There has been a great deal of anticipation among fans since the release of the trailer for “Oppenheimer.” This excitement is not only due to its impressive cast or Christopher Nolan’s directorial expertise but also because the film focuses on the life of the renowned American physicist, J Robert Oppenheimer.
Despite his significant contributions to the creation of the Atomic bomb, much of Oppenheimer’s life remains a mystery. For those seeking further knowledge, read on to discover more.
How Did J Robert Oppenheimer Die?
Robert Oppenheimer died in 1967, two years after being diagnosed with throat cancer. Oppenheimer was a chain smoker, and his habit led to bouts of tuberculosis, eventually causing throat cancer. Despite undergoing radiation treatment and chemotherapy in late 1966, he was unsuccessful in his battle against the disease.
Back in the 1960s, there weren’t many effective ways to treat aggressive types of cancer, especially in later stages, even though medical sciences had made some progress.
On February 15, 1967, Oppenheimer fell into a coma and passed away in Princeton, New Jersey. The funeral of the legendary physicist was witnessed by a congregation of more than six hundred individuals, comprising his scientific, political, and military associates.
They all paid their respects at Princeton, symbolizing their heartfelt condolences and admiration toward the man, who went on to be reckoned as the “father of the atomic bomb.’ Oppenheimer was 62 years old when he passed away.
The Institute for Advanced Study awarded Oppenheimer with the $50,000 Fermi award for his outstanding contributions to “theoretical physics and his scientific and administrative leadership.’”
Five years later, Oppenheimer’s wife, Katherine, whom he affectionately referred to as Kitty, passed away owing to an intestinal infection. The couple was survived by their two kids, Peter and Katherine.
What Was Oppenheimer Famous For?
J. Robert Oppenheimer was a really smart American physicist who was in charge of the Los Alamos Laboratory during the Manhattan Project. As the overseer of research and design for the atomic bomb, Oppenheimer’s contributions were instrumental in the success of the project.
They tested the first nuclear weapon on July 16, 1945, in New Mexico, and it was a big deal. Oppenheimer became famous for being the “father of the atomic bomb.” Apart from his inventions, he was also highly inspired by the Hindu Scripture Bhagavad Gita and his famous quote, “Now I am become Death, the destroyer of worlds.” roots from here.
Oppenheimer was at the first test himself. Later, they used these bombs to attack Hiroshima and Nagasaki in August 1945. This is the only time nuclear weapons have ever been used in a war.
Even though he was nominated three times, Oppenheimer never won the Nobel Prize in physics.
Is Oppenheimer Movie Based on True Events?
Although the Christopher Nolan directorial is based on the life of the legendary physicist, most part of the movie is taken from the life of Robert Oppenheimer, except for a few scenes, which would be a work of fiction.
Nolan’s movie indeed tells us the true story of the invention of the atomic bomb and remains faithful to historical events; a few fictitious elements have been incorporated to enhance the storytelling.
During the Second World War, Lieutenant General Leslie Groves Jr. entrusted physicist J. Robert Oppenheimer with the top-secret Manhattan Project. Oppenheimer, along with his team of scientists, devoted several years to researching and constructing the atomic bomb. Finally, on July 16, 1945, they bore witness to the world’s first nuclear explosion, an event that forever changed the course of history.
Oppenheimer premiered at Le Grand Rex in Paris on July 11, 2023, and was theatrically released in the United Kingdom and the United States on July 21, 2023, by Universal Pictures.
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