In a highly anticipated event, Christopher Nolan’s latest opus, “Oppenheimer,” made its world premiere at the illustrious city of Paris, captivating the audience with its three-hour historical drama. This cinematic masterpiece, boasting an A-list cast including the talented Cillian Murphy, Robert Downey Jr., Emily Blunt, Matt Damon, and Florence Pugh, explores the life of J. Robert Oppenheimer, the brilliant mind behind the World War II-era Manhattan Project that brought forth the dawn of the atomic bomb.
While formal reviews are yet to be published, the initial reactions from attendees and journalists who were granted early screenings are pouring in, offering a glimpse into the profound impact of Nolan’s creation.
Lindsey Bahr, a distinguished film writer from the Associated Press, took to Twitter to express her awe: “Christopher Nolan’s #Oppenheimer is truly a spectacular achievement, characterized by its veracious and succinct adaptation, inventive narrative techniques, and nuanced performances from the exceptional ensemble cast. It’s challenging to encapsulate the density of this thought-provoking, philosophical, and mature drama within the confines of a tweet, but Oppenheimer undeniably presents a tense and exhilarating experience akin to Nolan’s previous triumph, Dunkirk. And that pivotal moment—the moment—will leave you in awe.”
It’s hard to talk about something as dense as this in something as silly as a tweet or thread but Oppenheimer really is a serious, philosophical, adult drama that’s as tense and exciting as Dunkirk. And the big moment – THAT MOMENT – is awe inspiring.
— Lindsey Bahr (@ldbahr) July 11, 2023
Josh Horowitz, the esteemed host of Happy Sad Confused, extolled the virtues of “Oppenheimer,” hailing it as one of Nolan’s greatest works: “OPPENHEIMER is unequivocally Nolan’s magnum opus, a sentiment coming from a fervent admirer of his oeuvre. Having witnessed it twice, I can confidently affirm that it exemplifies impeccable and immersive filmmaking of the highest order. Cillian Murphy embodies the role he was destined for, while Robert Downey Jr.’s work is absolutely captivating. This film demands your unwavering attention.” Horowitz’s praise for Downey Jr. continued: “Prepare for a spellbinding awards season for @RobertDowneyJr. His portrayal in OPPENHEIMER is nothing short of stellar, reaffirming his position as one of our generation’s finest actors and movie stars.”
Renowned film and TV journalist Simon Thompson offered his own verdict: “#Oppenheimer is a compelling and formidable tour de force. Cillian Murphy delivers a flawless, award-worthy performance that transcends boundaries. Every member of this illustrious ensemble cast delivers their finest work. Christopher Nolan’s haunting opus is remarkable, and Hoyte van Hoytema’s execution of his vision is breathtaking.”
Robbie Collins, esteemed film critic at The Telegraph, was moved by the film’s impact, proclaiming: “I find myself torn between tantalizing secrecy and unreserved acclaim for Oppenheimer. It struck me with a knockout blow, rupturing my mind like an agitated plutonium nucleus, reducing me to tears throughout the credits, leaving me unable to recall anything else.” Collins also addressed the headline-grabbing revelation that the film features nudity and intimate scenes, a departure from Nolan’s previous works: “To all those who have yearned for the inclusion of sensuality in Christopher Nolan’s earlier ventures… brace yourselves! Nolan’s unique staging of intimacy in this film is an unequivocal revelation.”
Read: Microsoft’s Acquisition of Activision Blizzard: A Momentary Setback for Antitrust Reform
In his assessment, Bilge Ebiri, a distinguished critic from Vulture, marveled at the film’s immense power: “OPPENHEIMER is an incredible work of art. The word that constantly resonates is ‘fearsome.’ A relentless, meticulously detailed, and intricate historical drama that builds with unwavering intensity, leading up to Nolan’s awe-inspiring and shattering climax.”
Matt Maytum of Total Film expressed his astonishment: “#Oppenheimer left me speechless—a profound character study on an epic scale, with Cillian Murphy delivering a sublime performance. This grand historical drama bears the unmistakable Nolan signature: impeccable tension, meticulous structure, a sense of grandeur, astonishing sound design, and remarkable visuals. It is an absolute tour de force.”
Jonathan Dean from The Sunday Times found himself fully immersed in the film, declaring, “I was completely absorbed in OPPENHEIMER, a dense and gripping film that delves into the complexities of the atomic bomb while exploring the inherent doom we face. An unexpected treat for the summer season! Murphy’s performance shines, and the supporting cast, including Damon, Downey Jr., and Ehrenreich, add moments of levity. Nolan’s audacious, inventive, and multi-layered film will unquestionably leave its audience astounded.” Dean added, “The only drawback lies in the underutilization of female characters—Emily Blunt, in particular, only briefly emerges from her role as a distressed mother. Nevertheless, ‘Oppenheimer’ solidifies its position among Nolan’s top three films, alongside ‘Memento’ and ‘The Prestige.'”
Read: UK Banks on £2.5 Trillion Cash Cow to Revitalize Economy
The premiere of “Oppenheimer” follows closely on the heels of the debut of “Barbie” in Hollywood, which also garnered positive responses. Both films are set to be released in North America on July 21, sparking humorous speculations about their rivalry and even prompting 20,000 moviegoers to secure tickets for simultaneous screenings on that very day, as reported by AMC.
As anticipation builds for its wider release, Christopher Nolan’s “Oppenheimer” stands poised to become a groundbreaking cinematic triumph, captivating audiences with its gripping narrative, exceptional performances, and meticulous craftsmanship.
