Einstein e la bomba

Have you seen "Oppenheimer" yet? It helps to have seen it before this docuseries. It's a commitment of time (3 hours), but worth it, with amazing performances all around and a whole bunch of new knowledge learned.

This new docudrama on Netflix is a good complement to the movie, and in a trim 1h15m, dives into more detail about Einstein and his place in the firmament of history with regard to the invention of the atomic bomb. Of course, it's not going to paint the entire picture in a short time, but does add some good color about Einstein's conflicted conscience on what he helped unleash, however small his role may have been.

Imagine stepping into the shoes of Albert Einstein, the iconic physicist, during the tumultuous years leading up to World War II. That's what "Einstein and the Bomb" offers, promising a glimpse into the man behind the genius. While it might not be a deep historical dive for some, it delivers a unique and thought-provoking journey through a pivotal moment in human history.

From the very first scene, the series pulls you in with its immersive atmosphere. The music, while not the starring attraction, deserves recognition for its powerful and evocative melodies that perfectly complement the narrative's emotional weight. Aiden McArdle's portrayal of Einstein is also a worth mention, capturing the essence of the scientist with nuance. The supporting cast also adds depth and believability to the historical figures portrayed.

But what truly sets "Einstein and the Bomb" apart is its storytelling approach. Weaving in Einstein's actual words through letters, speeches, and recordings, the miniseries creates an intimacy that traditional narration often lacks. We're not just observers; we're invited directly into Einstein's mind, experiencing his complex inner world firsthand. This unique perspective adds a layer of emotional resonance that makes the historical events all the more impactful.

While not an exhaustive historical analysis, the show effectively connects the dots, offering viewers a clear understanding of the complex events leading up to the development of the Atomic Bomb. It might not satisfy history buffs seeking a deep dive, but for those open to a more personal and emotional exploration, "Einstein and the Bomb" succeeds.

Ultimately, the verdict depends on what you're looking for. If you seek a purely academic examination of historical events, this might not be your top choice. However, if you're open to an immersive and emotive exploration of Einstein's life and beliefs, with a captivating atmosphere and strong performances, "Einstein and the Bomb" offers a valuable and thought-provoking journey. It's a symphony of history and humanity, conducted by the unique voice of Albert Einstein himself.

"Einstein and the Bomb" was clearly meant to piggyback on the success of "Oppenheimer". But in terms of journalism and content, it is a failure. Far too much time was spent focusing on Hitler-Germany and Einstein's Jewish background, and far too little time on Einstein's work and personal life. There was also too much focus on his time in England, without a word being spoken about his time in Switzerland, which was far more important. It was in Bern where Einstein wrote his Special Theory of Relativity. There was even a major international event in Bern to mark the 100th anniversary of the Special Theory that drew eminent scientists from all over the world. (I reported on it for Swiss Radio International).

Einstein described his life in the Swiss capital as the happiest and most productive period of his career. His apartment on Kramgasse in Bern's old town near The Bear Pit is a popular museum, visited by people from all over the world. Einstein was also a Swiss citizen. But not one second of the story was devoted to this. There was only a brief pan-shot of Zurich (not Bern) without any label or explanation. Totally out of context. This is bad journalism and inexcusable.

If you are interested in more about Einstein in Bern, you'll find it under that title.

"Had I known that the Germans would not succeed in producing an atomic bomb, I would not have taken part in opening that Pandora's box." - Albert Einstein Einstein was a vocal advocate for peace. He was a pacifist. But when he received a letter from Leo Szilard ( who not only proposed the idea of chain reaction but also conducted the experiment) alerting Einstein about German scientists working on fission (based on the famous E= mc squared by Einstein) which could result into Hitler having the A-bomb before the allied could develop it. Einstein forwarded that letter to FDR and urging him to hasten the development of an A-bomb by saying " I do not believe that civilization will be wiped out in a war fought with the atomic bomb. Perhaps two thirds of the people of the earth might be killed, but enough men capable of thinking, and enough books, would be left to start again, and civilization could be restored." Very few would know that U. S. Army Intelligence office denied Einstein the security clearance needed to work on the Manhattan Project!!!!

This documentary is a part essay, part revisiting the chapters of his life. It combines archival footage with dramatizations. The movie starts with his living room in his Princeton home with Mahatma Gandhi's photo on a night stand and ends with his famous quote " the war is won but the peace is not". He was so right. The unleashed power of atom as he said once would change everything in the years to come as the human race would gradually drift towards the unfathomable fears of catastrophe ... when the first bomb was dropped on Hiroshima on August 6 1945, Einstein sighed and said "Woe is me." Einstein showed measurement. Measurement is a possibility on which the science depends..but did you know that Heisenberg who gave an uncertainty principle failed at Diffusion equation?i or really? Did he pretend that he failed so that Nazis could not have the bomb!!!!! He as a matter of fact told Otto Hahn, the German nuclear scientist later how the little boy worked after Hiroshima was bombed!!!!

This documentary is not a biopic like Oppenheimer nor a play like Copenhagen. But it does explore one of the greatest scientist's own conflicted emotions..a human's great discovery falls into demonic hands aka of humans!! The movie feels rushed in the second half and fails to capture the depth of Einstein's dilemma. But still a good watch!

"I do not know with what weapons World War III will be fought, but World War IV will be fought with sticks and stones." - Einstein.

Most of us are aware of the theoretical pathways that led to Hitler's rise. This collection of footage offers a tangible, step-by-step journey into that historical period, providing a profound understanding of the events. It's also fascinating to delve into Albert Einstein's thought processes. Beyond his scientific genius, Einstein demonstrated worldly acumen, such as his timely escape from Germany and his advisory role to Oppenheimer, showcasing his ability to blend intellectual prowess with practical wisdom. His foresight and strategic thinking were remarkable, revealing a man who was much more than just a "science nerd."