‘Oppenheimer’ First Reactions Praise Christopher Nolan’s ‘Most Impressive Work Yet’: A ‘Spectacular Achievement’ and ‘Total Knockout’

Christopher Nolan’s highly anticipated film “Oppenheimer” has been revealed by Universal Pictures at a prestigious world premiere in Paris. Initial responses to the nearly three-hour epic are overwhelmingly positive, describing it as a remarkable feat and daring in its execution.

Universal Pictures has just premiered Christopher Nolan’s monumental film “Oppenheimer” in Paris, and the initial feedback is pouring in with resounding praise. The reactions to this nearly three-hour atomic bomb epic are overwhelmingly positive, with critics and viewers alike calling it a “spectacular achievement” and “audacious.”

According to former critic Kenneth Turan, writing for The Los Angeles Times, “Oppenheimer” stands out as Nolan’s most impressive work to date. It seamlessly combines his renowned visual mastery with an in-depth exploration of characters, diving into their complexities in a way that is rarely seen in recent American cinema.

Deputy editor of Total Film, Matt Maytum, expressed his astonishment after watching Nolan’s latest creation. He described it as a grand-scale character study, featuring a remarkable performance by Cillian Murphy. “Oppenheimer” captivates with its epic historical drama, while maintaining Nolan’s unique sensibility—filled with tension, expertly crafted structure, a profound sense of scale, breathtaking sound design, and astonishing visuals. Maytum summed up his reaction in one word: “Wow.”

#Oppenheimer left me stunned: a character study on the grandest scale, with a sublime central performance by Cillian Murphy. An epic historical drama but with a distinctly Nolan sensibility: the tension, structure, sense of scale, startling sound design, remarkable visuals. Wow

— Matt Maytum (@mattmaytum) July 11, 2023

In simpler terms, Universal Pictures has introduced us to “Oppenheimer,” Christopher Nolan’s new movie, at a glamorous event in Paris. The initial reviews are flooding in, and everyone is blown away by the film’s achievements. It’s being hailed as one of Nolan’s greatest works, combining his exceptional visual style with deep character exploration that’s rarely seen in modern American cinema.

Kenneth Turan, a former critic, praised “Oppenheimer” in his review for The Los Angeles Times, saying that it showcases Nolan’s immense talent and takes a deep dive into the characters’ lives. Matt Maytum, the deputy editor of Total Film, was left speechless by the film. He described it as a grand character study with a remarkable performance by Cillian Murphy. “Oppenheimer” is an epic historical drama infused with Nolan’s unique touch, featuring tension, expert storytelling, a grand sense of scale, immersive sound, and stunning visuals. Maytum summed it up succinctly: “Wow.”

Lindsey Bahr, a film writer for the Associated Press, raved about the movie, describing it as a “spectacular achievement” due to its honest and concise adaptation, innovative storytelling, and nuanced performances by a star-studded cast including Cillian Murphy, Emily Blunt, Robert Downey Jr., Matt Damon, and many others.

Christopher Nolan’s #Oppenheimer is truly a spectacular achievement, in its truthful, concise adaptation, inventive storytelling and nuanced performances from Cillian Murphy, Emily Blunt, Robert Downey Jr., Matt Damon and the many, many others involved —- some just for a scene.

— Lindsey Bahr (@ldbahr) July 11, 2023

Jonathan Dean, a writer for The Sunday Times, expressed his complete absorption in “Oppenheimer.” He described it as a dense, dialogue-driven and intense film that delves into the subject of the atomic bomb while also exploring our doomed human condition. Despite the weighty themes, Dean found moments of levity thanks to the essential supporting cast, including Damon, Downey Jr., and Ehrenreich, who injected humor into the film. Overall, he characterized “Oppenheimer” as audacious, inventive, and complex, leaving a lasting impact on its audience.

In simpler terms, Lindsey Bahr from the Associated Press praised “Oppenheimer” as a remarkable accomplishment. She highlighted its truthful and concise adaptation, inventive storytelling, and exceptional performances from a talented ensemble, including Cillian Murphy, Emily Blunt, Robert Downey Jr., Matt Damon, and many others.

Jonathan Dean, a writer for The Sunday Times, shared his thoughts on the film, stating that he was completely engrossed in it. He described “Oppenheimer” as a thought-provoking and tense film, focusing on the atomic bomb and the bleakness of our existence. However, amidst the seriousness, Dean found moments of humor thanks to the brilliant supporting cast, including Damon, Downey Jr., and Ehrenreich. He commended the film for its audacity, inventiveness, and complexity, emphasizing its ability to leave a lasting impression on the audience.

“Oppenheimer” is a film based on the 2005 book “American Prometheus” written by Kai Bird and Martin J. Sherwin. It follows the story of J. Robert Oppenheimer, a theoretical physicist and leader of the Manhattan Project, as he works on the development of the atomic bomb during World War II. Notably, this film marks Cillian Murphy’s first leading role in a Christopher Nolan blockbuster, as he portrays Oppenheimer. The cast also includes Matt Damon as Gen. Leslie Groves Jr., the director of the Manhattan Project, and Robert Downey Jr. as Lewis Strauss, a founding commissioner of the U.S. Atomic Energy Commission. Additionally, Emily Blunt, Florence Pugh, Benny Safdie, Michael Angarano, Josh Hartnett, Rami Malek, and others join the ensemble.

Kai Bird, the author of the book on which the film is based, expressed his admiration for Christopher Nolan’s adaptation of “Oppenheimer” during a conversation at the Institute for Advanced Study last month.

In simpler terms, “Oppenheimer” is a movie that tells the story of J. Robert Oppenheimer and his involvement in creating the atomic bomb during World War II. Christopher Nolan, the director, chose Cillian Murphy as the lead actor for the first time in one of his major productions. The film also features Matt Damon as Gen. Leslie Groves Jr. and Robert Downey Jr. as Lewis Strauss, alongside a talented cast including Emily Blunt, Florence Pugh, Benny Safdie, Michael Angarano, Josh Hartnett, Rami Malek, and more.

Kai Bird, the author of the book that inspired the film, spoke highly of Christopher Nolan’s adaptation during a recent discussion at the Institute for Advanced Study.

Bird expressed his astonishment and the emotional impact of watching “Oppenheimer,” stating that he was currently stunned and in the process of recovering from the experience. He believes that the film will be an extraordinary artistic achievement and hopes that it will spark a significant national and even global conversation about the crucial issues that Oppenheimer himself was eager to address. These issues include how to navigate life in the atomic age, coexisting with the existence of nuclear weapons, the influence of McCarthyism, the definition of patriotism, and the role of scientists in a society dominated by technology and scientific advancements. Bird sees the potential for the film to encourage scientists to speak out about public issues.

It’s worth noting that “Oppenheimer” is Christopher Nolan’s first R-rated release since “Insomnia” in 2002. It also marks his initial collaboration with Universal Pictures following his departure from Warner Bros., where he directed several films over a span of more than ten years, including “Interstellar,” “Inception,” and his acclaimed “Dark Knight” trilogy.

“Oppenheimer” is scheduled to be released nationwide in theaters on July 21 by Universal Pictures.