'Oppenheimer' hits Chinese mainland screens

The long-anticipated U.S. biography thriller “Oppenheimer” written and directed by Christopher Nolan hit big screens on the Chinese mainland yesterday.

Adapted from a Pulitzer Prize-winning book, “Oppenheimer” centers on U.S. physicist J. Robert Oppenheimer’s pivotal role in the Manhattan Project, which crafted the first nuclear weapon during World War II’s closing stage.

Moviegoers collect their tickets before a special screening of “Oppenheimer” on Tuesday at Broadway Cinematheque at MixC World in Shenzhen. Cao Zhen

During a special screening for the local press and movie enthusiasts at Broadway Cinematheque at MixC World in Shenzhen on Tuesday night, many moviegoers held their breath while watching tension-filled scenes in “Oppenheimer,” such as the Trinity Test scene. They were impressed by the jaw-dropping visuals and sound effects.

Meanwhile, the three-hour movie is filled with intense dialogues to portray how Oppenheimer fell from grace, as well as his struggles with the potential devastation the bomb could cause.

Christopher Nolan (L) is presented with a calligraphic work from Chinese fans during the premiere of “Oppenheimer” in Beijing on Aug. 22. The Chinese characters on the scroll mean “Oppenheimer.” SD-Agencies

Nolan attended the premieres of “Oppenheimer” at Beijing’s Universal Studios on Aug. 22 and in Shanghai on Aug. 24-25, the first prominent figure from the Hollywood to visit the Chinese mainland after the pandemic. Many Chinese fans, either in the events or on social media, expressed their enthusiasm for Nolan’s new masterpiece and their expectations for the IMAX movie.

“There was a reference to the idea that they [the scientists engaged in the nuclear weapon project] could not completely eliminate the possibility of a chain reaction from the first test at Trinity that would destroy the world,” Nolan told moviegoers at the premiere in Beijing, as quoted by China Daily.

“To me, that seemed like the most dramatic story I’d ever heard — that these scientists, knowing there was this possibility, however small, went ahead and pushed that button and conducted that test. So, I became fascinated by the idea of bringing the audience into that room and being there for the Trinity Test, of being there to take that risk on behalf of the entire world,” Nolan added.

The director also explained why the movie shifts between black-and-white and color. He said that the color scenes are intended to portray Oppenheimer’s perspective, while the black-and-white ones represent Lewis Strauss.

The movie features a constellation of stars, with Cillian Murphy as Oppenheimer, Matt Damon as General Leslie Groves and Robert Downey Jr. as Strauss. As of Tuesday, the film has grossed US$785 million worldwides.