Kathryn Bigelow

Kathryn Bigelow, an Academy Award-winning director known for intense thrillers, joins Noah Oppenheim, a screenwriter and former NBC News president. They explore Bigelow’s lifelong fascination with nuclear threats, sparked by her childhood experiences with ‘duck and cover.’ The duo discusses the alarming normalization of nuclear dangers and how their film, A House of Dynamite, aims to mix realism with storytelling. They analyze the Pentagon's pushback on their film’s accuracy and reflect on rising concerns regarding potential U.S. nuclear testing and the overarching question of how to make the world safer.

Acclaimed director Kathryn Bigelow, known for her Oscar-winning films, discusses her latest project, A House of Dynamite, which delves into the threat of nuclear war. She shares her childhood fears of atomic bombs and her drive to explore decisions made in moments of crisis. Co-creator Noah Oppenheim contributes his journalistic background to the screenplay, emphasizing the normalization of nuclear risk. They address public reactions, recent news of potential nuclear testing, and the film’s urgent call for conversation around denuclearization and safer policies.

In a riveting discussion, Academy Award-winning director Kathryn Bigelow, known for her intense explorations of conflict, chats with director Peter Straughan. They dive into the genesis of her new film, A House of Dynamite, inspired by a hypothetical ICBM launch. Kathryn shares insights on her rapid drafting process during the pandemic and Netflix's swift support for the project. She emphasizes her collaborative writing approach and the importance of authenticity through military advisors, while also highlighting how her past work paved the way for real-life access.