Starring Cillian Murphy in the titular role, Christopher Nolan’s 2023 film Oppenheimer has been one of the most successful movies of the year and has also been the talk of the award season bagging 13 nominations at the 96th Academy Awards. While the movie has received widespread acclaim, including for the stellar performances of the cast, many have raised objections regarding the intimate scene featuring Murphy and Florence Pugh, deeming it irrelevant to the overall narrative.
The Oppenheimer star, however, has argued against it, stating that it was essential to illustrate the profound impact of physicist J. Robert Oppenheimer’s relationship with Jean Tatlock on his life and career.
Cillian Murphy Argues the S*x Scene Was Essential in Oppenheimer
Christopher Nolan’s Oscar-nominated film Oppenheimer features Cillian Murphy embodying the ‘father of the atomic bomb’ J. Robert Oppenheimer. Starring alongside the ensemble cast, Florence Pugh takes on the role of Jean Tatlock.
Oppenheimer had a significant relationship with the psychiatrist, extending beyond his marriage to Kitty Puening (Emily Blunt). In a recent interview with The New York Times, Murphy addressed the criticism directed at the s*x scene involving him and Pugh. Arguing against it, he emphasized the scene’s essential role in unfolding the story, as he stated,
“Well, I think those things are essential for the story. If you’re familiar with the story, it was his relationship with Jean Tatlock which was the thing that really made him lose his security clearance and ultimately kind of cost his career.”
He further explained how Oppenheimer’s relationship with Jean Tatlock impacted the physicist, stating, “I think it was vital to highlight the intimacy and closeness of their relationship.” J. Robert Oppenheimer’s involvement with Tatlock, a woman aligned with communist sympathies, became a prominent issue in his security clearance hearings.
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Cillian Murphy on Working With Christopher Nolan
Cillian Murphy is one of the frequent collaborators of Christopher Nolan and has worked in his movies like The Dark Knight, Inception, and Dunkirk. Oppenheimer marks the sixth collaboration between Nolan and Murphy and the first starring Murphy as the lead.
Talking about his experience taking on the lead role in a Nolan film, the actor shared that the level of trust established over the years has been integral to their shared artistic journey. “I don’t think I could have made this film with anyone else without that level of trust that goes back six movies and 20 years,” he shared during the interview.
The actor further highlighted the dynamic and challenging nature of his collaboration with Nolan, saying, “He really, really pushed me, and I wanted to be pushed.” Among 13 Oscar nominations, Murphy also received the nomination for Best Actor for his performance in the movie.
Oppenheimer is available to rent and buy on Prime Video.
