Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer continues its remarkable journey, breaking records and now claiming the title of the highest-grossing biopic in the history of global cinema.
Over the past weekend, Oppenheimer added to its impressive earnings, reaching a staggering $912.7 million, or approximately Rp 14 trillion, surpassing the previous record held by “Bohemian Rhapsody,” which grossed $910.8 million, or Rp 13.9 trillion, in 2018.
Awards Season Dominance
Beyond its box office triumphs, the film starring Cillian Murphy is poised for major success during the upcoming awards season, much like Bohemian Rhapsody. Speculators predict that Oppenheimer could dominate the 2024 Oscars alongside the highly anticipated Barbie.
However, this prediction has sparked debate due to ongoing protests by Hollywood actors, with some actors refusing to attend award ceremonies as part of their demands. This situation has put the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) in a difficult position, as they must decide whether to proceed with the awards or postpone them.
Historical Significance and Ratings Milestone
Prior to its record-breaking biopic achievement, Oppenheimer also made history as the highest-grossing World War II film of all time. Its earnings far surpassed the previous record holders, “Dunkirk” ($527 million) and “Saving Private Ryan” ($482 million).
Furthermore, Oppenheimer became the first R-rated film to gross over $10 million in a single week, marking a significant milestone. Notably, this film is Christopher Nolan’s first venture into the R-rated category in over 20 years.
Sound Criticism and Nolan’s Artistic Choice
Despite its numerous accomplishments, Oppenheimer faced criticism for its challenging dialogue sound quality, an essential element of enjoying any film. Christopher Nolan, the director, addressed this issue in an interview with Insider.
He explained that he chose not to use Automated Dialogue Replacement (ADR), a common practice where actors re-record their dialogue in post-production. Instead, Nolan opted to use the original on-location audio recordings, enhancing them with additional sound effects to create a more immersive experience.
“I prefer using the actual performance (audio) captured in the moment over having actors re-record their lines. This is an artistic choice that some may disagree with, and that’s their prerogative,” Nolan stated.
Another contributing factor to the sound quality issue was the noise generated by the IMAX cameras used during filming. Nolan acknowledged this challenge but also highlighted the rapid development of software that can filter out camera noise, allowing for more intimate scenes that were previously challenging to capture.
Streaming Release and Future
While Oppenheimer hasn’t yet made its way to streaming platforms, Nolan has revealed plans to release the film in October to November. Fans eagerly await the opportunity to experience the cinematic masterpiece on digital platforms.
In conclusion, Oppenheimer has etched its name into the annals of film history with its unprecedented box office success, dominance in biopics, and groundbreaking achievements. Despite some sound-related criticisms, Christopher Nolan’s artistic vision and commitment to authenticity have contributed to the film’s monumental success and anticipation for its streaming release.