Informative, but repetitive, story of the development of the first atomic bomb in New Mexico during the Second World War. Story focuses on separation between scientific and military mindframe and is most adept at representing the ever-present conflict between scientific freedom of thought and exchange and military secretiveness and security. Newman's character, an overbearing, domineering General Groves, and Schultz's torn lead scientist Oppenheimer are both overdrawn. Most compelling character is Cusak's, the true first victim of nuclear weapons, but he is not given the focus or intimacy he deserves. This film is at its best when it deals with politics and at its worst when it slips into melodrama and needless romance. Last half-hour are engrossing in contrast to rushed, ineffective first hour.
Review of Fat Man and Little Boy
