5 films to watch and celebrate Oppenheimer’s triumph at the 2024 Oscars

IN OppenheimerDirector Christopher Nolan has explored several recurring obsessions in his filmography. From bioethics to moral and scientific responsibility. Winner of the 2024 Academy Award for Best Picture 2024. This is an exploration of a complex historical scenario that requires difficult decisions. Much more, some of them will ultimately affect the future of the pessimistic world, just like the character played Cillian Murphy he introduces this in the disturbing final scene. Ultimately, it is about putting the power of self-destruction into the hands of humanity. Or, in the worst case scenario, destroy life as we know it.

None of the above is a new theme in cinema. Although without a doubt Oppenheimer He explores them from the point of view of an unknown force in the hands of a society that does not know its limits. However, for most of the history of cinema, moral responsibility for what is conceived, or at least decided, has been of interest. From politicians facing events beyond their control to scientists searching for answers to mysteries that could save lives. The fact is that Hollywood has thoroughly explored many aspects of power and its impact on the present and future. The result is a group of interesting proposals about morality and guilt in relation to events and circumstances of significant historical value.

If you liked this premise OppenheimerWe leave you with five films you can watch right now to celebrate his win at the 2024 Oscars. From a mathematical genius who had to fight racism to a man who intervened to stop the atrocities of World War II. The collection examines all the major themes of Christopher Nolan’s recently awarded film from a variety of perspectives.

War of Currents

Thomas Edison (Benedict Cumberbatch) is determined to light up the world. At the very least, take your obsession with all things electrical to a profitable and financially rewarding level. Less worldly and more interested in the common good, George Westinghouse (Michael Shannon), He also aims to create a system that allows electricity to become more than a luxury. And this in the company of Nikola Tesla (Nicholas Hoult) and his bizarre vision of science.

The trio will eventually pit themselves against each other in a battle of ideas, social perspectives, and technologies mid-race to become a key point of cultural evolution of the 20th century. Alfonso Gomez-Rejon’s film examines the power and influence of scientific pioneers and their ability to know their place in history. What will force one of them to change the future, even if it means betraying their ideals.

War of Currents It gradually becomes a look at the people and inventions that have the power to change the world as we know it. Much more important is how these developments may affect the ability of each society to find new ways to ensure its own prosperity. The most difficult moment of the entire film.

The darkest hours

In 2018, director Joe Wright took on Winston Churchill to explore political tensions and how certain interests can influence the most important decisions. The English leader, played by Gary Oldman, comes to the big screen under the pressure of two completely equidistant points of view. Newly appointed to this position, he must decide whether to make a pact with Chancellor Adolf Hitler or confront his military capabilities and expansionist army.

As the early weeks of 1940 progress, Churchill ends up making a decision that he fears will be judged by history, but England will understand. This film, like Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer, poses a dilemma between two sides of the truth. On the one hand, the politician must take on the burden of guilt for leading the country to war. The other extreme is to let others know that there is no other solution.

In between, the film delves into the idea of ​​political leadership, starting with the most difficult moments. In addition, there is a risk that an error in any definition will doom a population to disaster. With its slow pace and extremely sharp sensibility, The Darkest Hours examines the weight of power in dark moments. A theme that Nolan’s film takes to the next level.

Interstellar

Also Christopher Nolan, this was the director’s first approach to the uncomfortable idea of ​​making a decision that inevitably comes before family interests. Cooper (Matthew McConaughey) is an astronaut who, in a dystopian future He must abandon everyone he loves for a chance to save the world.

At first, this is also a decision caused by some vanity. The character needs to rediscover the intellectual impulse that was once everything in his life. And he will do this by going into space on a mission to find another habitable planet for humanity.

But soon, just like Oppenheimer, he would realize that he knew less about real science than he thought. In any case, he never expected that the theory of relativity could turn his life and the life of his daughter into a crossroads of paradox. In the context of pure science, Nolan will analyze the interests, values, and ultimately the sacrifices that pursuing a goal for the greater good entails.. Themes he returns to in his Academy Award-winning works.

Amazing mind

The story of scientist John Forbes Nash Jr. is tragic by necessity. Being one of the most brilliant people of his generation, he had to deal with schizophrenia from an early age. The psychiatric condition not only changed his perception of reality. It also pushed him into a life of excess and existential misery.

All this time he was engaged in field work among high-profile economic theories, which only increased the pressure on his psyche. Eventually, John suffered a crisis that sent him to the clinic and revealed his deteriorating mental health.

Director Ron Howard took the above and turned it into an epic about the emotional and intellectual intimacy of a distinguished scientist. Just like Nolan and Oppenheimer, the director explores and explores the pain of a person with a privileged intellect. But at the same time, he shows his darkest sides. The most interesting element of the film.

Decoding the riddle

Alan Turing is the father of modern computers and arguably one of the most influential people in the world of technology. But he was also gay at a time when being gay meant not only social ostracism, but also death. The combination of both made his life a complex journey that This ultimately led to a judicial conviction and suicide.

Morten Tyldum’s film examines Turing beyond his tragedy. But just as Nolan explored Oppenheimer’s tragic future, the director doesn’t stray too far from what will happen to his protagonist. As Turing tries to unravel the code that Nazi Germany uses to transmit its secrets, He will have to face the risks that his double life poses.

Which will lead to a grim and merciless scenario. Featuring a brilliant performance from Benedict Cumberbatch, this is ideal if you want to reflect on the lives of scientists at pivotal moments in their lives. Just like the recent 2024 Oscar winner did.