Oppenheimer star Matt Damon opens up about the length of Christopher Nolan’s upcoming historical drama, revealing that he was surprised that the film’s length didn’t feel too long after viewing a cut of the movie. The upcoming film centers on J. Robert Oppenheimer one of the key scientists involved in the development of the atomic bomb, with Cillian Murphy being cast in the lead role. In Oppenheimer, Damon portrays Lieutenant General Leslie Groves, a United States Army Corps of Engineers officer responsible for overseeing the developments of the Manhattan Project during World War II.
​​​
When speaking to Variety about working with Murphy and Nolan on the upcoming Oppenheimer, Damon was asked about the reported lengthy three-hour runtime, to which Damn responded by opening up about his experience watching the film. In the video, Damon revealed that he told the director that he couldn’t believe the film’s length and stated that he felt that the film passed quickly as he watched it. Check out Damon’s full response below:
I’m shocked that it- I asked Chris Nolan after how long it was, because I didn’t think it was. I was shocked to learn it was three hours. I couldn’t- It goes so fast, it’s great. I’m really looking forward to it.
How Nolan Can Push His Filmmaking Further With Oppenheimer
It is currently reported that while Oppenheimer‘s most recent three-hour cut is expected to receive a few more tweaks and edits before the film is finalized for theatrical release, the historical drama is currently expected to be Nolan’s longest film yet. Out of Nolan’s currently released filmography, the director’s longest film is the 2014 sci-fi epic Interstellar, which has a runtime of 2 hours, and 44 minutes, followed by The Dark Knight Rises at 2 hours and 42 minutes, and The Dark Knight at 2 hours and 32 minutes. As such, the upcoming film could easily prove to be Nolan’s longest film in length even following further edits, leading to further anticipation for audiences in what the film may have in store.
Beyond Oppenheimer being Nolan’s longest film runtime, the movie will also set a new precedent in regard to the technical aspects of filming. Alongside Nolan recreating a nuclear detonation test using practical effects, he has also highlighted the technical innovations behind the film’s IMAX filming, as the director aimed to capture sequences in black-and-white using a specially made camera. As such, the film has continued the director’s aim to further innovate and build upon his film experience with each feature.
Film length has become a much-discussed topic among audiences, with cinemagoers questioning whether studios should embrace runtimes outside the average typical runtimes expected in most mainstream Hollywood films. As such, recent reports surrounding Oppenheimer‘s runtime have further added to the anticipation for the celebrated director’s next feature, with many questioning how it could impact the film’s theatrical release and performance. Despite this, Damon’s assurance about the film’s runtime not being a detriment is sure to be a relief to viewers who may feel reluctant about seeing a three-hour film in theaters.
Key Release Dates
Oppenheimer
Release Date:2023-07-21
