Oppenheimer Review: 8 Ups & 2 Downs
8. UPS - Cillian Murphy Delivers An Unforgettable Performance
Since Cillian Murphy has worked with Christopher Nolan six times, it's clear the director has a soft spot for him. (Nolan also strongly considered having the Irish actor portray the lead role in Batman Begins.)
Despite working together for nearly 20 years, this is the first time Murphy has taken the helm in a Nolan property. Although everyone in Oppenheimer gives a great performance, Murphy towers over his co-stars. Even though it's challenging to play an inverted character, Murphy has no trouble conveying the weight that constantly lingers on Oppenheimer's shoulders.
To emphasise the power behind physicist's words, his speeches are sometimes accompanied by explosive shaking or a symbolic atomic light. However, these accompaniments are unneeded, since Murphy is able to convey the gravitas of the situation and the conviction of his character through his acting alone. (It's pretty impressive when there's a nuclear blast going off, and viewers are compelled to look at Murphy instead.)
If Murphy isn't nominated for an Academy Award for his performance, it would be a ghastly oversight.