When looking at history and how mankind has progressed since World War II, the moment that changed the world forever was dropping the atomic bombs on Japan. Seen as the defining moment for not only the allied powers and defeat of the axis powers, it also set the stage for the arms race between the United States and Russia. Before that time though, the atomic bombs were viewed as a means to end all wars. Little did anyone realize just what doors had been opened since that time. Prior to this though, there were people who were considering such consequences and the journey to the bomb droppings was not easy. This film gives a pretty captivating peak into that time when the race was on.
Viewers are introduced to the two main characters. General Leslie R. Groves (Paul Newman) is trying to have the atom bomb built before the Germans do, so the war can be ended for good. Hoping to have it completed by summer of 1945, he hires J. Robert Oppenheimer (Dwight Schultz) the physicist who would be known for accomplishing such a feat. Together they meet in New Mexico where they begin the project along with several other educated scholars. As milestones are made, tension begins to rise, mainly because everyone begins to realize just how dangerous things have gotten. Written by Bruce Robinson and Roland Joffé and who also directed, deliver a thought provoking film about this topic. Both also worked on The Killing Fields (1984).
What makes the execution so entertaining is that it really drives home to the viewer how both sides are seeing things. This also proves how divisive this project is when looking back on it. Groves, who obviously is working for the military and on behalf of his country's government wants to get the bomb fully functional. In a war, each side wants to win and that's what Groves' wants. That's not to say Oppenheimer doesn't want to be on the winning side. His dilemma stems from seeing what being the creator of such an invention might lead to. Is it worth creating such a terrible device that could kill innocent lives only for other people to obtain them later? Is it a necessary evil? Does peace through power truly resolve the issue? To some, it's very difficult to know. The only issue that may not look good is that depending on the viewer, some may perceive Oppenheimer in the wrong light, but that's it.
That's only some of the factors that affect these characters. There's other stressors like other political officials breathing down Groves' neck and Oppenheimer's personal connections that were not seen as reputable at the time. There's also Oppenheimer dealing with the secrecy of the project, trying to remain true to his lover Jean Tatlock (Natasha Richardson) and dealing with his colleagues’ differing opinions. All factors played into the deeply stressful time that was World War II. There's also Bonnie Bedelia from the first two Die Hards, who plays Kitty Oppenheimer, Michael Merriman played by a young John Cusack, a nurse played by Laura Dern who would later play Ellie Sattler from Jurassic Park (1993), as well as appearances from Don Pugsley, Ed Lauter and John C. McGinley.
From a visual standpoint, the film is competently handled. Working behind the camera was the late Vilmos Zsigmond. Zsigmond's skill in getting large scale shots of different settings is mostly unmatched. And since this took place before CGI was a common place asset, many of the places depicted are physical props and they look great. Zsigmond would also work on The Deer Hunter (1978), Heaven's Gate (1980), Blow Out (1981) and Maverick (1994). Lastly the film score was composed by Ennio Morricone. Better known for his music in the spaghetti westerns like The Good, the Bad and the Ugly (1966), but also horror films like The Thing (1982), the La-La Land record release of this score mixes both aspects of romanticism and horror due to the nature of the material. It by far deserves a listen to those who are fans of his work.
If a viewer is looking for a movie that makes one think about how things could have played out if the atomic bombs were not created, then this is the film. What's done is done, but it’s always interesting to look at and ponder whether the right decisions were made based on this movie. The acting is great, the story is developed well, the camerawork is professionally shot and the music is horrific and beautiful when it needs to be.
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