Christopher Nolan’s epic biographical thriller drew in a full house and it was no surprise at all. We all wanted to experience the much talked about Oppenheimer, which bagged seven Academy Awards this year. We couldn’t wait to see Cillian Murphy’s intense and compelling performance.
Our night owl discussion group was a little weary after this extremely long and emotionally demanding film. We did discuss the director’s techniques, including the non-linear storytelling, his use of colour and monochrome and his favourite themes of time, memory and personal identity. Ludwig Göransson’s music was constant and a matter of taste, at times it felt intrusive.
It was natural that our thoughts also turned to the morality of the atomic bomb and guilt at what was unleashed. For some of us, the film emphasised the darker side of life with its challenges and explored how we grapple with moral values. We reflected on how ‘the only time ever’ atomic event was not the end to war, with nuclear deterrents dependent on the volatility of governments. How do we balance the development of technology with humanity?
We also talked about the McCarthy era and the boycotting of those suspected of having Communist tendencies. Within the film world, it led to the establishment of United Artists. This is interesting to me as one of my distant relatives, actor and playwright Morris Carnovsky, was affected by this witchhunt.
We were pleased to hear from one attendee that the RCC sound for this film was better balanced than the ear-splitting experience she had at one more mainstream cinema. We have now ticked the Barbenheimer box.
Anne