As the movie’s release approached, much speculation arose regarding the extent of CGI usage in Oppenheimer. Some of the most intriguing elements, including Nolan’s recreation of the atomic bomb explosion and other artistic embellishments, sparked curiosity among audiences. Plus, Nolan’s statement in an interview with Collider, where he claimed there were “zero CGI shots” in Oppenheimer, also added to confusion and debate.
This led to questions about which moments in the film were genuinely captured on camera through practical effects and which were entirely computer-generated. The director’s own comments on the absence of visual effects throughout the film’s 3-hour runtime only added to the mystery.
Explanation of “no CGI”
Throughout Oppenheimer, Christopher Nolan’s commitment to realism is evident. However, contrary to some misconceptions, the director never claimed that Oppenheimer had absolutely no CGI. Rather, he emphasized that no shots in the movie were entirely dependent on visual effects alone.
The director collaborated with the visual effects studio DNEG to enhance and complement practical elements with well-integrated CGI. The goal was to ensure a seamless and immersive experience for the audience.
While practical effects were heavily emphasized, the CGI was strategically and carefully employed in specific sequences, highlighting the practical elements without overpowering them. The collaboration between Nolan and DNEG ensured that the visual effects seamlessly integrated with the real footage. The ultimate result was a cohesive and engrossing cinematic experience.
Bomb explosion as the most impressive accomplishment
Christopher Nolan’s steadfast commitment to avoiding CGI in Oppenheimer resulted in one of the film’s most remarkable achievements—a practical atomic bomb explosion. The narrative of J. Robert Oppenheimer’s life centers heavily around the Manhattan Project and the creation of the first atomic bomb, making it a pivotal moment in the movie.
To ensure the authenticity and impact of this crucial scene, Nolan spared no effort in crafting a jaw-dropping practical explosion. Recognizing the significance of this moment and the impossibility of using an actual nuclear bomb for filming, Nolan collaborated closely with the visual effects team at DNEG.
The team included supervisor Andrew Jackson, production designer Ruth De Jong, and special effects supervisor Scott Fisher. Together, they devised a meticulous plan to create a functional device that would faithfully replicate the appearance and explosive power of a real atomic bomb.
Drawing from their collective expertise and ingenuity, the team designed and executed every aspect of the atomic bomb explosion in Oppenheimer without resorting to CGI. This undertaking required precise coordination, attention to detail, and an unwavering dedication to achieving practical realism.
By eschewing CGI and relying on practical effects, Nolan masterfully brought to life the pivotal atomic bomb test at the Los Alamos facility. The result is an awe-inspiring and authentic cinematic experience that captures the gravity and historical significance of the moment. The scene showcased Nolan’s unparalleled ability to execute grand practical spectacles on screen.
Where was CGI necessary?
In Oppenheimer, the collaboration with DNEG and the talented visual effects artists has undoubtedly resulted in the strategic use of CGI throughout various parts of the film. Though Christopher Nolan maintained his preference for practical effects whenever possible, certain moments required the expertise of VFX to achieve specific visual storytelling elements.
One such instance is when J. Robert Oppenheimer feels overwhelmed and the background shakes during critical moments, like his security clearance hearing or his address to the Los Alamos community after the atomic bombs were deployed in Japan. The enhanced shaking effect is likely achieved using CGI to create a heightened sense of emotional turmoil and tension in these scenes.
The film further delves into Oppenheimer’s fears of the atomic bomb, visualizing them in ways that may have been accomplished using VFX. For example, maps that appear to depict nuclear bombs firing and detonating may involve a combination of practical effects and CGI to smoothly blend with the real-world footage.
As for J. Robert Oppenheimer’s visualizations of science, the movie’s approach remains somewhat unclear. Some of the imagery resembling space, explosions, and other elements may have been partially achieved through practical methods.
Nolan did confirm that Andrew Jackson explored various ways to achieve these effects without relying on CGI. However, it is not explicitly confirmed whether all instances of these scenes were done practically, leaving room for the possibility that CGI still was used to some extent.
