script during the summer of 2021, choosing to narrate the protagonist’s actions as if they were entries in a personal diary. Whenever Oppenheimer contemplates a blackboard, the script describes “I look thoughtfully”; when he puts on his hat, it reads “I put on the hat,” and so on.
This unconventional approach to screenwriting was a deliberate choice. “It made it clear to anyone reading the script that, as viewers, we are closely following Oppenheimer,” Nolan explained. “We are looking over his shoulder, inside his mind, following him at all times.”
2 – BASED ON A PRIZE-WINNING BOOK
American Prometheus: The Triumph and Tragedy of J. Robert Oppenheimer is a biography written by journalist Kai Bird and historian Martin J. Sherwin. Published in 2005 after 25 years of research and writing, the book is widely recognized as the most comprehensive and detailed biography of American physicist J. Robert Oppenheimer. In 2006, it was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for Biography, establishing it as an important reference in journalism.
The book served as inspiration for Christopher Nolan in creating the film and was also a crucial resource for the actors portraying historical figures in the production.
3 – SEVERAL SCENES IN BLACK AND WHITE
Oppenheimer was filmed using IMAX cameras and film rolls, which provide superior definition and detail in the images. Christopher Nolan has used this format in films like Dunkirk and Tenet. However, Oppenheimer stands out for including several black-and-white scenes, which was not possible with IMAX at the time.
To address this, the production contacted Kodak, a company known for its analog photography, to request a black-and-white IMAX film roll. After an initial refusal, the team asked Kodak to develop a specific roll. “We insisted that they create this. Fortunately, they accepted the challenge,” says director of photography Hoyte van Hoytema. “They provided us with a freshly produced prototype roll with handwritten labels.”
4 – LARGER IMAGE ON SCREENS
Nolan chose to film Oppenheimer using analog 70mm film, which has larger frames than conventional 35mm rolls, resulting in higher definition images. This format was popular in many classics from the 1960s, such as 2001: A Space Odyssey, Cleopatra, and The Sound of Music. The main difference between 70mm films and digital ones is the aspect ratio.
While digital films tend to have a more horizontal shape, 70mm has a more square aspect ratio, providing a larger upper and lower area on the screen.
Additionally, each 70mm film roll weighs 272 kg and has a total length of 17 km, which is sufficient to cover its three-hour duration. Transporting such equipment to other countries is not a simple task. Therefore, only 30 theaters worldwide screened the film in this format, with 19 of these theaters located in the United States.
5 – PRACTICAL EFFECTS
This is not a spoiler: it’s obvious that a film about Oppenheimer would include the explosion of the first atomic bomb. What many don’t know is that this scene was executed without the use of computer-generated imagery (CGI). Nolan is known for avoiding digital techniques whenever possible. In Tenet, for example, the director used a real plane crashing into a building for one of the scenes.
While CGI is a useful and versatile tool, Nolan prefers to use real methods to convey an authentic sense of danger to the audience. In Oppenheimer, although Nolan did not detonate a real nuclear bomb, he employed special effects techniques to create a convincing sensation. The result is truly striking.
6 – REAL SCIENTISTS
Nolan was so committed to ensuring that the film conveyed a tone of authenticity that he decided to hire real scientists as extras. These professionals not only participated in the scenes but also discussed the real topics addressed in Oppenheimer while on set.
7 – VERY STRICT DIET
To embody a character as significant and complex as Oppenheimer, Cillian Murphy followed an extremely restrictive diet during filming, consuming only one almond a day. His dedication was so intense that, during the shoots in the New Mexico desert, he often chose not to go out for dinner with the cast. His commitment was rewarded when he won the Best Actor award at the 2024 Oscars.
In summary, Oppenheimer is not just a cinematic portrayal of J. Robert Oppenheimer’s life, but also a testament to the dedication and innovation that marked its production. Every detail was meticulously planned to bring a unique authenticity to the film.
Nolan’s innovative approach, avoiding CGI and adopting traditional techniques, along with Cillian Murphy’s impressive transformation, demonstrate a deep commitment to both the narrative and cinematic quality. These elements, combined with precise direction and a talented cast, result in a visually and emotionally impactful experience. Oppenheimer not only recounts a crucial chapter in history but also reaffirms the power of cinema to immerse the audience in a complex and fascinating era.