Oppenheimer (film). Overview and main events

Christopher Nolan announced that he would write and direct a biographical film about J. Robert Oppenheimer. Cillian Murphy was the first cast member to sign on, with other cast members joining between November 2021 and April 2022. Nolan approached multiple studios due to his strained relationship with Warner Bros., eventually signing with Universal Pictures.

Pre-production for the film began, marking the initial stages of preparing for the extensive and detailed filming process that would follow.

The filming of Oppenheimer took place during this period. The cinematographer, Hoyte van Hoytema, used a combination of IMAX 65 mm and 65 mm large-format film, including scenes in IMAX black-and-white film photography for the first time.

Oppenheimer premiered at Le Grand Rex in Paris, marking the film's first public screening.

The film was theatrically released in the United States and the United Kingdom by Universal Pictures. This release coincided with the release of Warner Bros.'s Barbie, leading to the 'Barbenheimer' phenomenon where audiences were encouraged to see both films as a double feature.

Oppenheimer achieved significant commercial success, grossing over $976 million worldwide and becoming the third-highest-grossing film of 2023. It also became the highest-grossing World War II-related film, the highest-grossing biographical film, and the second-highest-grossing R-rated film at the time of its release.

The film received numerous accolades, including several Oscar wins. It became available to watch at home, allowing a broader audience to experience the complex and non-linear narrative of J. Robert Oppenheimer's life.