Christopher Nolan’s cinematic masterpiece, Oppenheimer, has taken the world by storm. The film centers around New Mexico and the historical events surrounding the race to create the world’s first atomic bomb in the 1940s.
Since its release, the movie has captivated audiences worldwide with its stunning visuals and historically significant filming locations. With Sky Bird’s comprehensive guide to the shooting destinations of Oppenheimer, you’ll be well-equipped to curate a truly memorable trip for your clients!
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Oppenheimer (2023) Synopsis
Director: Christopher Nolan | Run Time: 3 hr | Rating: R | Genre: Drama, Biography
A dramatization of the life story of J. Robert Oppenheimer, the physicist who had a large hand in the development of the atomic bombs that brought an end to World War II.
Los Alamos, New Mexico
Oppenheimer was almost filmed at the actual Los Alamos site, where parts of the Manhattan Project facilities are still standing, but there were too many modern structures nearby.
Nolan is very strict about maintaining the authenticity of his sets, which made removing them using digital technology very difficult and expensive, as well as changing the authenticity of the set. However, a handful of the scenes were shot here, giving Cillian Murphy and Emily Blunt the opportunity to perform in the house where their characters had resided.
The team used a variety of locations for the Manhattan Project, such as the Fuller Lodge, which acted as the dining room of the Los Alamos Ranch School, in addition to the Oppenheimer’s home. Additionally, they recorded in the United Church and Lamy Train Station, all of which were once used by residents of Los Alamos, as well as the Women’s Dormitory, which provided housing for female citizens or non-military workers who worked on the Manhattan Project.
Abiquiú, New Mexico
In Oppenheimer, the majority of interior scenes were filmed on the actual site of Los Alamos. On the other hand, the exterior shots depicting the historical site were constructed and filmed at Ghost Ranch. It is a vast 21,000-acre retreat located in Northern New Mexico.
These filming locations allowed them to strike a balance between originality and capturing the essence of Oppenheimer’s story.
The crew opted to bring to life a detailed reconstruction because, as mentioned earlier, the real site had become overly modernized. This reconstruction transformed into a tangible 3D model during the pre-production phase.
However, it grew to an impractical size and prompted a realization that building a full-scale reproduction would be wildly expensive.
Santa Fe, New Mexico
Nolan and the Oppenheimer team were granted permission to shoot some scenes at some military sites. These include the historic Trinity Test site, White Sands Proving Ground. However, because of the site’s active status, the military used it for around 8 hours daily and filming was impossible.
Nolan decided to construct his own replica of the Trinity testing site in Santa Fe. This was done to maintain the originality of the events.
The recreated set featured a 100-foot steel tower and a bunker. This mirrored the location where Oppenheimer himself had witnessed the explosion of the first atomic bomb.
Princeton, New Jersey
The Institute for Advanced Study (IAS), located close to Princeton University in New Jersey, served as another important Oppenheimer filming location. The actual J. Robert Oppenheimer and his spouse, Katherine Oppenheimer, once resided here. After World War II, Oppenheimer and Albert Einstein both worked here for a while.
For Nolan’s masterwork, this fascinating historical location served as a film set. Although Oppenheimer’s former office had been renovated for the movie, the production was allowed to use Einstein’s former office in its place.
Oppenheimer and Kitty lived in the director’s home while they attended IAS. Nolan also took interior and outdoor shots there, along with the pond and surrounding lands.
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These locations presented a rare opportunity for viewers to witness significant milestones in science firsthand. Whether it’s exploring the halls of the Institute for Advanced Study or the recreated Trinity testing site, these filming locations offer an even deeper appreciation for the incredible story.
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