A SUPER EDITOR’S CHOICE
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In the preceding analysis of Oppenheimer (2023), we dissected the film's bifurcated narratives—aptly titled "fission" and "fusion". For a refresher, you can revisit the previous review by clicking this link: ‘Oppenheimer’: A Majestic Introduction to the Grim Reaper. Now, we delve into the heart of the film, scrutinizing its central figure, J. Robert Oppenheimer.
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To dismiss the color-based dichotomy of "fission" painted in morality and "fusion" rendered in grayscale as the primary narrative thread is to misconstrue the profound exploration of human nature woven into the narrative fabric. Indeed, the biography "Oppenheimer" endeavors to unveil the labyrinthine psyche of this scientist, going beyond binary characterizations of heroism and rivalry. Oppenheimer's enigmatic choices infuse the film's vibrant foundation.
In the original biography, the author conveys a poignant notion: "Personal experiences shape one's public actions and decisions throughout life."
The intricacies of Oppenheimer's character unfold in two divergent facets—leading a collective of scientists to forge a world-ending weapon while dedicating the latter half of his life to halt its deployment by the U.S. government. This dichotomy resonates as a recurring motif within the film's three-hour narrative, akin to a chemical reaction triggered by each event—a catalyst for new occurrences, concurrently unleashing destructive energy. Oppenheimer, much like the atomic chain reaction he postulated to Einstein, bears this phenomenon within himself, as well as the impact he cast on the world stage. Straddling the complexity, he shrouds himself in statesmanlike silence.
A seemingly "insignificant" event illustrates this complexity—Oppenheimer's youthful poisoning of his mentor. The film underscores his concealed malevolence through a focused shot of a green apple. However, swiftly, he grapples with the wickedness of his act, racing to rectify and prevent tragedy.
Oppenheimer's attitude towards the atom bomb and its potentially cataclysmic aftermath embodies dual expectations. He yearns for the test to succeed, to witness the explosive moment when the bomb detonates, displaying their achievement to the world. Simultaneously, he desires restraint—to halt events before they culminate in tragedy. His moral obligation is to prevent the world from plunging into peril.
His wife, Kitty, discerns the dichotomy within him. When his extramarital affair, Jane, dies by suicide, Oppenheimer is consumed by guilt. In response, Kitty sternly rebukes him, "You can't commit a sin and then expect people to feel sorry for you!"—Jane's suicide and Oppenheimer's subsequent emotional abandonment encapsulate a paradox of his character. In the film, the narrative unapologetically underscores that Jane was the first casualty of Oppenheimer's character.
And what of the subsequent victims? History informs us. Following the unanticipated atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, over one hundred thousand perished instantly. Factoring in radiation-induced illnesses and deaths, over two hundred twenty thousand lives were claimed by these atomic bombs. These calamities bore the mark of the "Manhattan Project" that Oppenheimer led, crafting destruction in the very desolate landscape of Los Alamos, a terrain he ardently championed but which also gave rise to catastrophic consequences.
Doubtless, some might argue that he yearned for the creation of the atomic bomb, not its deployment. "Oppenheimer" in both its written form and the film illustrates the intricacy of human nature—he craved global acknowledgment of his accomplishment, hence didn't vehemently oppose the U.S. government's decision. He portrays himself as powerless to halt it. Yet, once his triumph is acknowledged, he is inundated by remorse, embarking on a journey of penance, endeavoring to counterbalance the catastrophic aftermath of his achievements.
In the final moments, the politician Lewis Strauss, portrayed by Robert Downey Jr., unmasks Oppenheimer's "hypocrisy." In a way, Oppenheimer's hypocrisy and naiveté coexist. He yearns for science's unrestrained apex, all the while hoping the unfettered repercussions won't fall upon his shoulders. For the world, he remains the celebrated "father of the atomic bomb," while the politically charged consequences stain others' hands. He maintains an unblemished "purity."
In the wake of our two-part exploration into the enigmatic universe of Oppenheimer, we're primed for a third installment. Brace yourselves for a deep dive into the film's intricate tapestry, where protagonist and ensemble cast intricately interweave. With these three installments, our mission is to ensure your love affair with this cinematic marvel flourishes. But dear readers, your cinematic appetite knows no bounds. Have lingering questions about Oppenheimer? Stay tuned, leave a comment, and let's rendezvous for our next cinematic rendezvous.
Oppenheimer: A Majestic Introduction to the Grim Reaper
‘Oppenheimer’: A Stellar Cast's Performance Contributes to the Creation of a Masterpiece
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