Oppenheimer

I've connected with Christopher Nolan's films a mere two times. First was 'The Dark Knight' - one of my favorites in 2008, if not THE favorite - which whether you were into Batman or not I thought was outstanding no matter your perspective and history, or lack-there-of with Batman. Second was 'Dunkirk' which is one of those films where, similar to 'Saving Private Ryan,' it makes you feel like you're seeing, and in a sense feeling what it was like to be in the middle of those pivotal moments in history. Those battle scenes, the kind where it's hard to watch and listen, which, by design, magnifies what the actual horrors must have been like in reality. A deeply effective film. But, everything else, and I mean everything, I can do without. Inception. Interstellar. Batman Begins. Whatever, I'm just not a fan.

I generally always want to see his films however, and this was no exception. Nolan did well with historical drama when it came to 'Dunkirk,' and that intrigued me toward this. And as my hunch predicted, Nolan delivers again. However, not as much as the general consensus would you lead to believe, in my view. I'm not sure I can really pinpoint where missteps or failings occurred exactly as nothing major glares out. But I can say at least is that I feel the film may have benefited more, because it is a uniquely American story in most ways, to have an American director tackle this story, as I feel that sensibility or perspective would benefited the material better. In the same way that for 'Dunkirk,' I thought Nolan was perfect for telling that story, being an Englishman.

But taking 'Oppenheimer' as it is, I would still recommend it for the fascinating stories within: both the historical aspect, and the overall story that Oppenheimer is himself as a unique and complex person. As such, there's what brings this story to life, and instead of Nolan taking the lead in either direction or screenplay, it is the acting that really shines here. Cillian Murphy as the complex J. Robert Oppenheimer is quietly outstanding, and conveys the conflicts he has within of his incredible achievement being both laudable and reprehensible. It's devastating and relatable at the same time, which is where I think this film is resonating with audiences. Emily Blunt as Kitty Oppenheimer, wife of the lead character, is stunning in the role, nailing the Gray Board scene especially with utter precision. I've always felt Ms Blunt is underrated and with this performance she's really at the top of her game, and finally going to have people take notice. Robert Downey Jr as Lewis Strauss, a senior U.S. Atomic Energy Commission member, who has it out for Oppenheimer following a personal grudge, is in my view at his best here. All three here deserve Oscar nods.

It's hard to pinpoint what didn't work for me. Because though I enjoyed it, would recommend it, and loved the performances, there's nothing here that ring as "greatness" to me. To be fair, I can say where Nolan undoubtedly gets it right, which is the pacing. Its a complex lead character with a complex and nuanced situation, so there's a lot to tell and Nolan gets it right in how he divides the time up and keeps things moving. I would say for those turned off by the 3 hour running time that, while it's more talk-heavy in the first half, the second picks up at a pretty good clip. So hang in there if the first 90 minutes seem to be confirming your worst fear, it does improve.

The fact though that the film is connecting with people is a very positive thing and great to see. A three-hour talkie, essentially, and people are there for it, and that's wonderful. I just don't think this one is in the stratosphere like so many do. It has great moments, but it's not a great film. It's another complex situation.