Oppenheimer

I watched this mini in the early eighties. Sam Waterson proved himself to be a great actor. In fact when he began Law and Order I was disappointed in him as it was not as powerful a role. Unfortunately the good roles do not pay the bills. I wish I could find a copy of this rare series and review it. It is both factual and entertaining. Everyone should see it to know what really happened. I was so moved I purchased and read the book "Pppenheimer-Shatterer of Worlds". And saw how this man became an unlikely hero who was never rewarded for his insight. If you get a chance be sure to watch this movie and see what a performance Mr. Waterston can really provide an audience. Enjoy the movies!

Firstly let me say that I have not yet watched the 2023 Christopher Nolan film so no comparisons from me. All I will say is that I binge watched all 7 episodes over a 24 hrs period. Compared to modern day offerings the production values from 1980 seem positively prehistoric but the series loses nothing and the superb script and acting more than makes up for it. If you're after CGI action and big bangs look elsewhere. If you want an intelligent script that doesn't treat the viewer as an idiot then this is for you. I'm not sure I want to watch the 2023 film anymore to be honest. Once finished I read the Wiki page on Robert Oppenheimer to find out even more, the script appears to be a truthful telling of the tale. Thoroughly recommended.

...a true geek-girl's dream: high tech, high drama, smart guys, steamy sex, and large explosions. (VERY large explosions.) Sam Waterston is so natural in the role of Oppenheimer that tapes of the REAL Oppenheimer sound odd: apparently, he had a voice similar to Ronald Reagan! The triumph and tragedy of Oppenheimer is one of the 20th century's most stirring dramas, and this movie stands as a model of what docu-drama ought to be: the facts are allowed to speak for themselves, while the fictional parts are used to amplify and fill in the record, not to call attention to themselves. An interesting fact: some of the technical details used had only recently been declassified, and so are of special interest. A must-see!

This is the best work i have ever seen on television. The story is compelling--all the more so because it is true. The writers did their homework--the accuracy of events is well documented. The acting is great. This has to be the best role Sam Waterston has ever had. And the black and white cinematography was exceptional. My only regret is that it is not available to buy. A few years ago I contacted someone involved with the production (either with PBS or in England) and was told they had no plans to release it on VHS (at the time). This was a BBC production and ran in the U.S. on American Playhouse. There is such an interest in seeing this--just hard to believe no one can make it available.

Before I say anything. I've not seen Nolan's version on Oppenheimer. I will refrain from any comparison. Watched this series in Aug 2023. I came away very impressed with the production values of this 7 part BBC take on the Manhattan Project, the man behind it and the fallout after it's deployment of the A-Bomb. Sam Waterston was a fire to watch as Oppenheimer. His tall slender frame, the famous porkpie hat Oppie wore and the cigar he smoked closely resembles to reality. The way Sam Waterston embodied Oppie was amazing to watch. He almost looks and behaves like the man himself. I have seen many actors portraying Oppenheimer, most of the actors do look like him. I think hollywood has a great deal of obsession with this man's life, which is a good thing because of the awareness it creates. Recommended watch.