Christopher Nolan’s upcoming summer blockbuster Oppenheimer features some of the most prominent and influential physicists. From the titular character to Heisenberg, Bohr, and Feynman, the movie has big shots of the physics world.
However, the biggest surprise was presented by the latest trailer of Oppenheimer, which featured a glimpse of Albert Einstein. The movie’s subject matter connects Oppenheimer to Einstein, as the latter is indirectly responsible for the development of nuclear weapons.
The historical biopic will focus on the life, struggle, and legacy of Oppenheimer and the brilliant Manhatten Project, which altered the history of the world forever. The words “You’re the man who gave them the power to destroy themselves… and the world is not prepared” directed at the father of the atomic bomb rings true.
Yet, did the two ever have any significant collaboration? Why was Einstein featured in the trailer? Read on to find out why Nolan thought Einstein’s presence was necessary.
Did Oppenheimer Ever Meet Einstein? What Is the Connection Between Them?
Yes, J. Robert Oppenheimer met Albert Einstein in January 1932. The Oppenheimer movie is based on the American Prometheus biopic, which contains a testimonial by Oppenheimer’s father that both physicists had “a couple of short talks” during their time at CalTech.
Both were extremely busy, but it would be improbable not to have a few conversations while working at the same place for almost eight years. Oppenheimer was the director at CalTech from 1947-1966, and Einstein was a faculty member from 1933 till he passed away in 1955.
Both attended events, conferences, and other discussions at the time. They are also known to have exchanged some rare correspondence.
Was Einstein Involved in the Creation of the Atomic Bomb?
No, Einstein and Oppenheimer did not work together in the creation of the atomic bomb. Einstein was denied a security clearance due to his ideologies and pacifist tendencies. However, both played a role in the development of the nuclear bomb. While the former was involved in person and is one of the notable figures in the project, the latter was involved indirectly as his equation E=mc² became the theoretical foundation for nuclear energy.
Albert Einstein also co-authored a letter to the then president, Roosevelt, in 1939, warning that Nazi Germany might develop an atomic bomb, which ultimately urged the Manhattan Project.
The infamous project led to a scientific collaboration to harness the power of an atom. Oppenheimer was the scientific director of the project.
Later as the destructive power of the bombs became evident. Both Oppenheimer and Einstein rallied against their usage. They were concerned about the use of such weapons of mass murder and opposed the development of the hydrogen bomb. Both shared the same views on other issues like nuclear testing, disarmament, and espionage.
Einstein even regretted his decision to sign the letter to Roosevelt. “Had I known that the Germans would not succeed in developing an atomic bomb, I would have done nothing.”
Why Is Einstein in the Oppenheimer Movie?
The three-minute trailer of Oppenheimer gives a short glimpse of Einstein, who is waiting for Oppenheimer at the bank of a waterbody, likely to have a conversation. The very next shot shows a disappointed look on Einstein’s face.
It looks like one of them will seek out the other in the wake of the destruction the bomb will cause. Either Einstein will give him valuable advice for the project, which seems unlikely, or help ease the man’s burden after experiencing the bomb’s full powers.
The appearance of Albert Einstein in the movie has stirred up movie buffs, especially Nolan worshippers, who claim it to be the perfect mysterious touch.
Einstein’s opposition to nuclear warfare is a well-known topic and thus might find a place in the movie. The duo might converge their voices at this point to rally against the terrifying child of the Manhattan Project.
The devastation in Hiroshima and Nagasaki deeply shook the physicist, and he even wrote a public missive to the United Nations and proposed the formation of a world government to stop the usage of nuclear weapons.
Christopher Nolan’s upcoming movie could explore the solidarity between Oppenheimer and Einstein; however, the latter’s specific role is still up for debate, and you must wait for the film to get a more concrete answer.
Oppenheimer is all set to release on July 21, 2023, in theaters. Meanwhile, comment below to tell us about all the theories you have regarding the movie.
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