I could get a sense of the passion and determination they had for their work. That was what I focused on in my portrayal of Frank Oppenheimer.
Working with Christopher Nolan was a dream come true for me. I had always admired his work, and to be given the opportunity to work with him was something I never thought would happen. I was nervous, of course, but also incredibly excited. I prepared as much as I could for the role, diving deep into research and trying to understand who Frank Oppenheimer was as a person.
One of the most memorable moments during the filming process was when I sought advice from Nolan before a quick shot. I asked him what he wanted me to do, and he just looked at me and said, “May the Force be with you.” It was a lighthearted moment that showed the level of trust and collaboration Nolan had with his actors. He allowed me to explore and bring my own interpretation to the role, which was a truly incredible experience.
Throughout the filming process, I was also struck by the professionalism and warmth of Cillian Murphy, who played Robert Oppenheimer. Despite the weight of the role and the expectations placed upon him, Cillian remained pleasant and gracious. It taught me that you can be a kind and inviting person on set while still being focused and dedicated to your work.
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In preparation for the role, I delved into the life of Frank Oppenheimer. I read the book “American Prometheus,” which the movie was based on, and another book that focused specifically on Frank’s life. I scoured the internet for interviews and videos that provided insight into his character. Frank was a fascinating man, and I wanted to capture his essence in my performance.
I had the opportunity to meet Frank’s son, Michael, and Robert’s grandson, Charles, during my time in New Mexico. It was rewarding to be able to share stories and information about Frank with them and receive their confirmation and approval. It made me feel like I had done my job in understanding who Frank was as a person.
In terms of the differences between Frank and Robert, I believe Frank was more politically driven, whereas Robert tended to stay in the middle. They were both brilliant individuals who shared a love for art and science, but Frank was more willing to take risks and stand up for what he believed in, even if it had consequences. Robert, on the other hand, was more calculated in his approach.
I didn’t try to become a particle physicist overnight for the role. Instead, I focused on the broader strokes of understanding the human element of the characters. I wanted to tap into their passion and drive, rather than trying to fully comprehend the intricacies of their scientific work. As an actor, my goal was to convey the emotions and motivations of Frank Oppenheimer.
Working on Oppenheimer was a career highlight for me. It was an incredible experience to be part of such a talented cast and crew, and to work with a director as esteemed as Christopher Nolan. I am grateful for the opportunity and the lessons I learned along the way. It has further fueled my passion for acting and my desire to take on complex and challenging roles.
