Even though I've read the book, when I went for a second viewing...you realise it flows beautifully...and makes total sense. First time felt a little difficult to follow, second time I relaxed more.ThePhantomTerror wrote: ↑July 23rd, 2023, 4:04 pmSaw it the second time, in 15/70. It’s more emotionally resonant this time, and the structure makes more sense now.
'Oppenheimer' Nolanfans User Reviews
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If you do manage to see it here I recommend arriving early enough to see the Enola Gay. It's surreal to see in person and, for me, was a psychological primer for the film.AsianVersionOfET wrote: ↑July 23rd, 2023, 2:33 pmNow I want a rewatch at the Airbus IMAX in VA, dual 4K in 1.43 aspect…but their website is shit and saying that all showings are sold out…forever lol. Might need to give ‘em a call.
At first (after 15/70 midnight screening) I wasn't sure where to rank it Vs Nolan's others but it's certainly his most *mature* film, both in terms of the story but also filmmaking craft, he's really at the height of his powers here. But I wasn't sure if this was really Nolan's masterpiece, particularly when it got to the middle Los Alamos stretch it initially felt like it got into a more "regular biopic but with the Nolan touch' mode.
But watching it a second time in fixed 2.20 in (yes, lord forgive me lol) Dolby - actually putting the IMAX aside - played so much better to me and ultimately cemented, this is top tier stuff. Ultimately likes of Insterstellar and Inception will be the absolute top because I at least cannot divorce the sci-fi from his work, but just the assuredness, the confidence, the boldness of the storytelling - it's stunning, haunting cinema, and throughout it doesn't lose anything of what we know and love about Nolan's work. It's timely in more ways than one (beyond just the immediate threat thanks to Putin)...
The only weak spots, I'm still torn on Pugh here (though appreciate the intent and historical aspect), and I think crucially the IMAX I'm afraid to say, as gorgeous as it all looked in 1.43 when it opened up, is actually an issue? This is the first film where Nolan's "try shoot as much as he can" approach is actually working against him because of what film this is, and how talky and dense it is. So what does open up is a bit more uneven through the film, particularly in the middle which is why I felt on that initial viewing that section was something more "regular". I'm curious as well to see how the 5perf 70mm print looks because how the B&W 5-perf footage came off in 15/70 when intercut with IMAX in same scene, it looked rough. The Dolby presentation and grade looked really gorgeous and far more evened out.
Still in spite of the above quibbles, bravo. Think this is really gonna stand the test of time for Nolan and fully get why everyone's raving it as his best film/everything his career has led towards.
But watching it a second time in fixed 2.20 in (yes, lord forgive me lol) Dolby - actually putting the IMAX aside - played so much better to me and ultimately cemented, this is top tier stuff. Ultimately likes of Insterstellar and Inception will be the absolute top because I at least cannot divorce the sci-fi from his work, but just the assuredness, the confidence, the boldness of the storytelling - it's stunning, haunting cinema, and throughout it doesn't lose anything of what we know and love about Nolan's work. It's timely in more ways than one (beyond just the immediate threat thanks to Putin)...
The only weak spots, I'm still torn on Pugh here (though appreciate the intent and historical aspect), and I think crucially the IMAX I'm afraid to say, as gorgeous as it all looked in 1.43 when it opened up, is actually an issue? This is the first film where Nolan's "try shoot as much as he can" approach is actually working against him because of what film this is, and how talky and dense it is. So what does open up is a bit more uneven through the film, particularly in the middle which is why I felt on that initial viewing that section was something more "regular". I'm curious as well to see how the 5perf 70mm print looks because how the B&W 5-perf footage came off in 15/70 when intercut with IMAX in same scene, it looked rough. The Dolby presentation and grade looked really gorgeous and far more evened out.
Still in spite of the above quibbles, bravo. Think this is really gonna stand the test of time for Nolan and fully get why everyone's raving it as his best film/everything his career has led towards.
Guess who just walked out of seeing it in Dolby Cinema then walked right back for an encore. I’m seated for a 3:30am screening when I should be driving home right now.
Maybe after this I can write a proper review.
Maybe after this I can write a proper review.
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Just came back from seeing it a second time. I previously dubbed it a nearly perfect film after my first viewing, but somehow it became even more perfect this time 'round. It remains my favorite film, but more so after being able to understand some of the dialogue that I couldn't hear the first time, and after it really sank in just how tight the screenplay is. And the audience was much more engaged this time: a few people laughed, a few people cried, (a few people left...), most people were silent... and when the credits rolled there was some applause (although being the only one clapping in my row made me feel a bit self-conscious ). Interestingly enough, all the issues and nitpicks I had after the first viewing were either mitigated or eliminated completely; in their place, however, there is a new issue, although I can't decide if it's truly a problem I have with the film or just something noteworthy about it. Details about said issues and nitpicks below:
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Just seen this in Imax laser. I am very mixed on the movie. The last act didn't connect with me because I don't know much about he hearings and it felt like the movie skipped too quick. The acting was superb . I feel like Cillian isn't getting enough praise compared to RDJ. I thought he was the best part of the movie. Bennie Safdie was outstanding and Nolan direction was flawless. I just had issues with the script jumping back and forth . I wanted more of the science stuff at Los Alemos than the politics .
Overall 7/10. I will rewatch it this weekend.
Overall 7/10. I will rewatch it this weekend.
Watched it two times in LieMax, very big screen. The ending absolutely wrecked me - incredibly powerful stuff. I'd say it is a masterpiece, ranking it just above or tied with Interstellar. It certainly is an important movie. That ending will haunt me for a long time.
Saw it Friday night. Biggest takeaway was I appreciated Nolan's boldness and going to places he hasn't before.
Best moments for me were:
The big group scene where
Gary Oldman's scene. Did a great job with such a short part, and that whole scene worked great in what it reavealed.
Where Oppie tells Kitty
Of course I loved the ending too, and despite my wiki-level knowledge of Oppie and the other characters, never had read THAT. So it was a great twist for me.
For the bad, I did have trouble hearing some of the dialogue. I know some people claim the problem was fixed now, and it's not like Tenet. But some still had issues, myself included. So hopefully this is more of a theater-specific problem than anything else.
Also, there did seem to be some parts of the hearings or interviews that took up too much time. Luckily it was fast-paced, but it seemed like some still could have maybe been trimmed.
4.25/5
I certainly will see this again in theaters, and I'm glad people's reactions to further viewings are usually even more positive. I'm sure my opinion will change.
Best moments for me were:
The big group scene where
Where Oppie tells Kitty
For the bad, I did have trouble hearing some of the dialogue. I know some people claim the problem was fixed now, and it's not like Tenet. But some still had issues, myself included. So hopefully this is more of a theater-specific problem than anything else.
Also, there did seem to be some parts of the hearings or interviews that took up too much time. Luckily it was fast-paced, but it seemed like some still could have maybe been trimmed.
4.25/5
I certainly will see this again in theaters, and I'm glad people's reactions to further viewings are usually even more positive. I'm sure my opinion will change.
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Just saw it and loved it. I need to see it again because it was so dense.
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I'm surprised slightly how MASSIVELY well it was received by the public as well. I think it is because of how insanely profoundly resonant the ending is and how it just glues the entire previous 2hrs and 59 minutes together in a mindblowingly emotional and intimate way.Mr. Alley wrote: ↑July 20th, 2023, 5:59 pm9/10
If "The Prestige" and "The Social Network" had a great evening with a lot of cocaine that 9 months later led to a beautiful baby called "Oppenheimer".
Man what a ride - definitely in my top 4 Nolan-Films.
Like everyone else already said: Incredibly dense, fast paced, experimental, stellar performances (especially Murphy, RDJ and Blunt) and my favorite part: Jen Lames editing. I think after Murphys and RDJ noms her nom for editing is the most certain.
Favorite scene:
Definitely one my favorite Nolan endings.
My one small criticism:
That's why it's maybe THE Nolan film that gets better after every new viewing.
Cinephiles, old school film fanatics and filmmakers will get an absolute kick out of this but I think with the general audience it will play out the same as with "Dunkirk"
90+ from critics and 80+ from the public.