Oppenheimer: Christopher Nolan’s Bold Exploration and the Controversy That Surrounds It
Christopher Nolan’s latest film effort, “Oppenheimer,” captivated audiences around the world with its three-hour exploration of the life of J. Robert Oppenheimer, the brilliant physicist behind the development of the first atomic bomb. However, the film was not without controversy, particularly in India, where certain Hindu groups took offense at a particular scene involving readings from the Bhagavad Gita during an intimate moment. In this extended discussion, we delve into the significance of the Bhagavad Gita, Oppenheimer’s own fascination with Hinduism, the controversy surrounding the film, and the broader themes explored in Nolan’s work.
Days after Christopher Nolan’s three-hour global blockbuster Oppenheimer was released, India’s Hindu right unleashed a tidal wave of criticism. The main character, played by Cillian Murphy, reads from the Bhagavad Gita, the revered Hindu literature, in a specific sex scene, which is why.
Because Oppenheimer was so interested in Hinduism in real life, the Bhagavad Gita was likely included in the film. He was so engrossed in it that he even translated the holy scriptures from Sanskrit into English.
Hindus in a certain region of India are reportedly outraged at Nolan’s use of an explicit scene to show Oppenheimer’s devotion to their religion.
The open letter was written by journalist and founder of Save Culture Save India (SCSI) Uday Mahurkar to Christopher Nolan.
He replied, “It has been brought to our attention that the Oppenheimer film contains a scene that severely attacks Hinduism.” According to social media accounts, the film featured a scene where a lady makes a man read the Bhagwad Geeta aloud. and have sex with him at the same time. They seem to be changing the location of their reproductive organs while clutching the Bhagwad Geeta in one hand.
The Bhagwad Geeta is one of the most precious scriptures of Hinduism, Mahurkar continued. Many sanyasis, brahmacharis, and legends who practice self-restraint and perform selfless, virtuous deeds have drawn inspiration from the Geeta.
. @OppenheimerATOM
To,
Mr Christopher Nolan
Director , Oppenheimer filmDate : July 22, 2023
Reg: Film Oppenheimer’s disturbing attack on Hinduism
Dear Mr Christopher Nolan,
Namaste from Save Culture Save India Foundation.
It has come to our notice that the movie…
— Uday Mahurkar (@UdayMahurkar) July 22, 2023
He went on to say that neither he nor his men could understand the reading of the sacred text during the scene in which Oppenheimer makes love to Florence Pugh’s portrait of Jean Tatlock, his girlfriend.
Mahurkar continued, “We request you to do whatever is necessary to protect the dignity of their precious book and remove this moment from your film worldwide for the benefit of billions of Hindus and the ageless tradition of lives transformed by the revered Geeta.”
However, not everyone agreed with Mahurkar. Many attacked him for speaking for all Hindus and for the Islamophobic parallel.
The subject of the film is the inventor of the first atomic bomb, J. Robert Oppenheimer.
In the past, some twenty years after the Trinity test bomb, which caused the world’s first nuclear explosion, Oppenheimer stated in an interview: “We know that the world would not be the same. Most people were silent, but a small number of others cried and I laughed. I thought of a passage from the Bhagavad Gita where Vishnu tries to persuade the prince to do his duty, and in an attempt to impress him takes the form of Smrti, the destroyer of worlds, saying, “Now I have become Smrti, the destroyer of worlds.” I think we all thought that one way or another.
The question script was, in Murphy’s own words, “powerful”.
Murphy added, “Those scenes were written on purpose. Director Christopher Nolan “knew those scenes would give the movie the ratings it got.” And I believe it’s pretty powerful when you see it. unnecessary. They’re flawless.”
The film has now grossed $174 million worldwide and $80 million in the US.
As with many of Christopher Nolan’s films, “Oppenheimer” challenges viewers to grapple with the complex moral dilemmas and shades of gray that characterize real decisions. It serves as a reminder of the lasting impact of historical events and individuals who shape the course of history.
Conclusion
Controversies regarding the depiction of sensitive subjects are not uncommon in the field of cinematography. With its exploration of the complex life and decisions of J. Robert Oppenheimer, “Oppenheimer” ignited a discussion about artistic interpretation, cultural sensitivity, and the power of film to provoke thought and dialogue. As the film continues to resonate with audiences around the world, it encourages us to engage with its themes and confront the enduring questions it raises about the consequences of human actions.
Have you watched it yet?
