The upcoming release of Christopher Nolan's highly anticipated film, “Oppenheimer,” has sparked immense excitement among cinema lovers worldwide. Just a few days away from its debut on the big screen, the movie delves into the life of renowned theoretical physicist J. Robert Oppenheimer and the pivotal role he played in the creation of the atomic bomb, forever altering the global power dynamics. While there had been speculation about the film's budget, Nolan has finally revealed a staggering figure that rivals CGI-heavy blockbusters, despite his deliberate avoidance of computer-generated effects.
Nolan, renowned for his intricate yet captivating storytelling, had previously announced that “Oppenheimer” would abstain from the use of CGI to depict explosions, promising audiences a wholly unique experience. Returning to collaborate with one of Nolan's favorite actors, Cillian Murphy takes on a lead role in the film alongside a stellar supporting cast comprising Emily Blunt, Robert Downey Jr., and Matt Damon, among others, providing the director with all the necessary support.
Clocking in at three hours, “Christopher Nolan's Oppenheimer” matches the runtime of Marvel's “Avengers: Endgame,” a fact Nolan himself mentioned during the film's premiere red carpet event. Nolan shared with Collider, “The runtime is two minutes shorter than 'Avengers: Endgame,' so we cling to that. I said to [producer] Emma Thomas very early on that it's going to be a three-hour film. I have to write a script that reflects that. That was our conversation with the studio.”
Elaborating on the grand scale of the project, Nolan added, “It's a big story and needs a big talent. It's a 180-page script, and it's a $180 million movie.” The film was shot using a combination of IMAX 65 mm and 65 mm large-format film photography, featuring sections captured in IMAX black and white analogue photography.
Contrary to some reports speculating a $100 million budget for “Oppenheimer,” Christopher Nolan has clarified the actual figure. As the film gears up for its theatrical release on July 21st, it is worth noting that Hollywood is currently grappling with strikes by actors and writers, with the cast of “Oppenheimer” notably absent from the premiere.