Biography of the American physicist who led the U.S. effort to develop the atomic bomb during World War II, only to find himself suspected as a security risk in the 1950s.Biography of the American physicist who led the U.S. effort to develop the atomic bomb during World War II, only to find himself suspected as a security risk in the 1950s.Biography of the American physicist who led the U.S. effort to develop the atomic bomb during World War II, only to find himself suspected as a security risk in the 1950s.
- Nominated for 2 Primetime Emmys
- 3 wins & 7 nominations total
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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.
10teleny
...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!
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.
I saw the mini-series on PBS when I was in high school. I was a junior taking physics. The shows were so engrossing and inspiring I ended up doing every problem in my text book. I've gone on to become a nuclear physicist in no small part due to "Oppenheimer." I stumbled across this site in my attempts to obtain a copy of this mini-series on VHS or DVD. If anyone knows where I could get a copy, I'd be very grateful for the information. Thanks!
10databong
I saw this series on PBS in 1980 in college and I still can't get it out of my head, although I have never seen it since. I remember every cast member (the casting WAS perfect, as mentioned in other comments), the design, the lighting and, of course, the story, which is by itself is enough to keep you glued to the set. Probably the best TV series I ever saw next to the original "Roots."
Did you know
- TriviaSam Waterston and Christopher Muncke worked together again in 1989's "The Nightmare Years (1989)" in which Sam Waterston played William L. Shirer and Christopher Muncke played Peter Butler.
- GoofsIn the final scene of the series, set in Oppenheimer's garden in the USA, there is a lot of birdsong, all of it recognisably European. Prominent are the songs of blackbird and willow warbler, two species which are not present in the Americas.
- Quotes
J. Robert Oppenheimer: I am Become Death, the Destroyer of Worlds
J. Robert Oppenheimer: I feel we have blood on our hands
- ConnectionsFeatured in The 34th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards (1982)
- How many seasons does Oppenheimer have?Powered by Alexa
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