The Business
Christopher Nolan, Kai Bird on adapting ‘American Prometheus’; Disney’s proxy war wages on
Feb 16, 2024
Christopher Nolan and Kai Bird discuss adapting 'American Prometheus' into a blockbuster hit. Disney's battle with shareholders and the predicted end of 'peak TV' are explored. The decline in Hollywood content and the journey of 'American Prometheus' are discussed. J. Robert Oppenheimer's passion for New Mexico and quantum physics is explored. The process of adapting the book into a film and the discussion on nuclear weapons and non-proliferation efforts are highlighted.
41:02
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Quick takeaways
- The challenges of portraying genius and emphasizing human drama in J. Robert Oppenheimer's life were key aspects of adapting 'American Prometheus' for the big screen.
- Christopher Nolan used heist and courtroom genres, subjective and objective perspectives, and stage directions to create tension and engage the audience in 'American Prometheus' adaptation.
Deep dives
The Journey of American Prometheus
Christopher Nolan and Kai Bird discuss the long journey of completing the book American Prometheus, a biography of J. Robert Oppenheimer, and bringing it to the big screen. They highlight the challenges of portraying genius on screen and the importance of emphasizing the human drama in Oppenheimer's life, particularly his downfall during the security hearings in 1954. They also mention the global resonance of the story and the need for continued awareness and regulation of nuclear weapons.
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