Needless to mention, it's such a well-made film, with excellent acting, photography, editing, and direction.
What struck me the most was how little has changed when it comes to socio-political dynamics. Everything has remained the same; only situations, issues, organisations, and people have changed.
Oppenheimer's political views and activities were at odds with what prevailed at that time. He was closely monitored and was the subject of many an investigation.
It's said that being politically correct need not be a total infringement of free speech and that it means being respectful of other viewpoints and avoiding language that can be disrespectful.
However, balancing freedom of speech and being politically correct can be a tightrope walk. Plenty of examples in these times, aren't there?
What if he hadn't joined the Manhattan Project citing the dangers of developing the atomic bomb?
Would that have been cited as him being unpatriotic, especially in light of his political views?
It is not a film I've seen nor want to but I do like what I've heard adn read about Oppenheimer.
ReplyDeletePeople are generally frees to state their views in sophisticated societies, but it must be done, as you say, in a respectful manner and argue your point, not attack the speaker.
Complex look at a complicated man. To be honest, my little brain could not understand the first 50% of the movie.
ReplyDeleteSince it was biopic, and I knew there would scenes I might not understand, I read up a little about the project and the scientist before I went for the movie.
DeleteI do want to see this movie eventually. On the one hand, we might be better off if the bomb was never developed. But, would someone else have done it anyway? Likely.
ReplyDeleteThat's exactly what I thought. Hypothetically, if Oppenheimer refused, at whatever cost, still someone else would have made it anyway.
DeleteI wanted very much to watch this movie. One reason or the other kept me busy and then after a week it vanished from all theatres nearby. I'm waiting.
ReplyDeleteIt's not always possible to be politically correct especially if you're intelligent. Oppenheimer was subjected to unnecessary persecution.
Hi Tomi - I am sure it'll eventually come on the OTT platforms. You are right, he was targeted, mainly based on contextual suspicion.
ReplyDeleteHi Pradeep - I haven't been to see it ... I will at some stage ... but its opening in the cinemas has helped the industry. I might try and read the book, it's based on American Prometheus - but see it's 721 pages long ... perhaps too much! I'll see anon ... but I'm glad you went to see it and did some homework on the man and the times - cheers Hilary
ReplyDeleteHi Hilary - Cinematically a well-made movie. And Oppenheimer was a genius, after all.
DeleteHari OM
ReplyDeleteI hope to see the film at some stage... but this part of history has always held my attention. I agree that, when the trimmings are stripped away, the nature of how we handle things politically has changed very little.
If you are interested, you can read a whole plethora of items exploring Oppenheimer and related matters over at the Bulletin of Atomic Scientists (which is anyway a very good read!) There is one article by Emily Strasser, whose grandfather was one of the scientists and did an excellent podcast on the subject simply called The Bomb which can be found on BBC Sounds, Spotify, Apple PCs and probably other platforms too. There is a second series of it taken from another p.o.v. and I found both fascintating. YAM xx
Hi Yamini - Thank you so much for all those additional resources on the topic. I think I heard a promo of The Bomb on BBC. But I haven't heard it yet. Shall check it out.
DeleteHi Pradeep - I haven't been to see it - or the Barbie movie either (they both came out on the same day). Trips to the movies have been few and far between for us, and it needs to be something that requires a big screen experience for me to want to pay the money these days. Glad it gave you something to think about though - that's the sign of a good movie isn't it?
ReplyDeleteHi Leanne - For me too movies are mostly on the TV. But since this was on a topic of my liking, I thought I'd make it to the cinema.
DeleteI want to see this movie one day.. it's interesting to see how many times our professional commitments come in the way of our principles..
ReplyDeleteHi Rajesh - Yes, it's a tough balancing act.
DeleteI've heard it's quite a long movie!
ReplyDeleteCillian Murphy is one of my absolute favorite actors. :D
ReplyDeleteHi Darla - He did the role so well!
Delete