In Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem, after years of being sheltered from the human world, the Turtle brothers set out to win the hearts of New Yorkers and be accepted as normal teenagers through heroic acts. Their new friend April O’Neil helps them take on mysterious crime syndicate, but they soon get in over their heads when an army of mutants is unleashed upon them.
Directed by Jeff Rowe, the film is produced by Seth Rogen, Evan Goldberg and James Weaver.
The ensemble voice cast includes Micah Abbey, Shamon Brown Jr, Hannibal Buress, Rose Byrne, Nicolas Cantu, John Cena, Jackie Chan, Ice Cube, Natasia Demetriou, Ayo Edebiri, Giancarlo Esposito, Post Malone, Brady Noon, Seth Rogen, Paul Rudd and Maya Rudolph.
In Philippine cinemas starting August 23, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem is distributed in the Philippines by Paramount Pictures through Columbia Pictures. Connect with #MutantMayhem #TMNTMovie and tag paramountpicsph
Photo and Video Credit: “Paramount Pictures International”
Ben Wheatley is known for directing horror, but his best-known work include the quiet sort of horror from psychological thrillers like “Kill List” and thrilling mysteries like “Rebecca” – as opposed to screamfests such as “Meg 2: The Trench.”
“There’s something very blue-collar about all of it, the nuts and bolts, and they’re not superheroes,” Wheatley told Total Film magazine in 2021 of the characters of the “Meg” movies. “Even though they do quite outlandish stuff, there’s a vulnerability to them, which is exciting. There’s something about the superhero genre where, much as I enjoy it, as it gets bigger and bigger and bigger, there’s problems with the way they’re just invulnerable. That lessens the tension. I like human risk. That side of it is interesting to me.”
More than the characters, Wheatley is also all praises for the casting because the international makeup of the cast reflects back the nature of global scientific ventures. “Our cast is based around the realism found in the world of science,” says Wheatley in another interview. “Usually, an oceanic research group would be pulling the best people from all over the globe, with a mix of people from everywhere.”
Wheatley is also known for the dark comedy and action in some of his films, and with “Meg 2” starring Jason Statham and global action icon Wu Jing, expect plenty of heart-pounding action! Jason Statham is always keen to do as many of his own stunts as possible, and about Wu Jing, Wheatley shares that at one point while filming an explosive sequence, Jing volunteered to have a camera strapped to him to get an up-close shot of the actual explosions. Wheatley explains, “We did that a few times with Wu Jing and it always turned out well. It really puts the viewer into the action when you do that. He was always ready to do anything, and never a complaint. I think he could break his leg and he’d still be going, ‘Yeah, I’m fine.’”
Dive into uncharted waters with Jason Statham and global action icon Wu Jing as they lead a daring research team on an exploratory dive into the deepest depths of the ocean. Their voyage spirals into chaos when a malevolent mining operation threatens their mission and forces them into a high-stakes battle for survival. Pitted against colossal Megs and relentless environmental plunderers, our heroes must outrun, outsmart, and outswim their merciless predators in a pulse-pounding race against time.
Jason Statham and Wu Jing lead an ensemble cast that also includes Sophia Cai (“The Meg”), Page Kennedy (“The Meg”), Sergio Peris-Mencheta (“Rambo: Last Blood”), Skyler Samuels (“The Gifted”), and Cliff Curtis (“Avatar” franchise).
“Meg 2: The Trench” is directed by Ben Wheatley (“In the Earth,” “Free Fire”), from a screenplay by Jon Hoeber & Erich Hoeber (“The Meg,” “Transformers: Rise of the Beasts”) and Dean Georgaris (“The Meg,” “Lara Croft: Toom Raider – The Cradle of Life”), and a screen story by Dean Georgaris and Jon Hoeber & Erich Hoeber, based on the novel The Trench by Steve Alten. The film is produced by Lorenzo di Bonaventura (“The Meg,” “Bumblebee”) and Belle Avery (“The Meg,” “Before the Devil Knows You’re Dead”), and executive produced by Jason Statham, Cate Adams, Ruigang Li, Catherine Xujun Ying, Wu Jing, E. Bennett Walsh, Erik Howsam, Gerald R. Molen and Randy Greenberg.
In Philippine cinemas starting August 2, “Meg 2: The Trench” is distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Discovery company.
Join the conversation online and use the hashtag #Meg2
Get ready for a captivating week at the movies! From thrill-seeking Disney fans with “Haunted Mansion” to indie enthusiasts with “Litrato.” Anime lovers can rejoice with “Psycho-Pass: Providence,” while horror and thriller fans will be captivated by “Talk to Me.” And for those seeking a thought-provoking conundrum, “The Cheating Game” adds to the excitement. This week’s cinematic offerings have it all. So find your perfect movie match and settle into those cinema seats, because an exciting lineup of films awaits you!
Based on the popular Disney theme park attraction, this film is a supernatural extravaganza, combining chills, laughs, and star power in one hauntingly entertaining package. With a star-studded cast, including Tiffany Haddish, Owen Wilson, and Danny DeVito, this movie pays a spellbinding tribute to the classic ride. Brace yourself for a ghostly adventure through eerie corridors and secret séance rooms.
A heartwarming drama-comedy directed by esteemed filmmaker Luisito Lagdameo Ignacio, skillfully explores the poignant narrative of memory loss through an engaging blend of Filipino culture. Led by AiAi Delas Alas, and featuring a stellar supporting cast including Ara Mina, Liza Lorena, Bodjie Pascua, and Quinn Carrillo, the film spotlights Lola Edna, an elderly woman in an aged care facility grappling with dementia. Her challenging journey towards recollection is forever changed by Angel, a new caregiver whose gentleness breaks through Lola Edna’s harsh exterior, leading them from a tense love-hate relationship to becoming kindred spirits. A revelation on Lola Edna’s 65th birthday forever alters their bond, marking “Litrato” as a testament to the power of human connection amidst adversity.
Calling all dystopian futurists and cyberpunk connoisseurs! The long-awaited “Psycho-Pass: Providence” is ready to conquer the big screen. Building on the beloved anime series, this film takes us deeper into the ethical quandaries of the Sibyl System and its law enforcement. With its signature blend of philosophical musings and breathtaking animation, “Psycho-Pass: Providence” is primed to captivate both the franchise’s die-hard fans and newcomers. Brace yourself for thrilling action, cerebral narratives, and a society where a single digit determines one’s fate.
In the heart-stopping film, “Talk to Me,” friends stumble upon a chilling method of summoning spirits using an embalmed hand, leading them down a path of unprecedented thrill. However, as their obsession grows, one of them oversteps the mark, setting loose malevolent supernatural forces. Directed by the audacious duo, Danny and Michael Philippou, also known as RackaRacka, this film catapults viewers straight into a terrifying journey.
“The Cheating Game” is a thought-provoking film centered on the lives of Hope, played by Julie Anne San Jose, and Miguel, played by Rayver Cruz. Hope, an NGO worker, discovers her fiance’s infidelity, leading her to cancel their engagement and leave her job to seek a fresh start. In her journey of rediscovery, she encounters Miguel, a self-made businessman carrying his own scars of betrayal. As they draw closer, secrets from their past begin to unravel, revealing surprising connections and shared experiences of deceit. This poignant story gracefully handles the emotional complexities of relationships and the resilience of the human spirit when dealing with infidelity.
FAN FAVORITES STILL SHOWING
These films continue to draw in audiences, so if you haven’t caught them yet, better make your way to the cinemas soon! Here’s a list of fan favorites that are still playing in cinemas:
There you have it, movie buffs! This week’s lineup offers a diverse range of cinematic treats to suit every taste. Don’t miss your chance to catch these must-see flicks while they’re still showing. Have a great time at the movies!
Hello, ghost hunters and Disney aficionados! Today, we’re about to lift the tombstone on Walt Disney Pictures’ “Haunted Mansion”, inspired by the beloved theme park attraction. Let’s venture into the ghostly halls and learn more about this eerie, entertaining film. Are you brave enough to join us?
1. A Director’s Personal Connection to the Mansion Turned Into Cinematic Magic
One of the intriguing facts about the making of “Haunted Mansion” is the personal history of the film’s director, Justin Simien, with the theme park attraction. Not only did he grow up adoring the Haunted Mansion ride, but he also worked at Disneyland during his film school days, spending all his breaks on the ride. Much of his family is from Louisiana and the New Orleans area, granting him an intimate understanding of the location’s rich history. This personal connection and deep understanding of the source material helped him capture the unique tone and visual landscape of the film, adding an authentic touch to the spooky narrative.
Simien ensured cultural authenticity in “Haunted Mansion” by drawing from his deep understanding of Black Creole culture, mirroring the demographics of New Orleans by having a Black lead, and enhancing the film’s cultural setting. Simien’s commitment to preserving the charm of the original ride through practical effects and real-time cast interaction, coupled with a carefully selected ensemble cast, aims to provide audiences with laughter and escapism while subtly transforming their fears about death and grief into something tangible and less intimidating.
2. From Theme Park to Silver Screen
Would you believe that the original concept for “Haunted Mansion” was born in a theme park, not a scriptwriter’s notebook? The film is actually inspired by the legendary Disneyland attraction of the same name. It’s one of several Disney movies—like “Pirates of the Caribbean”—that have their roots in the iconic amusement park. Disneyland, Disney’s storied amusement park, has consistently provided a rich source of inspiration for cinematic narratives, birthing a series of prosperous movies.
Inheriting the spooky allure of its theme park equivalent, the film “Haunted Mansion” stands as the newest addition to a series of movies derived from Disneyland attractions. Notably, the wildly successful “Pirates of the Caribbean” franchise also shares a similar origin, having started as a beloved Disneyland ride.
Disney’s talent lies in its capability to craft captivating stories from the most unconventional origins, transmuting a basic theme park ride into an expansive cinematic venture. In its transition from theme park to the big screen, Disney continues to fuse various forms of entertainment, thereby delivering Disneyland’s enchantment and awe to a global audience.
3. Ensemble Cast Brings Unique Characters to Life
Featuring a star-studded ensemble cast, the film encapsulates the spirit of Disney’s famous theme park attraction. LaKeith Stanfield appears as Ben, an expert in paranormal activities, with his own experience of the theme park ride inspiring his portrayal. Tiffany Haddish brings to life Harriet, a French Quarter psychic tracing her powerful ancestry. Owen Wilson, acclaimed for roles like ‘Loki’, depicts Father Kent, an unconventional priest with a specialty in exorcisms. Veteran actor Danny DeVito delivers a standout performance as Professor Bruce Davis, a character molded by DeVito’s encounters with the Haunted Mansion ride. Rosario Dawson embodies Gabbie, a physician and mother who relocates to a haunted house, a dream role for the lifelong Disney and Haunted Mansion enthusiast.
In supporting roles, Chase W. Dillon, a young talent, portrays Gabbie’s son Travis, forming close bonds with his co-stars during filming. Daniel Levy, the face of ‘Schitt’s Creek’, enacts Vic, the theatrical owner of a bed-and-breakfast tied to the Haunted Mansion. Oscar winner Jamie Lee Curtis stars as the iconic Madame Leota, a thrilling role for Curtis who has visited the Haunted Mansion ride numerous times. In a unique nod to Disney’s legacy, the character Alastair Crump echoes the last name of Disney Imagineer Rollie Crump, a key contributor to the original theme park attraction. Cameos from Hasan Minhaj, Marilu Henner, and comedian Jo Koy further enrich the “Haunted Mansion” film, making it a splendid cinematic tribute to one of Disney’s most cherished attractions.
4. Meticulous Set Design Breathes Life into the Haunted Mansion
One of the major highlights in the creation of Disney’s “Haunted Mansion” was the extensive effort put into designing and constructing the film sets, in a successful bid to transport the audience into a world that felt both surreal and true to the original theme park ride. It showcases a remarkable feat of set design, marrying elements of fantasy with authentic details from the original theme park ride. Helmed by an esteemed team including Production Designer Darren Gilford, Academy Award®-winning Set Decorator Victor J. Zolfo, and Property Master Steven B. Melton, the production involved crafting grandiose sets like a two-story façade of Gracey Manor, an expansive dining room, and Madame Leota’s secret séance room.
Disney’s Imagineers were instrumental in the process, providing a detailed guide to the theme park rides’ specifics, which inspired the film’s easter eggs and iconic elements such as the Stretching Room and the giant chandelier. The final product, achieved through detailed touchstones such as wallpaper, door handles, etchings, and dozens of paintings, aimed to reflect the feel of the original ride rather than being an exact replica.The cast lauded the production design for its meticulous details and vast expanses, which significantly contributed to their performances. The film also saw the recreation of the Crump House, modeled after the Haunted Mansion attraction at Disney World in Orlando, Florida, with elements of French and Rococo reflecting Crump’s personality. After wrapping up in Atlanta, the crew relocated to New Orleans, highlighting the city’s unique traditions, like the opening scene’s funeral procession. This synergy between set design and locale made “Haunted Mansion” a truly immersive cinematic experience.
5. The Art of Costume and Makeup Transforms Actors into Spectral Beings
An in-house atelier approach was adopted by Academy Award® nominated Costume Designer Jeffrey Kurland. He meticulously designed costumes that span from the late 1700s to the present day, ensuring authenticity to each period while adding his creative flair. The custom costumes were not confined to the principal cast, as he also brought to life the ghostly inhabitants of the mansion. Notably, Tiffany Haddish’s character, Harriet, was dressed in a blend of Louisiana Creole, Romanian gypsy, and neo-soul styles, enhanced with multi-colored head wraps and custom-made lace-up boots, while Owen Wilson’s character, a hipster priest, was fitted in custom-made black attire with red accents, topped with a vintage-inspired black velvet bowler hat and several talismans. While locked in the mansion, his costume shifted to a black chinoiserie style silk lounge robe worn over cream silk pajamas with a red knit beanie, exhibiting a different facet of his character. The task of transforming Jamie Lee Curtis into Madame Leota was a unique challenge, tackled by a team of dedicated artisans under Kurland, who painstakingly crafted every detail of her elaborate attire.
The realm of special effects makeup was expertly handled by Academy Award®-winning Makeup Designer Joel Harlow. He adapted seven of the original ride’s most memorable ghosts into cinematic characters, with actors spending around four hours each in hair and makeup. He ingeniously integrated a fluorescent pigment into the silicone prosthetics, giving the ghost actors a ghostly glow under the set lighting. Harlow, alongside the visual effects team, ensured a seamless blend of fantasy and reality, encapsulating the magical essence of the “Haunted Mansion.”
So, there you have it—5 spooktacular facts about Walt Disney Pictures’ “Haunted Mansion”. The next time you sit down to watch this film or ride the Disneyland attraction, you’ll have some behind-the-scenes secrets to share. Remember, there’s always room for one more… Are you brave enough to join the 999 happy haunts?
Hey there, Marvel fans! Get ready to buckle up for an adrenaline-pumping ride because Marvel Studios has just dropped an electrifying new trailer and poster for their highly anticipated feature film, “The Marvels” This epic superhero flick is set to hit theaters this November, and we couldn’t be more thrilled!
In “The Marvels,” we’ll witness our beloved Carol Danvers, also known as Captain Marvel, embarking on a gripping journey. After triumphantly reclaiming her identity from the oppressive Kree and settling her score with the formidable Supreme Intelligence, Carol finds herself confronting unforeseen consequences. Brace yourselves as she grapples with the daunting task of stabilizing a universe thrown into turmoil.
But that’s not all, folks! The excitement soars to new heights as Carol’s path collides with an anomalous wormhole connected to a Kree revolutionary. Here’s where things get even more fascinating—her extraordinary powers become intertwined with two remarkable individuals: the exuberant super-fan from Jersey City, Kamala Khan, a.k.a. Ms. Marvel, and Captain Monica Rambeau, now a skilled S.A.B.E.R. astronaut and Carol’s estranged niece. Together, these three unlikely heroes must unite their strengths and learn to harmonize as a team to save the universe in epic style—brace yourselves for “The Marvels“!
Starring in this action-packed spectacle are some incredible talents. Brie Larson is back in action as the fearless Captain Marvel, alongside Teyonah Parris as Captain Monica Rambeau and the spirited Iman Vellani portraying the young and energetic Ms. Marvel, Kamala Khan. The stellar cast also includes Zawe Ashton, Gary Lewis, Park Seo-Jun, Zenobia Shroff, Mohan Kapur, Saagar Shaikh, and the one and only Samuel L. Jackson!
Under the skillful direction of Nia DaCosta and with the visionary Kevin Feige at the helm as producer, “The Marvels” promises to be an exhilarating cinematic experience. But that’s not all—the executive producers, Louis D’Esposito, Victoria Alonso, Mary Livanos, Jonathan Schwartz, and Matthew Jenkins, along with the brilliant screenplay by Megan McDonnell, Nia DaCosta, Elissa Karasik, and Zeb Wells, ensure a gripping and entertaining ride from start to finish.
So, mark your calendars, dear readers, and gear up to witness a cosmic clash of heroes like never before. “The Marvels” is set to redefine the boundaries of superhero storytelling, and you won’t want to miss a single electrifying moment. Stay tuned for more updates as we countdown to the epic release this November! Higher. Further. Faster. Together!
Fiery from its first five days of release in the Philippines, “Oppenheimer” grossed P19.018M alone in just 9 IMAX screens, now making it the highest-grossing IMAX release for 2023. From regular 2D screens it hauled another P38.74M cinemas nationwide. This makes it now the 2nd Biggest Saturday Opening for a Universal Pictures release (next to Fast X and ahead of The Super Mario Bros. Movie). It has also solidified its place here as the 3rd Biggest Weekend Opening for a Christopher Nolan film, after The Dark Knight Rises and The Dark Knight, but ahead of Batman Begins. Despite its R-16 rating and a limited market share, the first weekend box-office reflects a 650% increase in initial forecast that’s above most optimistic targets and is poised to reach P100M and beyond in the next days or weeks.
Best seen in IMAX, Christopher Nolan has strongly advocated for the big screen experience for all of his films. The filmmaker who pushed the limits of cinematic storytelling to tell epic stories about unlikely heroes and audacious schemes that examine the necessity, morality, and hubris of ambitious endeavor has successfully engaged the worldwide audience once again in his latest immersive cinematic work in Oppenheimer.
Oppenheimer is an IMAX®-shot epic thriller that thrusts audiences into the pulse-pounding paradox of the enigmatic man who must risk destroying the world in order to save it. The film gathers together an extraordinary and massive cast that includes Cillian Murphy, Emily Blunt, Robert Downey Jr., Matt Damon, Florence Pugh, Matthew Modine, Tom Conti, Rami Malek, Kenneth Branagh, Josh Hartnett, Casey Affleck, Benny Safdie and Josh Peck.
The film was shot exclusively with large format cameras—Panavision® 65mm and IMAX® 65mm. “What large-format photography gives you is clarity, first and foremost,” says Nolan. “It’s a format that allows the audience to become fully immersed in the story and in the reality that you’re taking them to. In the case of Oppenheimer, it’s a story of great scope and great scale and great span.”
“What I wanted to do was take the audience into the mind and the experience of a person who sat at the absolute center of the largest shift in history,” concludes Nolan. “Like it or not, J. Robert Oppenheimer is the most important person who ever lived. He made the world we live in, for better or for worse. And his story must be seen to be believed.”
From Universal Pictures International, Oppenheimer is now showing nationwide in 227 cinemas.
Push that button and reserve your #OppenheimerPH tickets at your favorite cinemas!
Greta Gerwig’s “Barbie” arrived in theaters globally to a record-shattering $337 million worldwide, taking in $182 million in international markets and $155 million in the U.S., and counting. The announcement was made by Jeff Goldstein, President of Domestic Distribution, and Andrew Cripps, President of International Distribution, for Warner Bros. Pictures.
Watch the “Greta’s Vision” for “Barbie” in this featurette:
Swept in on a wave of social memes and sell-out shows, “Barbie” sailed into international theaters beginning Wednesday July 19, and took the #1 spot in 55 markets, including the Philippines where it also broke records. The Margot Robbie-Ryan Gosling starrer now holds the local record for the biggest Warner Bros. opening weekend for the year and during the COVID era, and the biggest opening weekend locally for director Gerwig and Gosling, who plays Ken.
Propelled by massive anticipation and widespread critical praise, “Barbie” has scored well with audiences, earning an A audience score and a 90% audience rating from Rotten Tomatoes. The Robbie-led film about the classic doll was a hit with critics as well, with a 90% certified fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes as of this writing.
“The massive, overwhelming response we’ve seen out there proves what we’ve known from the beginning: that ‘Barbie’ is not only an incredibly special film, but clearly the theatrical event of the summer, if not the year,” said Warner Brothers’ Jeff Goldstein, President of Domestic Distribution. “Greta, Margot, Ryan and the entire ‘Barbie’ team have delivered exactly the kind of fun, transporting theatrical experience that audiences everywhere have been craving, as they continue to demonstrate in numbers we haven’t seen since before the pandemic. We couldn’t be more thrilled to be part of it, and congratulate everyone involved in this brilliant labor of love.”
Added Andrew Cripps, President of International Distribution for Warner Bros. Pictures: “The incredible results we’ve seen across every releasing market is a testament to not only Greta’s singular vision but the cross-generational impact of Mattel’s iconic creation all over the world. Everything about this film – from its cotton candy-pink wit to the warm-hearted optimism at its core – is engaging with people of all ages in a powerful way, as the long lines at theaters and massive excitement on social media continue to attest. Greta Gerwig and her remarkable cast and crew have delivered absolutely the right film at the right time, and with word-of-mouth and repeat business this strong, that momentum is likely to continue well into the year.”
To live in Barbie Land is to be a perfect being in a perfect place. Unless you have a full-on existential crisis. Or you’re a Ken.
From Oscar-nominated writer/director Greta Gerwig comes “Barbie,” starring Oscar-nominees Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling as Barbie and Ken, alongside America Ferrera, Kate McKinnon, Michael Cera, Ariana Greenblatt, Issa Rae, Rhea Perlman and Will Ferrell. The film also stars Ana Cruz Kayne, Emma Mackey, Hari Nef, Alexandra Shipp, Kingsley Ben-Adir, Simu Liu, Ncuti Gatwa, Scott Evans, Jamie Demetriou, Connor Swindells, Sharon Rooney, Nicola Coughlin and Oscar-winner Helen Mirren.
Gerwig directed “Barbie” from a screenplay by Gerwig & Oscar nominee Noah Baumbach, based on Barbie by Mattel. The film’s producers are Oscar nominee David Heyman, Robbie, Tom Ackerley and Robbie Brenner, with Michael Sharp, Josey McNamara, Ynon Kreiz, Courtenay Valenti, Toby Emmerich and Cate Adams serving as executive producers.
Now showing in Philippine cinemas, “Barbie” is distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Discovery company.
Join the conversation online and use the hashtag #Barbie #BarbieTheMovie
It’s been days since “Oppenheimer” hit the big screens, and it’s already creating a nuclear reaction amongst film enthusiasts worldwide. If you haven’t watched it yet, or you’re still hyped from the viewing, we’ve compiled a list of fun and fascinating facts about the film that explores the life of the man behind the world’s deadliest weapon.
Cillian Murphy is J. Robert Oppenheimer in OPPENHEIMER, written, produced, and directed by Christopher Nolan.
1. A Visionary’s Tale Brought to Life
“Oppenheimer” is yet another testament to Christopher Nolan’s penchant for audacious storytelling, characterized by its exploration of unlikely heroes and grand ideas. Nolan, an Oscar-nominated writer-director known for pushing the boundaries of cinematic narratives, takes on his most ambitious project yet with “Oppenheimer”. Driven by a compelling narrative inspired by the Pulitzer Prize-winning book “American Prometheus” by Kai Bird and Martin J. Sherwin, Nolan aims to transport the audience into the heart of a momentous historical shift. As Nolan puts it, “Like it or not, J. Robert Oppenheimer is the most important person who ever lived. He made the world we live in, for better or for worse. And his story must be seen to be believed.” Known as the “Father of the Atomic Bomb,” Oppenheimer’s work has left an indelible imprint on human civilization. Nolan, acclaimed for his gripping narratives and the depth of his character studies, turns his lens towards this scientific titan. Viewers will not only witness the unfolding of a historic era but also experience the inner workings of a mind that has shaped our present and future.
2. Breaking Ground in Cinematic Technique
“Oppenheimer” raises the bar in film production by employing an innovative mix of IMAX® 65mm and 65mm large-format film photography. For the first time in cinematic history, the movie includes segments shot using IMAX® black and white analogue photography. This trailblazing approach provides a unique visual experience, setting a new standard in film aesthetics. As a product of a highly decorated production team that includes Oscar® nominees Emma Thomas and Charles Roven, as well as renowned director Christopher Nolan, “Oppenheimer” is destined to add a significant chapter to the epic narrative of cinema.
3. The Birth of “Oppenheimer” – Embracing the Terrible Possibility
While crafting “Oppenheimer”, director Christopher Nolan drew deeply from the well of fear that the scientists of the Manhattan Project faced. They were dealing with what J. Robert Oppenheimer himself called “the terrible possibility” – the slight chance that igniting the first atomic bomb could incinerate the entire planet’s atmosphere. Despite this looming dread, they “pushed the button” and forever altered human history. Nolan’s desire was to transport the audience into the room where that fateful decision was made, to let them feel the palpable tension and the consequentiality of that moment. This raw, riveting exploration of the ethical dilemmas and paradoxes faced by Oppenheimer, set against the backdrop of one of humanity’s most destructive inventions, provides the film with a compelling narrative core. The aim was to balance a subjective portrayal of Oppenheimer’s journey with an objective look at the seismic impact of his actions. Interestingly, scenes told from Oppenheimer’s perspective are filmed in color, whilst segments focusing on Lewis Strauss, another key player in shaping America’s nuclear policy, are presented in black and white.
4. A Stellar Ensemble Cast
Christopher Nolan’s “Oppenheimer” commands attention not only for its compelling story but also for its outstanding ensemble cast. Each character, representing a key figure of the 20th century, is uniquely depicted, avoiding the common practice of composite characters to ensure the individual contributions of each historical figure are rightfully recognized.
Rami Malek is David Hill in OPPENHEIMER, written, produced, and directed by Christopher Nolan.
The film features Cillian Murphy in the titular role of J. Robert Oppenheimer, bringing to life the complexity and charisma of the ‘Father of the Atomic Bomb’. Oscar nominee Emily Blunt plays his wife, Kitty Oppenheimer, while Robert Downey Jr. portrays Lewis Strauss, another key player in shaping America’s nuclear policy after World War II. Additionally, Matt Damon and Florence Pugh have been cast in key roles, further elevating the caliber of the film.
Each character, whether appearing in brief cameos or substantial scenes, has been designed to leave a lasting impact on the audience, with their performances offering a memorable and vivid portrayal that lingers long after the credits roll. This ensemble of world-class actors, coupled with Nolan’s meticulous attention to detail, makes “Oppenheimer” a standout in historical drama.
5. Rigorous Preparation for Cillian Murphy
Cillian Murphy underwent extensive preparation to authentically depict the brilliant yet enigmatic scientist. Drawing from a wealth of resources such as the book “American Prometheus”, various other literature, and countless hours of footage showing Oppenheimer’s lectures and interviews, Murphy aimed for a nuanced portrayal that balances historical accuracy with creative interpretation.
Cillian Murphy is J. Robert Oppenheimer in OPPENHEIMER, written, produced, and directed by Christopher Nolan.
The actor worked closely with Nolan and renowned costume designer Ellen Mirojnick to fine-tune Oppenheimer’s distinctive look, focusing on elements such as his intense gaze, posture, pipe, and hat. However, Murphy stresses that his portrayal isn’t a mere impression of Oppenheimer but rather a distilled representation of the character as presented in the script and historical materials.
In a bid to gain deeper insight into the character, Murphy consulted with esteemed physicist Kip Thorne to understand the concepts of fission and the nuances of the scientific profession. Despite this, Murphy didn’t attempt to fully comprehend the profound scientific and philosophical concepts that came naturally to Oppenheimer, opting instead to grasp a conceptual understanding and focus on extracting the humanity in his character.
Murphy’s portrayal of Oppenheimer is designed to stimulate thought and provoke reflection on current world events, rather than simply provide a history lesson, reinforcing the importance of thoughtful filmmaking in the cinematic landscape.
6. Meticulous Production Design and Filming Locations
Production designer Ruth De Jong, known for her work on films like “Nope”, “Us”, and “Manchester by the Sea”, was tasked with creating a world that was historically accurate but also in line with Nolan’s preference for a timeless aesthetic. The team went through extensive research but allowed themselves to diverge from exact historical form to craft their vision.
A major aspect of the production design involved recreating the look and feel of Los Alamos, the base for the Manhattan Project. While considering to shoot at the actual site, the team eventually decided against it due to the modernization of the real location. Instead, they designed an elaborate model of Los Alamos which was reduced in scale due to budgetary considerations. Exteriors were filmed at Ghost Ranch in Northern New Mexico, while most of the interiors were shot at the real Los Alamos. This approach added authenticity to the film, even allowing actors Cillian Murphy and Emily Blunt to shoot scenes in the very home where the Oppenheimers lived.
The Trinity test site, a significant location in the film, was originally planned to be shot at the White Sands Proving Ground, the actual site of the Trinity test. However, due to the site being an active military base, they built their version of the test site in Belen, New Mexico.
The film shot scenes at The Institute for Advanced Study, where Oppenheimer and Einstein worked post World War II. This included filming at Einstein’s preserved office, which was redressed to represent Oppenheimer’s, and the original house where Oppenheimer and his wife lived during their time at the Institute. This careful consideration of locations and design decisions attest to the team’s commitment to authenticity while telling the story of Oppenheimer.
7. Unique Cinematography Approach
“Oppenheimer” brought a novel challenge for cinematographer Hoyte van Hoytema and director Christopher Nolan in terms of cinematography. Unlike their previous collaborations that leaned heavily on action, “Oppenheimer” was more akin to a psychological thriller, focusing on the characters’ faces.
The film was shot exclusively with large-format cameras – Panavision® 65mm and IMAX® 65mm – a decision that enhanced the audience’s immersion in the story’s reality. Nolan sought a filming style that was simple yet powerful, providing unadorned, natural photography and revealing the real-world complexity and detail.
Interestingly, the black-and-white sequences required the creation of a new type of film stock. Kodak was approached to produce a 65-millimeter black-and-white film which had never been made before. The resulting prototypal film stock delivered a unique aesthetic appeal that impressed the filmmakers.
The challenge of using large-format film and two different kinds of stock, both color and black-and-white, extended into post-production, with the film needing to be edited, color-corrected, and printed for IMAX®, digital, and standard presentation. This inventive approach to cinematography stands as a distinctive feature of the film.
8. Detailed and Symbolic Costume Design
Acclaimed costume designer Ellen Mirojnick was entrusted with the mission of clothing the characters in Christopher Nolan’s “Oppenheimer.” She meticulously designed costumes that not only adhered to the historical time frame but also highlighted the characters’ personalities and state of mind.
One significant example is the costumes designed for Cillian Murphy’s character, Robert Oppenheimer. His clothing was meant to mirror a man with fine tastes, with his appeal underscored by blue hues that emphasized his piercing blue eyes. The constancy of his style throughout his life, despite changing body shape, was carefully portrayed.
A particular aspect of Oppenheimer’s attire was his distinctive hat. Mirojnick worked extensively to find a hatmaker who could accurately recreate its unique shape, eventually collaborating with Baron Hats, a legendary Hollywood hat maker.
In contrast, Robert Downey Jr.’s character, Lewis Strauss, was always immaculately and fashionably dressed, reflecting his prosperity and success. For instance, for Strauss’ Senate confirmation hearing, his attire was recreated exactly as per a historical photograph, even though the scene is filmed in black and white in the movie.
The character of Kitty Oppenheimer, played by Emily Blunt, also had a significant evolution in her wardrobe that reflected her changing lifestyle and emotional state, moving from being a socialite to a housewife in the desert.
Dressing the multitude of extras for the Los Alamos scenes proved a significant challenge due to the variety of roles and the need to accurately represent different seasons in the harsh New Mexico winter.
9. Expressive and Evolving Film Score
Oscar®-winning composer Ludwig Göransson teamed up again with Christopher Nolan following their collaboration on “Tenet”. Nolan suggested the violin as the basis for the score, associating its precarious tuning and potential for emotional shifts with the personality and intellect of the protagonist, Robert Oppenheimer.
Göransson harnessed the expressive potential of the violin, using techniques like microtonal glissandos to expand the sonic palette and create a soundscape that was both beautiful and unsettling. He began with a solo violin performance that captured Oppenheimer’s essence and gradually added more instruments, including a quartet, octet, and ultimately a large ensemble of strings and brass, as the story evolved. This progressive orchestration mirrored the increasing complexity of Oppenheimer’s journey.
Throughout the composition process, Göransson focused on preserving the organic essence of the violin and strings, with the entire score driven by an organic orchestra. Specific character and thematic motifs, like Kitty Oppenheimer’s haunting piano melody, followed this ethos. However, he also incorporated modern elements, like synthesizers, to symbolize the looming catastrophe and eerie consequences of Oppenheimer’s creation, providing an unearthly atmosphere for the Los Alamos motif.
Recording the score required an intense 5-day period during the post-production phase of the film, with Göransson and his fellow musicians pushing their technical abilities to the limit. Notably, an unbroken recording for a montage sequence required numerous iterations and devoted efforts to perfect.
10. Innovative Use of Practical Effects for Nuclear Explosion
Contrary to the Internet rumor that an actual atomic bomb was detonated for the filming of “Oppenheimer,” director Christopher Nolan and his team utilized innovative practical effects to portray the iconic Trinity nuclear test. Nolan collaborated with Oscar-winning special effects supervisors Scott Fisher and Andrew Jackson, setting a firm rule against the use of computer-generated imagery (CGI).
For the film, Fisher and Jackson explored unconventional techniques to create a visceral, tactile, and threatening representation of the Trinity test’s nuclear explosion. They filmed various experiments like smashing ping pong balls together and throwing paint at a wall, among others, using small digital cameras up close at different frame rates.
Despite being filmed on a small scale initially, these experiments were later translated into the large-scale IMAX format, with the aid of a long, fish-eyed probe lens attached to IMAX and Panavision cameras. The exact process of how the atomic explosion images were created remains top-secret, but the creation of these effects was akin to their own Manhattan Project.
Nolan and his team also employed similar techniques to represent the inner world of Oppenheimer, focusing on unique and personal images that convey the profound shift from Newtonian physics to quantum mechanics. Despite the prevalent use of CGI in similar contexts, Nolan’s emphasis on practical effects generated an idiosyncratic library of both frightening and beautiful images that reflect the thought processes of Oppenheimer.
Now that we’ve revealed ten explosive facts about “Oppenheimer” that enhance your understanding and appreciation of the film, all that’s left for you is to experience the remarkable journey of J. Robert Oppenheimer on the big screen. Don’t miss the chance to witness this monumental cinematic masterpiece!
The chilling trailer and poster for 20th Century Studios’ “A Haunting in Venice,” an unsettling supernatural thriller directed by Oscar® winner Kenneth Branagh based upon the novel “Hallowe’en Party” by Agatha Christie, is available now. The film, which stars Branagh as famed detective Hercule Poirot and features a brilliant acting ensemble portraying a cast of unforgettable characters, including Kyle Allen, Camille Cottin, Jamie Dornan, Tina Fey, Jude Hill, Ali Khan, Emma Laird, Kelly Reilly, Riccardo Scamarcio, and Michelle Yeoh, will open exclusively in theaters September 13, 2023.
“A Haunting in Venice” is set in eerie, post-World War II Venice on All Hallows’ Eve and is a terrifying mystery featuring the return of the celebrated sleuth, Hercule Poirot. Now retired and living in self-imposed exile in the world’s most glamorous city, Poirot reluctantly attends a séance at a decaying, haunted palazzo. When one of the guests is murdered, the detective is thrust into a sinister world of shadows and secrets.
Reuniting many of the filmmakers behind 2017’s “Murder on the Orient Express” and 2022’s “Death on the Nile,” the film is directed by Kenneth Branagh with a screenplay by Oscar® nominee Michael Green based upon Agatha Christie’s novel “Hallowe’en Party.” The producers are Kenneth Branagh, Judy Hofflund, Ridley Scott, and Simon Kinberg, with Louise Killin, James Prichard, and Mark Gordon serving as executive producers.
Who would have thought that the director of such nuanced and meticulous films like ‘Lady Bird’ and ‘Little Women’ would be able to craft such a bombastic film that is fully committed to its absurdity as ‘Barbie.’ Director and screenwriter Greta Gerwig, (with co-screenwriter Noah Baumbach of ‘Marriage Story’) delivers a narrative that never takes itself too seriously, ever, and by doing so manage to break all the rules and expectations set upon as a movie and allows it to go to places both familiar, true, and biting without ever feeling like you are being preached to. Because the politics of the film is part of the joke.
People immediately ask if the film is political, and I find that question difficult to answer. Everything is political and, for sure, ‘Barbie’ gets political, but the film takes its time to set up the parameters of the discussion first and chooses the tone of whimsy and light-hearted comedy. It doesn’t go deep or hit hard until way after the film’s midpoint and you’ve been completely taken over by the absurdist events and hilarity that when the politics comes in, it feels like part of the joke. It doesn’t take away from the truth and the authenticity of it, but it gets to make its statements and they are powerful ones.
After all, the movie presents us with the idea of Barbie world – a place where all the Barbies ever produced (even the discontinued ones) live, living their lives in one perfect day over and over – as an actual place as much as it is an idea. It’s a world that can be left to go to the real world, “our world,” and it can also be visited by humans. When one particular Barbie begins to think of thoughts about death (as seen in the trailer), her perfect world and perfect day is disrupted and her arched feet goes flat.
In order to discover what went wrong, she must travel to the real world to discover the truth. By her side is Ken, who feels his whole life’s objective is to be in support of Barbie. He has no other function, otherwise.
But when they go to the real world, it’s not the world that they expected: not a world of empowered women. Instead, it is a difficult world where men are in power. And things start to change.
What’s great about ‘Barbie’ is that it’s an unhinged, absurdist comedy that is inherently satirical but manages to disguise its most biting commentaries in the form of silliness. It is so fully committed to its style and form that you never feel like the film is standing on a pulpit, though the film actually does go into political monologues. It’s just done in such a way that it is part of the humour and so deep into the film’s narrative that, by that time, you are completely unguarded and just willing to take whatever this film dishes out.
This is achieved by the film’s campy tone – everything is just absurdly colourful and outrageous in its visual style – it leans on the fictional mode that it even skirts the line between cheesy special effects and more sophisticated ones. What is equally incredible is how its stars – most notably Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling – fully commit to the style and aesthetic of this movie.
In fact, Robbie and Gosling provide incredibly textured and nuanced performances. They understand that they are both ideas and actual beings. Robbie works on the level of physicality, her face and body movements are fully in line with that of what a Barbie doll looks like but manages to convey her character’s every thought and feeling. It’s such delicate work that it’s impressive. It’s award-worthy, to be honest. But the one who steals the show is Ryan Gosling, who is so committed to the silliness of his character (and his character gets to do more silly stuff than Robbie’s, who delves into the more existential themes of the film) that it can take center stage sometimes.
But both are amazing and so are the rest of the cast, including such an earnest performance from American Ferrera, who gets the film’s most powerful monologue
For all of the films artifice and how much it leans into its fakeness (of concept, of aesthetic, of its filmmaking) it manages to hit some hard truths about some pressing issues. The film manages to tackle identity and purpose, the roles that are impressed upon us by society, feminism and patriarchy, commercialism, and the pitfalls of capitalism. It manages to poke fun of these things while still asking very serious questions in the process.
And as the film reaches its fever pitch in a huge musical number that is as crazy as it is silly, the film manages to enter a very existential, philosophical conclusion that is completely opposite of the rest of the film, but it feels fitting and honest. The film earns it anyway. It earns every laugh, and every hard-hitting truth that it manages to touch upon.
My Rating:
BARBIE is now showing in cinemas nationwide. Buy your tickets here.
