The American Prometheus [NFTW #53]

What’s good everyone? I hope we’re all doing well. Before we do get into the topic for the week I want to acknowledge the coup that has taken place this week in Niger—and hope that the most viable outcome can take place for the people of Niger. I went to see Oppenheimer this week and I actually had another idea for the newsletter this week but halfway through the film I knew that Oppenheimer would be this week’s point of discussion.

The American Prometheus

The story of Prometheus is a Greek myth about a Titan who stole fire from the gods and gave it to humanity. Zeus was furious when he learned of Prometheus's theft, and he punished Prometheus by chaining him to a rock in the Caucasus Mountains. Every day, an eagle would come and eat Prometheus's liver, and every night, his liver would regenerate. This punishment was meant to be eternal. 

Oppenheimer is a historical drama film directed by Christopher Nolan and written by Nolan based on the book American Prometheus: The Triumph and Tragedy of J. Robert Oppenheimer by Kai Bird and Martin J. Sherwin. The film stars Cillian Murphy as Oppenheimer, the scientist who led the Manhattan Project to develop the atomic bomb during World War II.

At the beginning of the film Oppenheimer is shown reading a line from the Prometheus myth: "He stole fire from heaven that men might live, and was punished for his theft." This line foreshadows Oppenheimer's own fate, as he will eventually be punished for his role in creating the atomic bomb.

The film has been praised for its technical achievements, its performances, and its complex and nuanced portrayal of Oppenheimer. Nolan's direction is masterful, and he creates a visually stunning film that is both epic in scale and intimate in its focus on Oppenheimer's inner turmoil. Murphy gives a tour-de-force performance as Oppenheimer, capturing the scientist's brilliance, his idealism, and his eventual moral reckoning.The film's portrayal of Oppenheimer is complex and nuanced. Nolan does not shy away from the scientist's moral dilemmas, and he presents a balanced and insightful portrait of a man who was both brilliant and flawed.

Robert Downey Jr. gives a marvellous performance as Lewis Strauss, the chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission who comes to loggerheads with Oppenheimer over the future of nuclear weapons. Downey completely transforms himself for the role, both physically and mentally. He is unrecognisable as the suave and charismatic Tony Stark, and instead inhabits the role of Strauss with a quiet intensity and menace. Downey's performance is particularly noteworthy in the scenes where he confronts Oppenheimer. He is able to convey Strauss's arrogance, his ruthlessness, and his deep-seated insecurity. In one scene, Strauss contends with his young political strategist as to the reason why he hung Oppenheimer out to dry, and Downey delivers a powerful set of lines that physically sees his young political strategist rethink the entire mental capacity of his boss.

Downey's performance is also notable for its subtlety. He doesn't rely on over-the-top acting or histrionics. Instead, he lets the character's words and actions speak for themselves. This makes Strauss all the more chilling, as he is a man who is capable of great evil, but who does it all with a smile on his face. I’ll be honest to say that the subtlety actually had me unaware of Strauss’ arc into Oppenheimer's antagonist.

The film's use of colour is particularly striking. The bright colours of the early scenes are contrasted with the muted tones of the later scenes, creating a visual representation of Oppenheimer's descent into moral darkness.

Prometheus stole fire from the gods and gave it to humanity, while Oppenheimer led the Manhattan Project to develop the atomic bomb. Both men were also aware of the potential dangers of their creations, and both men were haunted by the consequences of their actions.

The film's sound design is also noteworthy. The use of silence is particularly effective in conveying the weight of Oppenheimer's decisions. The film's ending is ambiguous, but it is also hopeful. Oppenheimer's final words, "The world will not be the same," are a reminder that the atomic bomb has changed the course of history, but that it is still possible to find hope in the face of darkness. As we were leaving the cinema I told my friend that another A-bomb had been dropped in the world and we would do well in ensuring we adequately safeguard it: Artificial Intelligence.

Overall, Oppenheimer is a powerful and thought-provoking film that is sure to be remembered as one of the most important films of the year. It is a film that is not to be missed. I’m firmly down the Oppenheimer rabbit-hole and anticipate I’ll be here for a few days. Here’s a wonderful roundtable on the film for anyone who wants to hear from the cast themselves their experience working on the film.

Until next week. Peace.