Oppenheimer - Review

[@BA_]

Despite it being 3 hours, and dialogue heavy, I was never once bored. I was engrossed from beginning to end. What a great movie. The sound design, cinematography, acting, all phenomenal.

[@Ben-by7ul]

Did you really enjoy the endless political conversations about if Oppenheimer was a communist or not? Because I certainly didnt think it was worth the 3 hours. It was one of the most tedious and boring aspects of the most interesting people walking on this earth they couldve chosen. Fermi, Oppenheimer, Einstein and Bohr. There's so many interesting aspects of their lives and politics is the last one on the list.

[@eatyourvegetables1449]

@@Ben-by7ulhonestly that was my favorite part. The tense I felt on whether he was going to be convicted as a communist or not put me on my toes.

[@AshiqD1955]

“It was one of the most tedious and boring aspects of the most interesting people walking on this earth” - you nailed it!

[@Ben-by7ul]

@@AshiqD1955 hihi thanks

[@funtechu]

Same. I didn't even know it was 3 hours until Dan mentioned it in this review. It's an incredible film.

[@thegreyinitiate3680]

I saw it projected 70mm imax last night and it was one of the most beautiful things I have ever seen. The amount of emotions conveyed just on Cillian Murphy’s face is worth the price of admission. After being really disappointed by Tenet, this was an incredible return to form for Nolan in my view. Also, I have him to thank in more ways than one, as he personally paid to fix the projector at my local theater so that it could play the full film print, and it was nothing short of breathtaking.

[@toowhiteboy18]

I just caught it in 70mm and I concur. I drove 3 hours for it and holy...hell it was worth it 👌🏻

[@staphers_theoneandonly3933]

Absolutely 💯 I saw it yesterday in IMAX. Amazing

[@Droorogers]

I thought Tenet was flaming dumpster garbage. With Oppenheimer, all is forgiven. Stunning achievement in filmmaking.

[@j.k.1239]

Tenet is underrated.

[@simster1001]

It is an amazing movie by Mr. Nolan. He is a great director.

[@NeilPro42]

Very few things have brought me as much joy as seeing this supposed Barbie-Oppenheimer stand off turn into Barbenheimer fever. It would have been so easy for there to be so much tiresome acrimony, instead it feels like everyone is excited for everything. And instead of crowding each other out, the two movies are lifting each other up. If you love movies, this phenomena is just so great to see.

[@jessicar3291]

Watched both films and was treated to a day of absolute spectacle!

[@haledragon1]

@@jessicar3291good for you my friend, I have to watch Barbie yet. 👌🏻

[@TF2ReplayMaker]

​@@haledragon1save your time and effort, you shouldn't

[@haledragon1]

@@TF2ReplayMaker how come?

[@fastbowler]

"Much like the atomic bomb, the danger of this film isn't just the blast, but the fallout." - what a clever observation and articulation of the power of this movie! Great writing, @Dan Murrell!

[@dougdeveloper8850]

Very much enjoyed it. I do think this will finally break Robert Downey Jr. away from the Iron Man character and we see him for what he is which is a great actor. Best Supporting Actor nomination incoming.

[@JoJoJoker]

Isn’t it is ironic? RDJ was known as a highly talented dramatic actor. To the point where he almost parodied himself in Tropic Thunder. Iron Man was kind of a shift for him.

[@damienfenton3880]

Iron Man can and has showcased what a great actor he is. He has had some great scenes in the MCU over the years especially some of the darker moments in his later films.

[@mwilsonUT]

He's also got The Sympathizer coming up on HBO, which looks incredible.

[@JPatel1995]

RDJ will be able to get great supporting roles just not sure if he is leading man material.

[@Oregonduck09]

An hour into the movie I forgot he was even RDJ, he's been himself or what we believe to be himself for so long, it was unbelievable how he slipped into that role like he was Strauss himself.

[@bbrev106]

I went to a 7pm Thursday night in 70mm in Denver for Oppenheimer. The theater was absolutely packed. The multiplex was busy with people for both films. It felt like precovid

[@ebert311]

Same type of feeling a state away. Wichita Kansas was definitely in a pre-Covid mode.

[@lemoneemelon8762]

What theater in Denver showed 70mm? I'd love to see one but I didn't realize there was one in driving range.

[@bbrev106]

@@lemoneemelon8762 I went to the Regal Colorado Mills in Lakewood. They show the screenings on their app/website 👌

[@cinemadrunk13]

Knowing Dan's issues with Nolan movies off late, this is just unbelievable. I don't know how I am going to keep my expectations in check now. I agree with Dan's criticisms of Nolan movies lately, although I still end up liking the movies, but I always understood where he was coming from. But the fact that this is Dan's favorite of the year so far is just making me want to go see this movie right now. Tomorrow cannot come sooner!

[@quintoblanco8746]

I have lot's of issues with Dan, but sometimes he get's it right. I just wish he would know how to properly critique a movie.

[@Dartagnan65]

I am so not a Nolan fan. Except, sort of, Batman Begins, but the still-frames Dan uses here. Holy Smokes! Gorgeous cinematography! Though, I won't bother watching this until it's free somewhere.

[@travisspazz1624]

I agree with Dan. Nolan kept his ambition, but the movies feel a lot messier to me. Dunkirk is probably my favorite post-Inception.

[@danieltatar7575]

⁠​⁠@@quintoblanco8746 I don't think he's trying to critique movies. He's making a review. There is some overlap but the goal is quite different. Honestly, I think he does pretty amazing reviews. At the very least they work wonderfully for me. Dan articulates his points enough that even when our tastes differ, I can tell whether *I* am going to enjoy the movie and what to expect going in. And I think *that* is the main goal of these videos. There are really few reviewers where I can say the same thing.

[@alexandru.marinica]

It’s a docudrama shot with imax cameras. Keep your expectations in check. This is no Dunkirk… unfortunately

[@jimmyboy7817]

I was interested to read that Christopher Nolan credited an ultimately abandoned biopic he was going to do about Howard Hughes with Jim Carrey as Hughes was what gave him the necessary experience to do a biopic like Oppenheimer. The Hughes biopic was abandoned because Martin Scorcese, of course, beat him to it with The Aviator.

[@Irishfireball]

Great review Dan, and also it's so fantastic to see a great channel grow from 20k to verging on 150k subs. You're one of the few critics/boxoffice analysts on youtube that cares about their craft, puts in the time and research and delivers a consistently engaging and entertaining show. Here's hoping your channel grows to reflect the quality of your output.

[@titanguy7316]

Exactly, plus even when I disagree with his reviews, he at least makes a genuine effort to explain himself and might still win me over on some points [instead of doing what some YT reviews do and run with an attitude of "My opinion rocks, yours doesn't, my view is the only legitimate/reasonable ones that matters!" schtick].

[@Irishfireball]

@@titanguy7316 yeah exactly. Always fair and balanced, and strives for honesty among click bait takes. I appreciate that breath of fresh air in this discourse

[@uosdwiSrdewoH]

Love seeing Cillian Murphy front and centre. It feels like he's been right on the cusp of greatness for decades but it was always just out of his grasp. I hope this brings him the recognition he deserves.

[@DeShark88]

He carried this film. Without him, Robert Downey Jr, and Emily Blunt, I think it would have flopped. People seem to have been bamboozled into thinking it was epic by a little bit of black and white and a flash of "artistic" nudity.

[@kevlow9494]

Cillian is incredible! He is so haunting on this.

[@JohnWilliams-ud2os]

​@@DeShark88it is epic you sound like one of those people who thinks barbie is a masterpiece FOH

[@maryhales4595]

He nailed Oppenheimer's post-war thousand yard, dead-eyed stare. Just an incredible performance.

[@DanielTorres-pw8il]

​@@DeShark88Well duh

[@purpurr707]

So I was never really a Cinema guy but I made myself try and watch new films in theatres nowadays and it's changed my movie watching experience for the better. Watched Oppenheimer in a Dolby Atmos theatre and being bombarded by the Sound Design of that movie felt really good. It sucked me in. The Imitation Game and Arrival are one of my most beloved films and this one gave me similar vibes. It just made me so happy afterwards, that final scene from Cillian Murphy was the perfect way to end it. I manually made myself a double feature and watched Barbie and Oppenheimer on the same day and I am going to sleep extremely content.

[@amysteriousviewer3772]

That "stomping" sound effect they often use throughout the movie was monumental. It shook me to my very core. Absolutely incredible sound-design.

[@superdopehiphop]

It was a masterpiece!

[@trevorriches136]

Funny enough, “Oppenheimer” wasn’t even designed with Dolby Atmos in mind. Christopher Nolan’s films are always mixed in 5.1 surround sound. So while theaters are advertising it in Dolby Atmos or Dolby Cinema, it’s just a normal surround sound track played through Atmos speakers. (In Dolby Cinema, though, there is a special Dolby Vision color grade created for the film.) His 5.1 mixes are among the best in the business.

[@Crookedcaucasian]

@@trevorriches136he thing is I think Dolby has the best audio system over IMAX. I never could tell the difference between the 70mm film, other than IMAX’s larger screen, but Dolby makes sound feel awesome.

[@amysteriousviewer3772]

@@trevorriches136 That can often be enough though. Dolby speakers are state of the art so even if it's a 5.1 surround mix it will probably sound a bit better than in an IMAX theatre.

[@aiwash2766]

I’m sorry…….. Dan is engaged to a Nuclear Scientist???? Bruh that’s like the coolest thing I’ve ever heard

[@dolphinloser6546]

As a scientist in a similar field, agreed. We are the coolest 😎

[@Krusttyy]

As cool as gas in a graphite moderator.

[@ourfamilyaccount]

When I read your comment (aiwash2766) my mind played 'she blinded me with science' song.

[@mywalkabout]

I thought the same thing 😂

[@kamshafty]

A kind, hospitable, bright, unique lady named Mara - who also helps run Dan's business/channel

[@jacknewton4314]

Just saw Oppenheimer last night, easily my favorite film of the year and easily my favorite Nolan film since inception. Beautifully designed, shot , superbly acted , all around excellent

[@tonygmichael6434]

Loved it!

[@winston7055]

it was insane! on par with interstellar for me

[@ericamezcua1109]

Lol stop it

[@caseytheconqueror7958]

It sucked what😅

[@harripentith6428]

@@caseytheconqueror7958never watch a film again

[@funtechu]

Cillian Murphy absolutely nailed it in this film. The tone and pacing along with both the pensive nature of later Oppenheimer and the charisma of early Oppenheimer were absolutely spot-on. Absolutely incredible.

[@chrischarlescook]

Might be the best acting I've ever seen ❤

[@themidnightdrop3503]

Thanks for calling out Universal with their bs in the beginning. Made me laugh lol

[@M_k-zi3tn]

Are all studios unanimously under paying their writers or are we just lumping in all studios into this issue? I'm genuinely asking.

[@NormaLilia24]

POV: universal tried to sabotage Nolan by premiering Barbie on the same day as Oppenheimer but it backfired 😂

[@zenquantum1246]

@@NormaLilia24Barbie is a WB movie, not Universal

[@aphoticphoton]

I hate universal lmfao

[@zenquantum1246]

@@aphoticphoton so you’re not seeing Oppenheimer?

[@n.m.saseendran7270]

Oppenheimer is a beautiful and fantastic move. The acting, makeup, bgm, photography etc are superb. Nobody would feel 3 hours passing. Cillian Murphy is a complete actor.

[@sum1rllyspecial]

Loving this consistent shade towards the studios when reviewing movies, to support the workers strikes. I look forward to seeing the different ways you’ll phrase it in all your reviews until we see progress. Definitely looking forward to seeing this movie, I’ve been meaning to watch the recent Oppenheimer documentary but I didn’t want to spoil the movie for myself 😅🤦‍♀️

[@florencespinelli2947]

Just See it.

[@RicardoMoralesMassin]

I watch Dan's videos not just to see if I should watch a movie, but to enjoy Dan's analysis and opinions. It's a delight.

[@me45116]

Love the running CEO shade. Pay the workers

[@davidswan2690]

That stuff is going to make me stop watching these videos because it's fake BS pandering. Dan understands the business of cinema to understand that "studio makes billion dollars so they have extra money to pay 20,000 employees more" is not accurate or realistic.

[@DanMurrellMovies]

It’s not fake BS pandering. And by your math, $1 billion amongst 20,000 employees would mean a $50,000 raise for every one of those employees which is about what’s being asked for. And the studios aren’t making $1 billion, the big ones are making billions. I will be talking about this until the strike is over.

[@swirlingchi]

Pure cinematic artistry

[@ryangettig274]

Perfect description of the Stanley Kubrick...

[@Ben-by7ul]

What did you like about it? The 2.5 hours of politics about how Oppenheimer may or may not have been a communist? Cause thats really what this movie was about.

[@MrJaimepayes]

@@Ben-by7ul I completely agree! The film gave off the vibe of a glamorized witch hunt, obsessively trying to determine if Oppenheimer was a commie. Additionally, the storyline felt quite disjointed and lacked coherence. One improvement could have been placing the Einstein scene at the beginning, which would have complemented the film's narrative better. The initial 1.5 hour was captivating, but unfortunately, the ending left much to be desired.

[@AshiqD1955]

Sincerely agree! While this film demonstrates some exceptional technical mastery, the story and dramatic telling were very weak in my opinion. An amazing cast wasted on a writer/director not suited to this type of story.

[@kusetjuvable]

​@@Ben-by7ul And whats the problem about that? Since the movie is about Oppenheimer himself they have to include that part of his life. It shows that people often being the hero but in the end it turns out they are trying to make him the villain.

[@dazzatv9571]

The way Oppenheimer dealt with the trauma of it all was epic

[@AshiqD1955]

In what ways? I am genuinely curious as I found the “fallout” portion of this film to be emphatically mediocre.

[@ThirdCydonian]

Haunting is a good word for a lot of moments in this movie. The last few minutes where we see the full context of the conversation Oppenheimer had with Einstein by the pond as was partially shown from a different perspective earlier on in the movie really got me.

[@itsmeryandave]

True. Gave me chills. I forgot to breathe during that last minute scene.

[@v1deo.hunter.d317]

Another good word for a lot of moments in the film is BOOORING

[@itsmeryandave]

@@v1deo.hunter.d317 It's boring for you because you try so hard living in a fantasy world.

[@Obitobi101]

I’m doing Barbenheimer this weekend all because of you, Dan. I really didn’t want to see Oppenheimer in theaters but now I am.

[@kasia1992]

I am blown away by this movie. Incredible acting form Cillian Murphy and RDJ. I am seeing many Oscars in next year Oscars for Oppenhimer. I’m rewatching it on Sunday. This is that good of the movie.

[@annettegilbert3715]

I saw it twice...profound experience!

[@YakAttack915]

Dan be flexing hard on us with the good old "my girlfriend is a nuclear scientist" line. 🤣

[@ally_mattie]

I’m totally Barbie-fied for tonight but Dan’s review of Oppenheimer has only made me more excited to see this movie as well!

[@nice3722]

Well you gonna disappoint after watching this disaster

[@elyca6329]

@@nice3722 show us on the doll where did Barbie hurt you

[@nice3722]

@@elyca6329 did you watched the Oppenheimer? Do you think you got what they told? All the creppy hype like you gonna feel the b*mb and robert telling that this is the best film he acted? Like comeon its a creepy marketing i would say an average one time watch film it is

[@dolphinloser6546]

I watched it earlier today, it's an excellent film, and one I'll be thinking about for a while. I hope you enjoy!

[@kassiemitchell7179]

@@nice3722 Nobody give you attention huh? So sad.

[@JEBLego]

A seriously stunning movie, and I do mean stunning. My jaw was dropped for large portions of the film and I was left with a visceral, physical reaction to many different scenes

[@brunokitazuka3839]

As someone who did the double feature, I can confirm there was some insane genre whiplash.

[@fray3dendsofsanity]

I don’t know how your adrenals can recover after watching this. This movie was an intense watch. Trying to watch Barbie right after wouldn’t work for me. I’ll wait a week to go see Barbs. Oppenheimer was so all consuming and amazing I’ll be thinking about it for days

[@zechariahhall97]

I had a wonderful experience seeing it this morning in 70mm IMAX. And every seat was filled. Technically speaking, it was by far the most impressive presentation of a film I’ve ever seen. The performances, the editing, everything was on point. Particularly Christopher Nolan’s screenplay. I think this is Nolan’s best script. And definitely features his best/most complex dialogue. The sound mix at Indianapolis State museum where I saw it was perfect. The dialogue was always discernible and clear.

[@johahaneenee]

My husband, Arch Crawford, met Dr. Oppenheimer when he was a physics student at the Univ. of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC in 1961 and visiting speaker, Dr. O., spoke with a hand-full of students standing in front of the physics building for 20-30 minutes in the afternoon. That evening he spoke with a couple of hundred, including the public and the press.

[@OrionInSpace]

I have a feeling not many people will talk about it as much considering there are clearly two performances that are shined more than others (Murphy and RDJ), but if there is one actor who I felt put in for a 3rd best performance that should be recognized it's Jason Clark. He did so well to lay out the tension and atmosphere of the job that his character was placed in. So ya I just wanted to point that out, he's a great actor! In terms of the movie itself, I think the first 10 or so minutes are a little messy and then the 2nd sex scene in the film I honestly thought was so out of place from a filmmaking perspective. Don't quite understand that decision. Other than that, the rest of the movie is perfect from head to toe. Acting, music, writing, editing, cinematography, directing, and the tension. My god, the lead up to the moment of the bomb was so perfectly done I felt my heart sinking into my chest.

[@OrionInSpace]

@@adamwhite4858 if I could be real with you, I love how you phrase this and it sounds like something you'd hear Nolan say to describe why he did what he did. However, in execution in the actual scene I think it cut away from just how much that affected his life and his relationship with Blunt. I think if it was me I would've just held the camera on Blunt and let her act it out emotionally versus seeing her envision what it looked like for him to have sex with her. Idk maybe it's just me but again I like how you phrased it.

[@mikerosoft1009]

​@@adamwhite4858but it didnt really add anything to the plot. I'd prefer no sex scenes and showing more to do with Hiroshima and Nagasaki. I get that the movie is called Oppenheimer, but we get these nude/sex scenes and we don't even know his kids names. There's such filler in this movie that doesn't really add anything to the overall experience. The first 45 minutes could have been shrunk to 5 minutes.

[@Hassan047]

​@@mikerosoft1009i also hate when they shove the sexual content into films for no reason or benefit.

[@josephfisher426]

@@adamwhite4858 I guess we know which scene in Midsommar Nolan thought most about...

[@OrionInSpace]

@@ShadingLack what?

[@HistoryfortheAges]

Thank you for the review! I am looking forward to this movie! I teach History and his story is very intriguing. I even made a short 5 minute video about him for my students. Nolan did a great job with Dunkirk. Happy to share. It is not a review of the movie, it more gives some historical content for anyone who wants some background before or after the movie.

[@HistoryfortheAges]

This is the link to the video on my channel. I'm a small channel, but love teaching history! kzbin.info/www/bejne/nILbgqqVa5iDndU

[@AshiqD1955]

Please do not get your hopes up. Some excellent technical mastery in this film but story wise very weak.

[@rampantrambling]

Super excited going with friends on Tuesday for the complete Barbenheimer experience.

[@dolphinloser6546]

It's a great time, I did that today! If you haven't already booked, I'd recommend watching Barbie first; it's a good film (with some surprisingly spot-on and emotional commentary on how ridiculously hard it is to be a woman), but the much more serious tone of Oppenheimer may well stay with you for a while afterwards, and that might make it difficult to "get into" Barbie afterwards Either way though, I'm sure it'll be an enjoyable experience!

[@renskedunnewold1995]

I just left the theater, I think I'm gonna go see it again some time next week. While I wasn't bored or disengaged, I feel like the movie kind of passed me by before the test. There were so many different men in similar suits with names mentioned once or twice, it was hard to keep up. But oh boy, after the test I was spellbound. The context of what Oppenheimer's hearing was about & Strauss' relevation gave me the tools to re-evaluate everything I had seen so far. I think I'll appreciate the movie even more on second watch.

[@DeShark88]

I think you were right the first time. There's too much and too little going on. By telling the story out of order I think Nolan is hoping no-one notices!

[@rahulmd1]

Dan throwing shade at studios is my new favourite thing!! 👏 👏

[@angelpipessd]

Finally got a chance to watch this - WHAT. A. MASTERPIECE! 😮 I was amazed by the way the story was told, cried in a few places, and actually cheered when Strauss got his just dessert. This is definitely Nolan’s best film and takes the best use of his non-linear storytelling style and cinematic tendencies. I absolutely loved it

[@kwameryan]

Just saw it in IMAX and was absolutely blown away. Riveting.

[@terriplays1726]

The film was great, I say as a physicist. But I can understand that someone who does not know all of these names and their work might get easily confused. there is also a younger generation that has never heard of those events, those will be completely lost.

[@hedylusvansamos4609]

Apparently, Oppenheimer wasn't for me, though I like most of Nolan's other films (#1 Memento). For the first time in my life I even left the cinema before the end of the movie. I'll give it another try in a couple of months.

[@haskell420]

Dan, I saw the 1st showing at 5pm ET last night at the Dolby Cinema at AMC. GREAT REVIEW! And I am SO HAPPY you brought up how at times, the score overtakes the dialogue!!!! It wasn't often, but easily 5 scenes where the score overtook the dialogue and I couldn't make out what was being said. You're the only one I've seen mention it, so thank you!.... I always see the 1st showings on Thursday's and when I came up the escalator at 4:40pm, I was floored! Had to be 75 people walking around btwn the snack bar, the bar itself, and 7 ppl sitting down who got their early to eat before BARBIE at 6pm.

[@travistowne5601]

Very thoughtful review. I thoroughly enjoyed both Barbie and Oppenheimer. My wife and I saw Barbie on Saturday and Oppenheimer in IMAX yesterday. The best movie weekend experience I have had in a very long time. I agree with everything you said about focus groups and studios underestimating audience intelligence. Keep up the great work!

[@pibbinator2430]

You explaining how the film left you exhausted was my experience with Interstellar. Say what you want about that movie, but the theatrical experience that movie provided was unforgettable.

[@AshiqD1955]

I’m glad to hear some people experienced the movie this way. I found it tedious and boring in the extreme - I nearly slept through the countdown scene.

[@endlesssummerpictures6329]

⁠​⁠@@AshiqD1955Dan meant “exhausting” in a positive way. It is meant to be haunting and dense, which makes for an uncomfortable sit. It doesn’t spoonfeed the audience, neither does it downplay its emotional core in order to make it more accessible. I am sorry that you slept through the countdown scene. I consider it to be one of the best scenes of the film, alongside the radio announcement of the bombings, and the subsequent scenes of Oppenheimer’s visions of destruction during speeches. Flawlessly executed, albeit a bit too long for its own sake.

[@florencespinelli2947]

Thank you Dan is way to Full of Himself. Never heard of him before.

[@hardhikchintakunta7174]

Mara is a nuclear scientist?!?! 🤯🤯 If I remember correctly, I think Dan also mentioned once that she served in the military or something. This is so cool. He is engaged to a badass 😲

[@DanMurrellMovies]

She ran the nuclear reactors on the USS Enterprise!

[@kitcast3688]

It has been said that the scenes in black and white where use to the events they were accurate depictions, and the color ones where the interpretations, the way Oppenheimer view things and how he felt.

[@me45116]

Can't wait for the Barbenheimer Charts with Dan

[@kurtsiecolferites2160]

Fantastic movie. I did find the time-jumping confusing and for me it was a little too long but the cinematography and the score were breathtaking, as well as the acting. Definitely one of the best movies to come out this year, although it can’t replace Spiderverse for me. That movie was epic and I absolutely loved everything about it.

[@kgeegan6]

This upcoming weekend in film makes my heart so happy. It really showcases so much artistry and love for cinema. I absolutely am counting down the seconds until I can see Oppenheimer

[@Ben-by7ul]

Get ready for 2.5 hours of politics

[@AshiqD1955]

Politics done in a boring way - I’ve watched many a political movie/ scene that I enjoyed infinitely more than what I was subjected to in this movie.

[@Ben-by7ul]

@@AshiqD1955 ikr. I really didnt like it. I mean the explosion had impact but other than that it kinda sucked

[@Real_MisterSir]

This is the first movie that truly made me appreciate black and white as a medium. As an artist, I know the power of black and white, greyscale, but on a still medium you can really get a lot more out of these nuances. I never disliked black and white on motion picture, I just have always found it somewhat inferior in impact value relative to still. Oppenheimer took the glory of still image greyscale, and perfectly implemented into motion picture. All it took was a sprinkle of Nolan certified ambition.

[@m.dorado6966]

I think this movie is going to win some serious hardware at Academy Awards.

[@JrockProject1]

Rdj was a true standout for me in this movie. But every character was really compelling and like wow

[@lorrrdy]

This movie didn't feel 3 hours long. And I watched late at night, after Barbie. Packed theater, not even a yawn from me. However, I felt that there were some parts that weren't develop enough, like there was something missing, that was left on the cutting room floor. Like Florence Pugh's character, for instance. Reading about the real story afterwards (cause that's what a good movie makes you do), Jean seemed way more important in his life than it was portrayed. His wife too. Some of the physicists as well, like Feynman, barely get any screen time. But yes, overall, it's a great cinematic achievement, will go head to head with Dune on those technical Oscars. And Cillian and RDJ seem like front-runners already for actor and supporting actor.

[@lennynero635]

It is a a good movie but it is not a masterpiece. There are many flaws (underdeveloped characters/ relationships, the unnecessary non-linear story telling) which - I believe - cannot be overlooked.

[@gautrstafr]

Congrats on being engaged! For me the last ambitious movie I saw on Cinema was Godzilla vs Kong

[@kiroolioneaver8532]

I think the risks of these films worked because of the established IP and director of "Barbie" and "Oppenheimer" respectively. If "Barbie" hadn't had the IP or if "Oppenheimer" was directed by a lesser known director, we're not having "Barbenheimer" lol But to be fair, you do have to start somewhere when it comes to originality and it's better than nothing.

[@IronBeagle2003]

Oppenheimer is much like Schindler’s List in my eyes. The same way Schindler’s List was a turning point for Steven Spielberg in his filmography, I feel is what will happen with Christopher Nolan. It’s a movie that I believe will horrify but also inspire people with a message for today’s generation. Nuclear weapons are made to protect us but are also made to destroy us and I think Oppenheimer was the best representation of that fear and assurance. The amount of excitement I have for what Nolan has planned next is intense and grand just like this very movie. I’ve got two words for this movie. BEST. PICTURE.

[@hamburglar83]

Just walked out of a packed 10:30am showing. 3 hrs where my eyes and mind were glued to the screen. This is a Nolan masterpiece.

[@LivDeSantos]

Great review! Congratulations on your engagement ✨

[@teruphoto]

My anticipation for Dan's review approaches the same level as seeing the IMAX screening this weekend. 11:15 Same here. Every IMAX showing this weekend is nearly fully booked in my neck of the woods. The last time that happened was Avengers Endgame.

[@soulpath1]

Yeah there's this one guy who is commenting on tons of review videos sayin omgomg Barbie is gonna kill Oppenheimer at the box office; and im like no. did you even try to get tickets for oppenheimer yet or are you a paid barbie shill lol

[@ravinderdasila9334]

@@soulpath1because barbie gonna get money from all screens xcept imax. Also its a 2hr pg movie Oppenheimer has huge demand for imax screens which means it gets higher price per ticket but the no of screens is lesser and Also it is a 3hr R movie.. so that will impact its collections

[@Samuel-p17]

My favorite Scene was when we finally know what Oppenheimer said to Einstein. I almost got chills.

[@playgroundchooser]

Can't Wait to see it!! Don't forget the other "Surprise" Summer Hit: An absolutely bonkers animated film about a black superhero skipping around the multiverse that I really need to see about a dozen more times. And this year's original Summer Hit: A superhero team up movie that made me openly sob in the theater at least three times because of the gripping backstory and redefinition of what friendship and love means. I'm SO happy they are making the cash!

[@MicahMann]

I’m telling you… 3PM Friday afternoon in a theater in Birmingham, Alabama and only the 1st 2 rows were empty. Packed. And OPPENHEIMER is Brilliant!

[@motherplayer]

Yep. This is exactly what I was expecting. A film talking about both the effort to make this weapon and the caveats that would pop up from it in the future. A grand step that keeps mankind forever on tipping scale on safety or destruction. And all looks to be put together like an action movie akin to what Micheal Mann did with "The Insider". I am fully sold. Also, many props for Dan for, while he wasn't a big fan, he gives respect to "Barbie" for at least not being the bland and inoffensive marketing movie it could have been just as much as he applauds "Oppenheimer" on not being the completely celebratory and triumphant portrait that only hints at the trouble of whats to come.

[@corey2232]

I heard that because there's only one bomb scene, combined with Nolan's instance on not using CGI, the Trinity test was extremely disappointing... People said it just looks like a close up of fire burning, and that's it. I get being artsy or trying not to focus on the bomb, but this feels like a missed opportunity to really get people to feel the real impact & power of that weapons. And sometimes, CGI is a good thing. If practical effects can't deliver a legit nuke detonation (obviously), then use the tools that can get you closest to it.

[@DanMurrellMovies]

I’d see it and judge for yourself. I found the sequence to be well executed even if it wasn’t the overwhelmingly massive explosion that some people seemed to be expecting.

[@jackpowrie3]

Did you not see the last scene in the film where potentially, in this day and age if a Nuke were to go off? That was the real message. The chain reaction wasn’t a possibility in Oppenheimer’s day; it’s a certainty in this day in age. It’s very much a cautionary tale. It’s not a film about being in awe of a nuclear bomb, but very much to be in terror at the very existence of them.

[@corey2232]

@@jackpowrie3 Not to be rude, but I said "I heard" because I haven't seen any scene from the movie yet, I was just told by several people who saw it. They all enjoyed the movie, but all agreed that the Trinity Test did not convey the awe inspiring explosiveness of seeing the first nuclear weapon detonation. Since I posted this comment, I also heard a reviewer express the same thing. But I can't speak of how accurate these opinions are, as I have yet to see it. But thanks for your input, as it gives me hope it's not as big of a letdown as I thought it might be

[@Metaphorically7]

So happy to see Robert Downey Jr out of the MCU again. He was a great Iron Man, but he’s so much more than that as an actor. Excited to see him in more movies. Would love to see him team up with Shane Black again. Kiss Kiss Bang Bang is still one of my favorites.

[@vanessasilverstream2843]

Im seeing this in Imax on Sunday and usually my local Imax theatre is near empty, but I literally got the last seat for my showing. I can't believe the popularity of this, I'm so excited!

[@ronyYTube]

Yes! I just got out of the theatre. That is definitely the best movie I saw this year. Didn't feel the 3 hours go by. I had to see what Dan had to say about it and I agree with every word. Being a science guy myself, I didn't find the technical dialogue hard but it's not like it's the main subject of the movie so people shouldn't be hesitant about it. Definitely a recommendation 👍

[@MisterBrimm]

One thing that was emitted from movie was how Oppenheimer stole land from people who had lived there for centuries, then directly and indirectly led to their deaths. His men went and shot all their cattle, and chased them off their own land.

[@AshiqD1955]

It is an overly sanitized view of his life/ work - especially if one doesn’t think of communism as a crime.

[@jackpowrie3]

@@AshiqD1955Oppenheimer was never a communist, though, smoothbrain.

[@nickwiley9647]

Was really disappointed with this film. As a biopic I don’t feel I have any more understanding of Oppenheimer. All I got out of it is that Oppenheimer is more of a theory man, had ties with communists but wasn’t overtly one, and had two wives. Yeah he seemed a bit remorseful for creating the bomb, but I didn’t see how those regrets really effected his life. I felt the dialogue was really hard to hear at times ( like most Nolan films) the editing and pacing was very choppy, and I think the vendetta Strauss had against Oppenheimer was VERY poorly explained. Like ok Oppenheimer might lose his security clearance but WHAT DOES THAT MEAN? What is he losing out on with that, and why is it so important that it’s the climax of the film and not the trinity tests or the bombing of Japan. The actual nuke itself was also pretty underwhelming. Would’ve been a much better film if it focused more on the logistics and struggles of figuring out the atom bomb, the race between the us and Germany( yes I know it comes up but it should’ve been THE central motivating force) the bombing of Japan ( actually show the horror of what happened instead of a very brief illusion) and then end it with how the affected Oppenheimer and go more into depth on the process of his opinions changing or him being more vocal on his opposition to the bombs. Strauss was a waste of time at least how he was used as well as the focus on Oppenheimer’s first wife which felt entirely pointless. Not to mention the casting was INSANELY distracting. I kept getting taken out of the film because every 30 seconds I was noticing a bigger named actor playing VERY minor roles. So yeah I think I’m in the minority but I’m really confused on all the love this is getting. This and Tenant have both been pretty big misses as someone who’s loved basically all of Nolan’s other films

[@PolarisCastillo]

I wondered why it was shot on imax? It's mostly talking heads throughout the entire thing. Not big on spectacle, which is surprising for Nolan. I did enjoy how experimental he got this time around even if his Terrence Malick influences are pretty obvious.

[@johnyricco1220]

I hope this gets us more bio-epics. Oppenheimer and people like him were real life superheroes

[@stewartmaddison8359]

Sir James Chadwick, CH, FRS (20 October 1891 - 24 July 1974) was a British physicist who was awarded the 1935 Nobel Prize in Physics for his discovery of the neutron in 1932. In 1941, he wrote the final draft of the MAUD Report, which inspired the U.S. government to begin serious atom bomb research efforts. He was the head of the British team that worked on the Manhattan Project during World War II. He was knighted in Britain in 1945 for his achievements in physics.

[@andrewhernandez5247]

Dan one of your best reviews. Ambition, novelty, excitement. You weave a delicate thread of reviewing a spoiler free film, connecting current events to films (current SAG-AFTRA), expressing sincerity and optimism for films you agree/disagree, and still engage the listener. 🎥🎬🎞️ Thank you, Dan!

[@ejav9169]

I actually think people flocking to Oppenheimer and barbie is not taking risks like you think. This is a Nolan movie. People show up for Nolan no matter what. And barbie isn't surprising since it is using nostalgia to put butts in seats.

[@jackmurphy1056]

Your the man Dan! Nothing to do with the movie I just love your channel and your passion for the film industry! Need more people like you on KZbin

[@KentAndrewLang1967]

I pulled of a Barbennheimer Premeire Double Feature and was shocked that there were only 3 seats available for Barbie. I followed it up with Oppenheimer which wasn’t full but offered limited seating.

[@MikeTaffet]

Saw Barbie at 10:30pm last night. Got my IMAX 70MM ticket for Oppenheimer today at 3PM. Can’t wait!

[@elyca6329]

@@Ralph_Beckman Barbie is for everyone Ralph

[@elyca6329]

@@Ralph_Beckman Barbie can't hurt you. You don't need to be scared ;)

[@arun279]

I went to a 70mm IMAX screening, you’re right about haunting. I walked out in a daze, I kept thinking about it the rest of the day

[@visaeryon]

nolan wasn't practicing all these years with his films, he was training us the viewers for this film.

[@AshiqD1955]

Not sure I needed to be trained to snooze in the theatre. I’ve been a Nolan fan for many years but Oppenheimer was a massive disappointment to me.

[@aktchungrabanio6467]

Oh for Christ's sakes lmfao

[@RoweOrwell]

I LOVED dunkirk and loved how it toyed with time and scenes out of order

[@Jayk129]

Saw the movie last night and I have mixed feelings about it. While I agree with Dan that the acting from everyone involved is absolutely phenomenal the time jumps are a little hard to follow at first and take some getting used to. However one area I was really disappointed with was the Trinity test. They really built up the tension leading to the test to a heart pounding level. But having seen the actual Trinity test footage many many times the explosion shown in the movie was really not much more than what you’d see in a KZbin video of someone detonating powdered non-dairy creamer. It really failed to show the scale and power of the bomb. I think he was trying to have us experience the test accurately and in real time, hence the huge stretch of silence between the detonation flash and the blast wave hitting, which I do give him massive credit for. However from the director that brought us Inception and that amazing black hole in Interstellar the low key nature of the visuals of the worlds first atomic explosion is almost unforgivable. Overall though it was an excellent movie.

[@aktchungrabanio6467]

I agree with you

[@SecondTake123]

I love when artists take chances, that's what art is all about!

[@alonzabrown5345]

I'm usually on board with Dan, but calling a Barbie movie starring Margot Robbie a risk is such a stretch I'm pretty sure he just pulled his hammy. This is definitely a case of someone forcing a narrative.

[@TheYumpinBean]

Warning! this is a political court room drama with 20 min of stuff on the Manhattan Project and quantum mechanics. the other 2 hrs and 40 min is a court room drama. Nolan brass played over interviews and court proceedings. Great acting, great visuals. Mind numbingly dull movie.

[@ourfamilyaccount]

Thanks for breaking that down. I wasn't a fan of the last Dune film because it was far too political for my tastes. The trailers made me think it was similar to 'Tremors'. I might not see it then if it's less action packed. I'll scope out more reviews before I decide.

[@TheYumpinBean]

@@ourfamilyaccount there is no action. at the end of the second act there is about 10 min of tension. after we got out of the movie I apologized to my friend who I had to talk in to going with me. it was so dull I felt bad. I saw it in 70mm IMAX btw (the way it was intended)

[@DanMurrellMovies]

This is an exaggeration - yes, the courtroom stuff is interspersed but there’s WAY more than 20 minutes concerning the Manhattan Project.

[@TheYumpinBean]

@@DanMurrellMovies I suppose if you count the Manhattan Project discussions in the court proceedings and the ALWAYS exciting quantum physics lectures. Maybe you're talking about the POLITICS of building Los Alamos? Listen, I respect your opinion, but there is no doubt the trailers lied. This movie is as dull as can be. No amount of obnoxious Nolan brass could save this for me.

[@CHarr1991]

@@TheYumpinBeansorry this one wasn’t for you, bud. It’s all good. We can all enjoy what we want.

[@desertsuede4]

Honestly, I am a bit mystified at Dan's and other critics lavish praise of Oppenheimer. I found it to be a well executed biopic with unnecessarily complicated time jumps and a dense expository dialog that at literally no point felt like conversations these people would've held. It held my interest because it's an inherently fascinating time period and story, but it feels like an 8 hour miniseries compressed into 3 hour docudrama.

[@lennynero635]

I also felt that Oppenheimer would have been better as a miniseries. Chernobyl would be my go to reference here. Unfortunately the movie lacked focus and tried to pack in everything without giving the various elements room to breathe (e.g. underdeveloped characters such as his wife and mistress).

[@Taralovescoloring]

I haven't been to an actual movie theatre since the first Infinity War movie, but I'm already planning on going and seeing both of these movies next week. I'm excited for them both more than I have been for a movie for quite a while.

[@dolphinloser6546]

I'd recommend Barbie first if you haven't already booked; Barbie is a good film and it has some surprisingly emotional points about how ridiculously difficult it can be to be a woman, but Oppenheimer's more serious tone might well stay with you for a while afterwards - that may make it difficult to get into the much lighter-toned Barbie afterwards, particularly if you watch both on the same day as I did!

[@mike_ere]

I did the back to back. Honesty for me what was great was not the differences but the same existentialism that is basically the main theme through both movies. Loved openheimer more obv, but barbenheimer was a really great experience.

[@nayetcuba]

Openheimer was full and everyone was wearing pink for Barbie too. It was the best Thursday 5pm showing I have ever been to

[@The_Cold_Slither]

My Oppenheimer experience on a Thursday was the same. A packed theater. What was impressive was walking out of the theater. Because it was the Oppenheimer crowd, along with the Barbie crowd all dressed up in support. Someone even had a pink early 90s mustang convertible parked out front. With a bunch of girls and women stopping to take selfies either going to their car, or walking towards the theater.

[@sarahm3304]

Not in my top Nolan films but still extremely well made. My main complaint was how Pugh was used, sex scenes that seemed just for the sake of it and not much else. Very unfortunate

[@AshiqD1955]

Most of the high calibre cast were wasted in my opinion.

[@stretchyhulk]

On point as usual! I just saw an 11:15AM show (non-IMAX) and it was either sold out or a couple seats from being sold out so here's hoping it exceeds expectations.

[@mark2graves-movies689]

One of the best reviews I've ever heard. Not just the best Oppenheimer movie review, but one of *THE* best reviews I've ever watched. Excellent thoughts, Dan.

[@GDSprodify]

The editing pace is break neck from the first 10 seconds. I was like, slow down, but the story kinda changed to Politcal Drama after 2 hours and felt was needed cause it was easier to understand than first half.

[@circamagic]

Loved the atmospheric choice during the trinity explosion. The comparatively anticlimactic nature of it (vs. how it was portrayed in ‘Fat Man and Little Boy’) gave me feelings of sadness and disgust rather than magnificence and beauty.

[@DeShark88]

I'm shocked by how much people will forgive this movie. The acting carried it, a lot! The anticlimactic explosion _added_ to the film's excellence? Really?! You don't think maybe it was a failing due to Nolan's stubbornness not to use CGI?

[@circamagic]

@@DeShark88 Hard to say whether it was intentional or not but I appreciated the specific emotional reaction I had. If it was intentional, I think it was very tasteful.

[@solanki_iitgn6422]

The Speech Scene! 🤯 That scene alone deserves all the awards.

[@CybeargPlays]

Maybe I'm too dumb for this film, but I found it largely unsatisfying for being so much talk about things with very little show apart from actor’s expressions. It moves at a break-neck pace, and yet very little happens. It has such a huge cast, I could not keep track of all the characters. I also found its heavy use of sudden noise annoying in a horror jump scare sort of way. By comparison I found similar media like Chernobyl and The Imitation Game far more compelling for their story structure. The jumping back and forth in history didn't keep me hooked because nothing had any weight or consequence. They just mentioned stuff that might happen then discuss stuff that happened. It's like a breakneck read of Wikipedia dipped in extreme drama but few character stakes. Also I found the sexual content overindulgant and distracting. Now instead of thinking of the real life footage of Oppenheimer’s weary, gaunt face as he recited “Now I am become death, destroyer of worlds”, I'll think about his hot Communist fling riding him cowgirl as he recites it. Way to ruin the significance of such a poignant moment by injecting invented sexual content.

[@jackpowrie3]

Invented? It’s known fact he was a “womaniser”. The whole reason he was portrayed as a communist sympathiser was because of the affair with a known communist, the individual portrayed by Florence Pugh. That’s historical fact. That’s why his name was deliberately dragged through the mud post Hiroshima, only because he didn’t want more powerful nuclear weapons being proliferated.

[@CybeargPlays]

@@jackpowrie3 that’s fine, but is it a historical fact that he recited his famous “I am become death” line while a Communist was riding his dick?

[@Yorickunderscore]

Oh what a shock the audio blows.

[@McNaireXstream]

This is how you do a movie review and give Mara a well deserved praise 😊🎉. This movie gripped me from start to finish. I was tired at the start of the movie and it was like a shot expresso. And even though it kept going, every seen had a sense of intrigue and a connecting thread. With that said. This will do better on streaming and will be one of, if not the greatest documentary made to film.

[@AeroDude73]

Saw it this past We’d. in one of only 9 FULL 15/70mm IMAX’s in the USA (30 around the world in total, 9 are here, & 1 is near me in Prov., RI). 61’x81’, 424 seats, & it was completely Sold Out, as it’s been since it opened & is Still showing that for Every Showing. I Loved it!! Cillian Murphy is a Lock for Best Actor, as is Robert Downey Jr for Best Supporting Actor. Emily Blunt as well (Best Supporting Actress), in a minimal screen time role but tremendous, especially in a late scene where she almost steals the show for a few minutes. This movie Should win Best Picture AND Best Director for Nolan, as well as Best Original Screenplay and Cinematography.

[@n.m.saseendran7270]

A Masterpiece by Christopher Nolan and Cillian Murphy is superb and outstanding. Nobody would feel passing of 3 hours.

[@n0t1n2punk]

just saw Oppenheimer in imax 70mm and barbie back to back. both movies moved me in different ways and both are great!

[@TruthSeekr2662]

I'll be honest, Oppenheimer just wasn't for me.

[@ellicel]

Although I'm looking forward to seeing it, I think it's important that people are aware this is not (and wasn't made to be) the sort of movie that appeals to everyone, so I appreciate you sharing your experience with it.

[@DanMurrellMovies]

And that’s completely fine.