Oppenheimer (2023) is a gripping biographical thriller that explores the life of J. Robert Oppenheimer, the physicist behind the creation of the atomic bomb. Told through a non-linear narrative, the film delves into Oppenheimer's genius, moral dilemmas, and the political fallout of his work. With stunning cinematography, a powerful score, and intense performances, Oppenheimer offers a thought-provoking look at science, war, and the consequences of innovation.
GADGET
Written by Christopher Nolan
Based on the novel: "American Prometheus:
The Triumph and Tragedy of J. Robert Oppenheimer"
By
Kai Bird and Martin J. Sherwin
© 2022 SYNCOPY
A VAST SPHERE OF FIRE, the fire of a thousand suns, slowly eats the night-time desert. A line of white type appears:
PROMETHEUS STOLE FIRE FROM THE GODS AND GAVE IT TO MAN. And the sound of DOZENS OF FEET STAMPING RHYTHMICALLY...
FOR THIS HE WAS CHAINED TO A ROCK AND TORTURED FOR ETERNITY.
ROILING PLASMA expands, the sound of STAMPING GROWS OPPRESSIVE, the STAMPING FASTER and FASTER OVER-
A FACE. Gaunt, tense, EYES TIGHTLY SHUT. The face SHUDDERS- the sound CEASES AS MY EYES OPEN, STARING INTO THE CAMERA:
Peer into my soul- J. ROBERT OPPENHEIMER, aged fifty, close- cropped greying hair. The gentle sounds of bureaucracy...
SUPER TITLE: "1. FISSION"
VOICE (O.S.)
Dr Oppenheimer, as we begin, I believe you have a statement to read into the record?
I glance down at my notes.
OPPENHEIMER
Yes, your honour-
SECOND VOICE (O.S.)
We’re not judges, doctor.
OPPENHEIMER
No. Of course.
(I start reading)
Members of the Security Board, the so-called derogatory information in your indictment of me cannot be fairly understood except in the context of my life and work. This answer is a summary of relevant aspects of my life in more or less chronological order...
SENATE AIDE (V.O.)
How long did he testify?
CUT TO:
INT. SENATE OFFICE -- DAY (BLACK-AND-WHITE SEQUENCE)
CLOSE: on a prosperous sixty-three-year-old man, LEWIS STRAUSS, as he takes a cup of coffee from a SENATE AIDE...
SUPER TITLE: "2. FUSION"
STRAUSS
I forget. Three days, or so. The whole hearing took a month.
SENATE AIDE
An ordeal.
STRAUSS
I’ve only read the transcripts, but who’d want to justify their whole life?
SENATE AIDE
You weren’t there?
STRAUSS
As Chairman, I wasn’t allowed to be. Are they really going to ask about it? It was years ago.
SENATE AIDE
Four years ago. Oppenheimer still divides America- the committee will want to know where you stood.
(checks his watch) Ready?
INT. CORRIDOR, SENATE BUILDING -- MOMENTS LATER (B&W)
The Senate Aide leads Strauss along the corridor.
SENATE AIDE
Senator Thurmond asked me to say not to feel you’re on trial.
STRAUSS
I didn’t, till you said that.
SENATE AIDE
Really, Mr Strauss- STRAUSS (CONT’D)
Admiral.
SENATE AIDE (CONT’D)
Admiral Strauss, this is a formality.
(MORE)
SENATE AIDE (CONT’D)
President Eisenhower’s asked you to be in his cabinet, the Senate has no choice but to confirm you.
They arrive at the door.
STRAUSS
And if they bring up Oppenheimer?
SENATE AIDE
When they bring up Oppenheimer, answer honestly and no senator can deny that you did your duty. It’ll be uncomfortable...
(smiles)
Who’d want to justify their whole life?
The door to the VAST committee room opens- they enter, FLASHBULBS POPPING as PRESS and PUBLIC see Strauss.
ROBB (V.O.)
Why did you leave the United States?
CUT TO:
INT. ROOM 2022, ATOMIC ENERGY COMMISSION -- DAY (COLOUR)
The room is SMALL, SHABBY. Surprised, I look up from my statement at the prosecutor, Roger ROBB. Then turn to the THREE BOARD MEMBERS (GRAY, EVANS, MORGAN).
OPPENHEIMER
I wanted to learn the new physics.
GRAY
Was there nowhere here? I thought Berkeley had the leading theoretical physics department-
OPPENHEIMER
Sure. Once I built it. First I had to go to Europe. I went to Cambridge to work under Patrick Blackett.
ROBB
Were you happier there than in America?
INSERT CUT: A YOUNG ME (TWENTY-ONE) LIES IN BED STARING UP, CRYING... PARTICLES WITH THE VASTNESS OF THE STARS MOVE LIKE FIREFLIES...
OPPENHEIMER
No. I was homesick. Emotionally immature... troubled by visions of a hidden universe...
INT. LABORATORY, CAMBRIDGE -- DAY
The young ME, frazzled demeanor, STRUGGLES with equipment.
OPPENHEIMER (V.O.)
...useless in the lab.
I drop a beaker, it SHATTERS. PATRICK BLACKETT looks over, FROWNING. He picks up an APPLE and takes a LARGE BITE.
BLACKETT
(through apple)
Christ, Oppenheimer, have you had any sleep? Start again.
YOUNG OPPENHEIMER
I need to go to the lecture.
BLACKETT
Why?
YOUNG OPPENHEIMER
(pleading)
It’s Niels Bohr.
Blackett checks his watch- starts packing up-
BLACKETT
Damn, completely forgot. Let’s go.
I start to pack up with the other students.
BLACKETT (CONT’D)
Not you. Finish coating those plates.
I clean up as Blackett and the other students leave- one leaves an APPLE for Blackett- GREEN WITH STEM AND TINY LEAF.
I pause at a bottle: "Potassium Cyanide"... CLUMSY HANDS SHAKING, I draw CYANIDE into a syringe. I INJECT the apple...
EXT. QUADRANGLE, CAMBRIDGE -- EVENING
I HURRY across the quad. A lonely figure.
BOHR (V.O.)
Quantum physics isn’t a step forward...
INT. LECTURE HALL, CAMBRIDGE -- CONTINUOUS
I sneak into the back of the auditorium. Standing, SPELLBOUND, as NIELS BOHR, a charismatic Dane, lectures.
BOHR
...It’s a new way to understand reality. Einstein’s opened a door, now we’re peering through, seeing a world inside our world... a world of energy and paradox that not everyone can accept.
I RAISE my hand to ask a question...
CUT TO:
INT. SENATE COMMITTEE HEARING ROOM -- DAY (B&W)
Strauss sits facing the Committee, COUNSEL beside him, PRESS, CAMERAS and PUBLIC behind...
SENATOR MCGEE
Admiral Strauss, I’m interested in your relationship with Dr J. Robert Oppenheimer. You met in 1947?
STRAUSS
Correct.
SENATOR MCGEE
You were a commissioner of the Atomic Energy Commission?
STRAUSS
I was, but I met Robert in my capacity as board member of the Institute for Advanced Study at Princeton. After the war he was world-renowned- the great man of physics...
EXT. INSTITUTE FOR ADVANCED STUDY, PRINCETON -- DAY (B&W)
Strauss, younger, fifty-one, bustles out of the Institute-
STRAUSS (V.O.)
...I was determined to get him to run the Institute.
-to welcome the rail-thin figure of Oppenheimer (forty- three), emerging from a TAXI in HAT and coat, PIPE in mouth. ICONIC.
STRAUSS
Dr Oppenheimer, an honour.
OPPENHEIMER
Mr Strauss.
STRAUSS
It’s pronounced 'straws'.
OPPENHEIMER
'Oh-ppenheimer', 'aw-ppenheimer'- any way you say it they know I’m Jewish.
STRAUSS
I’m a proud member of Temple Emmanuel- 'straws' is the Southern pronunciation. Welcome to the Institute. I think you could be very happy here.
OPPENHEIMER
Oh?
STRAUSS
Well, you’ll love the commute- the position comes with that house for you and your wife.
Strauss points along an avenue of trees to Olden Manor...
STRAUSS (CONT’D)
And your two children...
Oppenheimer nods as he follows Strauss into the Institute.
INT. INSTITUTE FOR ADVANCED STUDY, PRINCETON -- CONTINUOUS (B&W)
Strauss leads Oppenheimer through the Institute.
STRAUSS
I’m a great admirer of your work.
OPPENHEIMER
You’re a physicist by training, Mr Strauss?
STRAUSS
No, I’m not trained in physics, or anything else. I’m a self-made man.
OPPENHEIMER
I can relate to that...
STRAUSS
Really?
OPPENHEIMER
(dry)
My father was one.
INT. PRESIDENT’S OFFICE, INSTITUTE FOR ADVANCED STUDY -- MOMENTS LATER (B&W)
Strauss shows Oppenheimer into the well-appointed office.
STRAUSS
This would be your office.
Oppenheimer drifts to the windows- a LAWN rolls down to a POND. He spots a FIGURE- long grey hair poking from under his hat-
STRAUSS (CONT’D)
I’m told he’s there most afternoons.
The figure gently tosses a stone into the water.
STRAUSS (CONT’D)
I’ve always wondered why you didn’t involved him in the Manhattan Project.
Oppenheimer turns to Strauss, interested.
STRAUSS (CONT’D)
The greatest scientific mind of our time?
OPPENHEIMER
Of his time. Einstein published his Theory of Relativity more than forty years ago, but never embraced the quantum world it revealed.
STRAUSS
'God doesn’t play dice.'
OPPENHEIMER
Precisely. You never thought of studying physics formally?
STRAUSS
I had offers. But I chose to sell shoes.
OPPENHEIMER
Lewis Strauss was once a lowly shoe salesman?
STRAUSS
No. Just a shoe salesman. (opens the door)
I’ll introduce you-
OPPENHEIMER
No need. I’ve known him for years.
Strauss, awkward, stays in the doorway and WATCHES...
FROM AFAR: as Oppenheimer approaches, Einstein’s HAT BLOWS off his head, unleashing a MESS OF GREY HAIR, hat rolling across the grass to where Oppenheimer SCOOPS it up, and we...
CUT TO:
INT. ROOM 2022, ATOMIC ENERGY COMMISSION -- DAY (COLOUR)
I flip a page. Continue reading my statement.
OPPENHEIMER
I struggled badly trying to visualize this new world...
INT. ROOMS AT CAMBRIDGE -- DAY
The Young Me lies on the floor, STARING UP.
OPPENHEIMER (V.O.)
...you had to retool your mind to see things hovering just out of site...
INSERT CUT: POINTS OF LIGHT MOVE LIKE SPARKS, BUT IN A WAVE. OPPENHEIMER (V.O.)
...then you could unlock forces never before imagined...
I wipe TEARS from my eyes.
INSERT CUT: STARS. SPARKS FROM A CAMPFIRE. I PAT THE NOSE OF A HORSE IN THE DARKNESS AS I FEED IT AN APPLE.
I grow calm, my eyelids lowering...
INSERT CUT: AN APPLE- GREEN WITH STEM AND A TINY LEAF...
I open MY EYES- JUMP out of bed- SCRAMBLE to dress-
EXT. QUADRANGLE, CAMBRIDGE -- MOMENTS LATER I RUN, DESPERATE, AGAINST the crowd-
INT. LABORATORY, CAMBRIDGE -- DAY
I BURST in- Blackett LOOKS UP. ANOTHER MAN has his back to me. Between them on the workbench- the POISONED APPLE...
BLACKETT
You alright?
I nod awkward, trying to control my BREATHING...
BLACKETT (CONT’D)
Niels, meet J. Robert Oppenheimer.
The other man TURNS, offers his hand- Niels Bohr.
BOHR
What does the 'J' stand for?
BLACKETT
Nothing, apparently.
Bohr takes me in- this strange, BREATHLESS young man...
BOHR
You were at my lecture. You asked the only good question.
BLACKETT
Nobody’s denying his insight. It’s his labouratory skills that leave a little to be desired.
YOUNG OPPENHEIMER
I heard you give the same lecture-
BOHR
At Harvard. And you asked the same question. Why ask again?
YOUNG OPPENHEIMER (CONT’D)
I hadn’t liked your answer.
BOHR
Did you like it better yesterday?
YOUNG OPPENHEIMER
A lot.
BOHR
You can lift the rock without being ready for the snake that’s revealed. Now, it seems, you’re ready.
Bohr picks up the POISONED APPLE from Blackett’s desk...
BOHR (CONT’D)
You don’t enjoy the lab?
I shake my head. Bohr GESTICULATES with the apple as he talks- I watch it bob around- a kitten following a ball of string...
BOHR (CONT’D)
Get out of Cambridge, with its beakers and potions. Go somewhere they’ll let you think...
(assesses me) Gottingen.
Born?
BLACKETT
BOHR
Born. Get to Germany. Study under Max Born. Learn the ways of theory. I’ll send word.
Bohr raises the apple to take a bite- I GRAB it.
Wormhole.
YOUNG OPPENHEIMER
-DROP it into the wastebasket. Blackett peers at it, curious.
BOHR
How’s your mathematics?
BLACKETT
Not good enough for the physicist he wants to be.
BOHR
Algebra’s like sheet music. The important thing isn’t can you read music, it’s can you hear it. Can you hear the music, Robert?
YOUNG OPPENHEIMER
I can.
SPARKS explode in WAVES, WAVES of FIRE CRASHING on a SHORE of GLASS, FLYING OVER the MEDIEVAL SPIRES of Gottingen, I watch BORN and BOHR and DIRAC, GALAXIES of PARTICLES DISPERSE and
REFORM, a CUBIST PAINTING transfixes the Young Me, an ORCHESTRA plays STRAVINSKY, I read THE WASTE LAND, I WRITE
FURIOUSLY at a desk, I WRITE FURIOUSLY on a chalkboard, I SMASH a glass, and ANOTHER, and ANOTHER, WATCHING the SHARDS
skid across the floor, CATCHING and REFRACTING LIGHT, I watch RAINDROPS scintillate a PUDDLE, STREAM down a windowpane, I disturb the surface of a sink full of WATER, watching RIPPLES propagate and INTERFERE, I BOUNCE a ball against a corner of my room, studying its trajectory...
CUT TO:
EXT. INSTITUTE FOR ADVANCED STUDY, PRINCETON -- DAY (B&W)
Strauss watches Oppenheimer hand the HAT to Einstein. Strauss checks his watch, then starts down the hill towards them. As he approaches, Einstein TURNS, walking towards Strauss with a GRIM EXPRESSION.
STRAUSS
(friendly) Albert...
Einstein PASSES without acknowledging Strauss. Strauss reaches Oppenheimer-
STRAUSS (CONT’D)
What did you say to him?
OPPENHEIMER
He’s fine. Mr Strauss, there are things in my past you need to be aware of.
STRAUSS
As Chairman of the AEC I have access to your security file. I’ve read it. The job is yours.
OPPENHEIMER
You’re not worried?
STRAUSS
After all you’ve done for your country?
OPPENHEIMER
Times change, Mr Strauss.
STRAUSS
The purpose of this Institute is to provide a haven for independent minds. You’re the man for the job.
OPPENHEIMER
Then I’ll consider it. And I’ll see you at the AEC meeting tomorrow.
Oppenheimer turns, heads back up the hill.
STRAUSS
(taken aback)
This is one of the most prestigious appointments in the country...
Oppenheimer looks back at Strauss, GRINS-
OPPENHEIMER
With a great commute. That’s why I’m considering it.
Strauss watches him go, shaking his head.
SENATOR MCGEE (V.O.)
So, Dr Oppenheimer brought your attention to his past associations before you appointed him?
INT. SENATE COMMITTEE HEARING ROOM -- DAY (B&W) STRAUSS
Yes.
SENATOR MCGEE
And they didn’t concern you?
STRAUSS
Just then I was more concerned about what he’d said to Einstein to sour him on me.
A few CHUCKLES from the room.
SENATOR MCGEE
But later?
STRAUSS
Well, we all know what happened later.
CUT TO:
INT. ROOM 2022, ATOMIC ENERGY COMMISSION -- DAY (COLOUR)
The board members listen as I continue reading...
OPPENHEIMER
After Gottingen I moved on to Leiden in Holland...
INT. LECTURE HALL, LEIDEN -- DAY
A packed hall. The Young Me nervously checks my notes.
OPPENHEIMER (V.O.)
...where I first met Isidor Rabi...
A stocky young man, ISIDOR RABI (thirty), plonks down next to a DUTCH STUDENT who reluctantly shifts, giving him room.
RABI
A Yank lecturing on new physics? This I have to hear- I’m an American myself.
DUTCH STUDENT
How surprising.
RABI
Let me know if you need help with the English.
I start lecturing... IN DUTCH. Ravi, confused, leans in.
RABI (CONT’D)
Wait, what’s he saying?
INT. TRAIN, LEIDEN TO ZURICH -- NIGHT
I stare out the window at dark trees, steam and shadows, Rabi dumps his bags down, slumps opposite, sizes me up. Offers me an orange-
YOUNG OPPENHEIMER
No, thank you.
RABI
It’s a long way to Zurich. You get any skinnier we might lose you between the seat cushions. I’m Rabi.
YOUNG OPPENHEIMER
Oppenheimer.
Rabi starts peeling his orange.
RABI
I caught your lecture on molecules. Caught some if it- we’re a couple of New York Jews- how do you know Dutch?
YOUNG OPPENHEIMER
I thought I’d better learn it when I got here this semester.
Rabi STOPS peeling his orange to STARE at me- RABI
You learned Dutch in six weeks to give a lecture on quantum mechanics?
YOUNG OPPENHEIMER
I wanted to challenge myself.
RABI
Quantum physics isn’t challenging enough? Schvitzer.
YOUNG OPPENHEIMER
Schvitzer?
RABI
'Show-off.' Dutch in six weeks but you never learned Yiddish?
YOUNG OPPENHEIMER
(smile)
They don’t speak it so much my side of the park.
RABI
Screw you. Homesick?
YOUNG OPPENHEIMER
You know it.
Rabi peels his orange. He turns serious...
RABI
Ever get the feeling our kind isn’t entirely welcome here?
YOUNG OPPENHEIMER
Physicists?
RABI
Funny.
YOUNG OPPENHEIMER
Sometimes. Not in the department.
RABI
They’re all Jewish, too.
Rabi tosses me a slice of orange.
RABI (CONT’D)
Eat.
I take the orange, 'sipping' at it.
RABI (CONT’D)
In Zurich there’s a German you have
to seek out-
YOUNG OPPENHEIMER
Heisenberg.
INT. LECTURE HALL, ZURICH -- DAY
A tall man of twenty-six turns from the blackboard- HEISENBERG. I study his every move. Rabi NUDGES me 'See?'...
INT. SAME -- LATER
Rabi introduces me to Heisenberg.
HEISENBERG
Oppenheimer, yes. I liked your paper on molecules.
OPPENHEIMER
Probably because you inspired it.
HEISENBERG
If I inspire anything else, let me know. We could publish together.
OPPENHEIMER
I have to get back to America.
HEISENBERG
Why? There’s no one there taking quantum mechanics seriously.
OPPENHEIMER
That’s exactly why.
RABI
He’s pining for the canyons of Manhattan.
OPPENHEIMER
The canyons of New Mexico.
HEISENBERG
You’re from New Mexico?
OPPENHEIMER
New York, but my brother and I have a ranch outside of Santa Fe. That’s the America I miss right now.
HEISENBERG
Then you best go home, cowboys.
RABI
That’s his thing- me and horses? I don’t think so.
GRAY (V.O.)
Did you ever encounter Heisenberg again?
INT. ROOM 2022, ATOMIC ENERGY COMMISSION -- DAY
I smile to myself.
OPPENHEIMER
Not in person. But you might say our paths crossed.
ROBB
Doctor, during your time in Europe, you seem to have met a wide range of other countries’ physicists...
(consulting notes)
Born, Bohr, Pauli, Dirac, Einstein, Heisenberg...?
OPPENHEIMER
That’s right.
Robb looks up at me...
ROBB
Any Russians?
OPPENHEIMER
Not that spring to mind. (from notes)
Returning to America I accepted appointments at both Caltech...
EXT. BERKELEY -- DAY
I walk across campus to the physics department...
OPPENHEIMER (V.O.)
...and up at Berkeley.
INT. CORRIDOR, BERKELEY -- CONTINUOUS
I struggle to unlock a door... it opens-
INT. CLASSROOM, BERKELEY -- CONTINUOUS
A DUSTY storage space. Scattered tables and chairs. A piano.
EXT. CORRIDOR, BERKELEY -- MOMENTS LATER
I step out of the classroom. Look NEXT DOOR...
INT. RAD LAB, BERKELEY -- DAY
I enter. A handsome young scientist, ERNEST LAWRENCE, works on an assemblage of curved pipes and wiring with students, including Luis ALVAREZ.
OPPENHEIMER
Dr. Lawrence, I presume.
LAWRENCE
You must be Oppenheimer. I hear you want to start a school of quantum theory.
OPPENHEIMER
I am starting it. Next door.
LAWRENCE
They put you in there?
OPPENHEIMER
I asked for it. I wanted to be close to you experimentalists.
LAWRENCE
Theory will get you only so far. (gestures)
We’re building a machine to accelerate electrons.
OPPENHEIMER
Magnificent.
LAWRENCE
Would you like to help?
OPPENHEIMER
Build it? No. But I’m working on theories I’d like to test with it.
LAWRENCE
When do you start teaching?
OPPENHEIMER
I’ve got my first in an hour.
LAWRENCE
Seminar?
OPPENHEIMER
Pupil.
LAWRENCE
One student? That’s it?
OPPENHEIMER
I’m teaching something no one here’s dreamt of. But once
(grins)
LAWRENCE (CONT’D)
people start hearing what you can do with it...
There’s no going back.
INT. CLASSROOM, BERKELEY -- LATER
I stand there, expectant. A student opens the door, looks around, embarrassed-
STUDENT
I’m sorry, I must have missed-
OPPENHEIMER
No, this is it. Mr Lomanitz, right?
LOMANITZ (twenty-one) nods, takes a seat.
OPPENHEIMER (CONT’D)
What do you know about quantum mechanics?
LOMANITZ
I have a grasp on the basics-
OPPENHEIMER
Then you’re doing it wrong. (rapid-fire)
Is light made up of particles or waves?
Lomanitz opens his mouth to speak- too slow-
OPPENHEIMER (CONT’D)
Quantum mechanics says it’s both- how can it be both?
LOMANITZ
It can’t. OPPENHEIMER (CONT’D)
It can’t. But it is. It’s paradoxical and yet... it works.
Lomanitz is hooked. I turn to the board, chalk out an equation... when I turn back-
There are now FIVE students (including SERBER and SNYDER) listening intently... I move to Lomanitz to hand him his paper. I pat his shoulder.
OPPENHEIMER (CONT’D)
You’re gonna be okay.
DISSOLVE TO:
A PACKED CLASSROOM, hanging on my every word as I- now thirty- two, slim, well-dressed, confident- teach in the round.
Lawrence listens at the edge, fascinated.
OPPENHEIMER (CONT’D)
Consider a star... a vast furnace burning in outer space...
INSERT CUT: A STAR. A SUN. BURNING, ROILING.
OPPENHEIMER (CONT’D)
Fire pushing outwards against its own gravity- balanced. But if its furnace cools, gravity starts winning. It contracts...
I look around. Make eye contact with Hartland SNYDER.
SNYDER
Density increases...
OPPENHEIMER
Increasing gravity...
INSERT CUT: THE SUN IS SHRINKING, MORE AND MORE RAPIDLY...
SNYDER
Increasing density. A vicious cycle. Until... What’s the limit here?
OPPENHEIMER
I don’t know. See where the math takes us. I guarantee it’s somewhere no one’s been before.
SNYDER
Me?
OPPENHEIMER
Your math’s better than mine.
EXT. BERKELEY -- DAY
Energetic, dashing, I STRIDE across campus, a group of students, including Snyder and Lomanitz, following me, hanging on my every word...
OPPENHEIMER
Einstein can’t accept the Copenhagen interpretation-
LOMANITZ
'God doesn’t play dice.'
OPPENHEIMER
Except he does. Bohr showed us how...
INT. CLASSROOM, BERKELEY -- DAY
I mark up a paper. Lawrence comes in, frowns at the board.
LAWRENCE
You shouldn’t let them bring their politics into the classroom...
I follow his look: "SATURDAY 2:00pm, RALLY FOR LOYALIST SPAIN".
OPPENHEIMER
I wrote that. Lawrence, you embrace the revolution in physics, can’t you see it everywhere else?
Picasso, Stravinsky, Freud, Marx...
LAWRENCE
This is America, Oppie. We had our revolution. Seriously, keep it out of the lab.
OPPENHEIMER
Well, out of the lab, my landlady’s having a discussion group tonight.
LAWRENCE
I’ve sampled the Berkeley political scene- it’s all philosophy postgrads and Communists talking integration.
OPPENHEIMER
You don’t care about integration?
LAWRENCE
I want to vote for it, not talk about it. Let’s get dinner.
OPPENHEIMER
I’m meeting my brother there.
SENATOR BARTLETT (V.O.)
Dr Oppenheimer’s file contained details of FBI surveillance on his activities at Berkeley...
INT. SENATE COMMITTEE HEARING ROOM -- DAY (B&W)
Strauss looks at the senator, cautious...
STRAUSS
Yes, as I recall.
SENATOR BARTLETT
Why would they have started a file on Dr Oppenheimer before the war?
STRAUSS
You’d have to ask Mr Hoover.
SENATOR BARTLETT
I’m asking you, Admiral Strauss.
STRAUSS
My assumption is that it was connected to his left-wing political activities.
SENATOR BARTLETT
How would these activities have come to the attention of the FBI?
STRAUSS
Well, if I remember correctly...
CUT TO:
EXT. HOUSE PARTY, SHASTA ROAD, BERKELEY -- NIGHT (COLOUR)
STRAUSS (V.O.)
The FBI was taking license plates outside suspected Communist gatherings and his name popped up.
As I get out of my car, I spot TWO MEN checking the license plates of cars on the street... I am GRABBED-
Gotcha!
FRANK (O.S.)
My younger brother FRANK (twenty-five) and his date, JACKIE.
INT. LIVING ROOM, HOUSE PARTY, SHASTA ROAD, BERKELEY -- NIGHT
We ENTER the bustling room- I spot a beguiling young woman-
VOICE (O.S.)
Robert! Come meet Chevalier.
Mary WASHBURN grabs my tie and leads us to Haakon CHEVALIER.
WASHBURN
Dr Haakon Chevalier, Dr Robert Oppenheimer, and vice versa.
OPPENHEIMER
This is my little brother, Frank. Oh, and... uh...
JACKIE
Still Jackie.
CHEVALIER
Hello, Still Jackie.
OPPENHEIMER
Chevalier. You’re in languages?
CHEVALIER
And your reputation precedes you.
OPPENHEIMER
I’m blushing- what’ve you heard?
CHEVALIER
You’re teaching a radical new approach to physics that I have no chance of understanding. But I hadn’t heard you were a party member-
I’m not. Not yet.
OPPENHEIMER FRANK
JACKIE
Frank and I are thinking of joining-
OPPENHEIMER
(ignoring Jackie)
I support of range of causes.
Jackie, put out, leads Frank away.
CHEVALIER
The Spanish Civil War?
OPPENHEIMER
A democratic republic being overthrown by fascist thugs? Who wouldn’t be?
CHEVALIER
Our government- they think socialism’s a bigger threat than fascism.
OPPENHEIMER
Not for long- look at what the Nazis are doing to the Jews. I send funds to colleagues in Germany to emigrate. I have to do something.
My own work is so... abstract.
CHEVALIER
What’re you working on?
OPPENHEIMER
What happens to stars when they die.
CHEVALIER
Do stars die?
OPPENHEIMER
If they do they’d cool, then collapse. And the bigger the star, the more violent its demise. Their gravity gets so concentrated...
INSERT CUT: THE SUN SHRINKS. THE LIGHT OF THE DISTANT STARS BEHIND IS TUGGED TOWARDS THE DYING STAR, BENDING, STRETCHING.
OPPENHEIMER (CONT’D)
...it swallows everything. Even light.
CHEVALIER
Good God. Can that really happen?
OPPENHEIMER
The math says it can. If we can get published, maybe one day an astronomer finds one. But all I have is theory. Which can’t impact people’s lives.
CHEVALIER
If you’re sending money to Spain, do it through the Communist Party- they can get it to the front lines.
The beguiling young woman is there with a tray of martinis. This is Jean TATLOCK...
TATLOCK
Mary sent me with these. I’m Jean.
OPPENHEIMER
Robert.
CHEVALIER
Haakon Chevalier. The union meeting at Serber’s last month?
Tatlock nods. I take a glass.
CHEVALIER (CONT’D)
Robert here says he’s not a Communist.
TATLOCK
Then he doesn’t know enough about it.
OPPENHEIMER
I’ve read Das Kapital. All three volumes. Does that count?
CHEVALIER
That would make you better read than most Party members.
OPPENHEIMER
It’s turgid stuff, but there’s some thinking... 'Ownership is theft.'
TATLOCK
'Property', not 'Ownership'.
OPPENHEIMER
Sorry, I read it in the original German.
Chevalier laughs, delighted, as he leaves us alone.
TATLOCK
It’s not about the book, it’s about the ideas. You sound uncommitted.
OPPENHEIMER
I’m committed to thinking freely about how to improve our world. Why limit yourself to one dogma?
TATLOCK
You’re a physicist- do you pick and choose rules? Or do you use the discipline to channel your energies into progress?
OPPENHEIMER
I like a little wiggle room. Do you always toe the party line?
Tatlock considers this. Sizes me up.
TATLOCK
I like my wiggle room, too.
INT. BEDROOM -- LATER
We are FUCKING. Hot, sweaty, a little brutal. Tatlock GIVES UP, climbs off me-
OPPENHEIMER
Wait, wait-
I catch my breath, watching her STUDY my shelves.
TATLOCK
Unexpected.
OPPENHEIMER
What?
TATLOCK
For a physicist.
OPPENHEIMER
You’ve only got a shelf full of Freud?
TATLOCK
Actually my background’s more- OPPENHEIMER (CONT’D)
Jungian.
TATLOCK (CONT’D)
You know analysis.
OPPENHEIMER
When I was a postgrad at Cambridge I had some trouble.
She turns to me.
TATLOCK
I’ll bite.
OPPENHEIMER
I tried to poison my tutor.
TATLOCK
Did you hate him?
OPPENHEIMER
I liked him very much.
Tatlock turns back to the books.
TATLOCK
You just needed to get laid.
OPPENHEIMER
Wow. Took my analysts two years, and I’m not sure they ever put it that succinctly.
TATLOCK
You had them convinced you’re more complicated than you really are.
OPPENHEIMER
We’re all simple souls, I guess.
TATLOCK
Not me.
She pulls a book from the shelf: THE BHAGAVAD GITA. She opens the book to find INCOMPREHENSIBLE CHARACTERS.
TATLOCK (CONT’D)
What’s this?
OPPENHEIMER
Sanskrit.
TATLOCK
You can read this?
OPPENHEIMER
I’m learning-
She climbs on top of me, opens the book in my face.
TATLOCK
Go on then.
I study the page as Tatlock starts to move.
OPPENHEIMER
In this part, Vishnu reveals his multi-armed self-
TATLOCK (CONT’D)
Read the words.
She points to each word as I translate...
OPPENHEIMER (CONT’D)
'And now I am become Death...
She nods, impressed, starts moving again...
OPPENHEIMER (CONT’D)
...destroyer of worlds.'
EXT. NEW MEXICO -- DAY
Moving over the VAST landscape to find three tiny figures. I lead Lawrence and Frank on horseback up a mountain trail.
EXT. CAMPSITE -- EVENING
THUNDER. Lawrence climbs off his horse. The wind WHIPS as we set up our tent...
OPPENHEIMER
It’ll break before dawn. The air cools overnight. Just before dawn, the storm dies.
INT./EXT. TENT -- NIGHT
Lawrence, Frank and I huddle in the BUFFETING TENT, trying to keep a fire going in the WIND and RAIN outside the tent.
FRANK
I’m getting married.
LAWRENCE
Congratulations, Frank.
I look at Frank, sardonic with drink.
To Jackie?
OPPENHEIMER
Frank stares at me... the tent stops buffeting...
FRANK
Yeah, to Jackie. The waitress.
LAWRENCE
(sensing tension)
Oppie, you’re right- it’s letting up. I’ll see if there’s any stars.
Frank watches Lawrence go, then pounces-
FRANK
All your talk about the common man but Jackie’s not good enough? We join the Party- you can’t hide your disapproval- why? Because that’s supposed to be your thing?
OPPENHEIMER
I haven’t joined the Party, Frank. And I don’t think she should’ve convinced you to, either-
FRANK
Half the faculty’s Communist-
OPPENHEIMER
Not that half.
I point in the direction Lawrence wondered off.
OPPENHEIMER (CONT’D)
I’m your brother and I want you to be cautious.
FRANK
And I want to wring your neck.
I giggle at this. Frank shakes his head, then starts laughing, too. I grab Frank’s shoulder. Frank looks up...
FRANK (CONT’D)
Robert, I won’t live my life afraid to make a mistake.
I hold up my hands in defeat-
OPPENHEIMER
You’re happy, I’m happy.
FRANK
Then I’m happy you’re happy.
EXT. PERRO CALIENTE -- MOMENTS LATER
I approach Lawrence, who stares up at the stars.
LAWRENCE
It’s so clear I feel like I could see one of those dark stars you’re working on...
OPPENHEIMER
You can’t, that’s the whole point.
INSERT CUT: AN EXPANDING DARKNESS EATS THE STARS...
OPPENHEIMER (CONT’D)
Their gravity swallows light. It’s like a kind of... hole in space.
LAWRENCE
Is Frank okay?
OPPENHEIMER
Yeah. He just has a shitty brother.
Lawrence smiles at this. Looks around, then-
LAWRENCE
It’s special here.
OPPENHEIMER
As a kid I thought if I could find a way to combine physics and New Mexico, my life would be perfect.
LAWRENCE
It’s a little remote for that. Let’s get some sleep.
I turn, heading to the tent. Lawrence follows.
OPPENHEIMER
That mesa we saw today? One of my favorite places in the world.
Tomorrow we’ll climb it.
LAWRENCE
What’s it called?
My response is so soft it is almost swallowed by the dark...
OPPENHEIMER
Los Alamos.
EXT. STREET, BERKELEY -- DAY
Tatlock and I walk down the sidewalk. I try to take her hand- she folds her arms.
TATLOCK
I wasn’t expecting to see you.
OPPENHEIMER
I have to make an appointment?
Across the street a young man BURSTS out of the BARBER SHOP, towel across chest, NEWSPAPER in hand... the barber runs out- the young man rips off the towel, TOSSES it to him and RUNS-
Alvarez!
OPPENHEIMER (CONT’D)
I leave Tatlock on the sidewalk, take off after Alvarez-
EXT. BERKELEY CAMPUS -- DAY
Alvarez SPRINTS, newspaper in hand- I follow-
INT. CLASSROOM, BERKELEY -- CONTINUOUS
I BURST in- Lawrence is trying to calm Alvarez- ALVAREZ
(breathless)
They’ve done it! Hahn and Strassman in Germany...
Alvarez tosses the paper at me-
ALVAREZ (CONT’D)
They split the uranium nucleus.
LAWRENCE
How?
OPPENHEIMER
(reading)
Bombarded it with neutrons.
ALVAREZ
Lawrence, it’s fission. Nuclear
fission. They’ve split the atom...
OPPENHEIMER
It’s not possible.
I put down the paper, take up my chalk like it’s a weapon, move to the board. Alvarez grabs the paper-
ALVAREZ
I’m going to try to reproduce it.
Alvarez and Lawrence leave. I write and write...
INT. CLASSROOM, BERKELEY -- LATER
Lawrence enters. I turn. Point at the board.
OPPENHEIMER
See. It can’t be done.
LAWRENCE
Very elegant. Quite clear. Just one problem...
Where?
OPPENHEIMER
LAWRENCE
Next door. Alvarez did it.
INT. RAD LAB, BERKELEY -- MOMENTS LATER
I peer at Alvarez’s oscilloscope...
LAWRENCE
Theory will take you only so far.
I stand, moving away... thinking...
OPPENHEIMER
During the process extra neutrons boil off. Which could be used to split other uranium atoms...
LAWRENCE
A chain reaction. You’re thinking what I’m thinking.
OPPENHEIMER
You, me and every physicist around the world who’s seen the news.
ALVAREZ
What? What’re we all thinking?
OPPENHEIMER
A bomb, Alvarez. A bomb.
EXT. TATLOCK HOUSE, BERKELEY -- NIGHT
Tatlock GRABS a bouquet out of my hands-
TATLOCK
I told you, Robert, no more fucking flowers.
She dumps them in the trash. I just stare.
OPPENHEIMER
I don’t understand what you want from me-
I pause. Then, gently...
TATLOCK (CONT’D)
I don’t want anything from you.
OPPENHEIMER (CONT’D)
You say that. Then you call.
Tatlock kicks at the dirt.
TATLOCK
Don’t answer.
OPPENHEIMER
I’ll always answer.
She looks up at me.
TATLOCK
Fine. But no more flowers.
She goes inside-
OPPENHEIMER
Aren’t you coming?
Slams the door shut behind her. I stand there.
CHEVALIER (O.S.)
You have to know when you’re beaten, Robert.
I turn. Chevalier and his wife, BARBARA, wait in the car.
OPPENHEIMER
It’s not that simple, Haakon.
INT. MEETING HALL, BERKELEY -- NIGHT
Chevalier and Barbara lead me into the crowded hall. A BANNER: "FEDERATION OF ARCHITECTS, ENGINEERS, CHEMISTS AND TECHNICIANS".
A man with a British accent greets us. This is ELTENTON.
ELTENTON
Chevalier, good to see you. And the illustrious Dr Oppenheimer. I’m Eltenton. Might you say a word about organized labour on campuses?
OPPENHEIMER
I’ll try to think of something.
Eltenton guides me towards the stage...
ELTENTON
I work at Shell, we’ve signed up chemists and engineers...
OPPENHEIMER
That’s excellent.
I spot Lomanitz, who grins and waves...
ELTENTON
So why not scientists in academia?
OPPENHEIMER
Sure. When do we-
Eltenton pushes me onto the stage. People start APPLAUDING at the very sight of me. I can’t quite not smile about this.
INT. RAD LAB, BERKELEY -- DAY
I watch Lawrence examine his cyclotron.
OPPENHEIMER
Teachers are unionized, Lawrence. Why not professors?
LAWRENCE
Don’t you have somewhere to be?
OPPENHEIMER
Academics have rights, too-
(CONTINUED)
LAWRENCE
It’s not that. I have a group coming.
OPPENHEIMER
I’ll sit in.
LAWRENCE
Not this one.
The door opens. Richard TOLMAN and Vannevar BUSH enter-
OPPENHEIMER
Richard. Dr Bush. What brings you two up north?
They exchange glances with Lawrence. Awkward SILENCE. I rise, letting them off the hook-
OPPENHEIMER (CONT’D)
Richard, tell Ruth I’ll be down to Pasadena Thursday.
INT. CLASSROOM, BERKELEY -- CONTINUOUS
As I enter, a magazine FLAPS into my hands from across the room. Students are all reading copies...
SERBER
Your paper on white holes- it’s in!
I open the magazine as I turn to a STUDENT-
OPPENHEIMER
Get Hartland.
LOMANITZ
September 1st, 1939- the world’s gonna remember this day...
Snyder comes in with a newspaper. Glum.
OPPENHEIMER
Hartland, our paper, it’s in print!
SNYDER
We’ve been upstaged.
He holds up the paper: "HITLER INVADES POLAND".
OPPENHEIMER (V.O.)
During the Battle of France and the Battle of Britain...
INT. ROOM 2022, ATOMIC ENERGY COMMISSION -- DAY
Robb looks on intently as I turn the page on my statement...
OPPENHEIMER
...I found myself increasingly out of sympathy with the policy of neutrality that Communists advocated.
ROBB
And after Hitler invaded Russia, did these Communist sympathies return?
OPPENHEIMER
No. If you’ll just allow me
GRAY
to-
Mr Robb, you’ll have ample opportunity to cross-examine.
OPPENHEIMER (CONT’D)
I need to make clear that my changing opinion of Russia did not mean a sharp break with those who held different views. For a year or two during a previous marriage my wife, Kitty, had been a Communist Party member.
Behind me, on a couch, is KITTY (forty-six), listening intently...
OPPENHEIMER (CONT’D)
But when I first met her, in Pasadena in 1939, she had already disengaged from politics...
INT. HOUSE PARTY, TOLMAN HOUSE, PASADENA -- NIGHT
Kitty (thirty-one) watches as I EXPERTLY open the liquor cabinet-
OPPENHEIMER
This is where I keep the good stuff.
KITTY
I thought this was the Tolmans’ house.
OPPENHEIMER
I live with them when I’m at Caltech.
RUTH (O.S.)
You two need anything?
I turn to see RUTH TOLMAN (forty-five) looking at me, mischievous.
OPPENHEIMER
We’re fine, Ruthie. (to Kitty)
You’re a biologist?
KITTY
Somehow I graduated to housewife. Can you explain quantum mechanics to me? It seems baffling.
OPPENHEIMER
It is. This glass-
I thump a glass onto the cabinet- pour a drink-
OPPENHEIMER (CONT’D)
This drink-
I hand her the glass- fingers touching...
OPPENHEIMER (CONT’D)
Our bodies... are mostly empty space- groupings of tiny energy waves bound together.
KITTY
By what?
OPPENHEIMER
Forces of attraction strong enough to convince us that matter is solid...
I push the palm of my hand up against hers.
OPPENHEIMER (CONT’D)
And stop my body passing through yours.
Kitty pushes her fingers through mine, interlacing our hands. I look at a GREY-HAIRED MAN in conversation with Tolman...
OPPENHEIMER (CONT’D)
You’re married to Dr Harrison.
KITTY
Not very.
OPPENHEIMER
Well, there’s someone that I...
KITTY
Does she feel the same way?
OPPENHEIMER
Sometimes. Not often enough.
As Ruth looks our way I let Kitty’s hand go.
OPPENHEIMER (CONT’D)
I’m going to New Mexico, to my ranch. With friends. You should come.
Kitty looks meaningfully over her glass at me.
OPPENHEIMER (CONT’D)
I meant with your husband.
KITTY
Yes, you did. Because you know it won’t make a bit of difference.
EXT. PERRO CALIENTE -- DAY
Kitty and I THUNDER along on horseback, climbing a ridge. I shout ahead to Kitty-
OPPENHEIMER
Why did you marry him?!
Kitty pulls up. I come alongside.
KITTY
I was lost. He was kind.
OPPENHEIMER
Lost?
KITTY
My previous husband died. At twenty- eight I wasn’t ready to be a widow.
Kitty DISMOUNTS. I follow.
OPPENHEIMER
Who was your first husband?
KITTY
Nobody. But my second husband was Joe Dallet.
(MORE)
KITTY (CONT’D)
From money, like me, but he was a union organizer in Youngstown, Ohio. I fell hard.
OPPENHEIMER
How hard?
KITTY
Hard enough to spend four years living off beans and pancakes, handing out the Daily Worker at factory gates.
Kitty takes out a hip flask. SWIGS.
KITTY (CONT’D)
By ’36 I told Joe I couldn’t take it anymore, quit the Party and joined my parents swanning around Europe. A year later I said I wanted him back. Him, not the Daily Worker. He said 'Swell, I’ll meet you on my way to Spain.'
She hands me the flask. I take a drink.
OPPENHEIMER
He went to fight for the loyalists?
KITTY
On his way we reconciled. One beautiful week in Paris. Then he went to the brigades and I waited. One day Steve Nelson turns up in the lobby of the hotel to tell me Joe got himself killed first time he popped out of his trench.
OPPENHEIMER
Who’s Steve Nelson?
KITTY
Head of the Communist Party in San Francisco. You don’t know him?
OPPENHEIMER
I’m not a Communist.
KITTY
You seem to know a lot of ’em.
OPPENHEIMER
Including you.
KITTY
(shakes head)
Ideology got Joe killed. For nothing.
OPPENHEIMER
The Spanish Republic isn’t nothing.
KITTY
My husband offered both our futures to stop one fascist bullet embedding itself in a mudbank.
That’s the definition of nothing.
OPPENHEIMER
That seems a little reductive-
KITTY
Pragmatic. Steve and his wife brought me home with them to Chicago, then set me up with husband number three. Now here I am...
She looks around at the wilderness...
KITTY (CONT’D)
Wherever the hell this is-
I grab her. Kiss her, hard.
INT. TATLOCK’S BEDROOM -- DAY
Tatlock and I sit on the floor, backs to the bed like kids. Tatlock has been crying.
OPPENHEIMER
I didn’t want you to hear it from someone else.
TATLOCK
You didn’t bring flowers. That’s something.
I reach into my pocket- she GRABS the small posy from me, TOSSING it aside.
OPPENHEIMER
Jean, we both know I’m not what you want.
TATLOCK
Yeah. But it’s a door closing.
OPPENHEIMER
Not as far as I’m concerned.
Tatlock looks at me. Appreciating the sentiment.
TATLOCK
You knocked her up. Fast work.
OPPENHEIMER
Can’t keep a good man down.
TATLOCK
I meant her. She knew what she wanted. What about the husband?
OPPENHEIMER
We spoke. He’s divorcing her so we can get married before she’s showing.
TATLOCK
How civilized, you idiot. This is your community- you think rules don’t apply to the golden boy?
OPPENHEIMER
Brilliance makes up for a lot.
TATLOCK
Don’t alienate the only people in the world who understand what you do. One day you might need them.
INT. RAD LAB, BERKELEY -- DAY
I write "F.A.E.C.T." on the board, Lomanitz hands out FLIERS. Lawrence enters, GRABBING a flyer from the nearest student: "UNIONIZE THE RADIATION LAB".
LAWRENCE
Lomanitz? What do you make a month?
LOMANITZ
(sheepish)
A hundred and fifty dollars.
Lawrence turns to another student-
LAWRENCE
How are the working conditions?
OPPENHEIMER
That’s not the point, Lawrence.
LAWRENCE
What do you have in common with dock workers and farm labourers?
LOMANITZ
Plenty-
LAWRENCE
Right. Everybody out. Now! (to me)
Not you.
The students file out. Lawrence SLAMS the door- turns on me-
LAWRENCE (CONT’D)
What’re you doing?!
OPPENHEIMER
It’s a trade union-
LAWRENCE
Full of Communists!
OPPENHEIMER
So? I haven’t joined the Party-
LAWRENCE
They won’t let me bring you onto the project because of this shit! They won’t even let me tell you what the project is-
OPPENHEIMER
I know what the fucking project is, Lawrence! We all heard about Einstein and Szilard’s letter to Roosevelt. Warning him the Germans could make a bomb. And I know what it means for the Nazis to have a bomb.
LAWRENCE
I don’t?
OPPENHEIMER
It’s not your people they’re herding into camps! It’s mine!
LAWRENCE
You think I tell them about your politics? Next time you’re coming home from a meeting, take a look in the rear-view mirror.
(MORE)
LAWRENCE (CONT’D)
Listen for sounds on your phone line. And stop being so goddamn naïve.
I’m taken aback by this...
OPPENHEIMER
Why would they care what I do?
LAWRENCE
Because you’re not just self- important, you’re actually important.
I see the reality. Shift gears-
OPPENHEIMER
I get it. You don’t have to worry. I get it.
LAWRENCE
You just need to be more- OPPENHEIMER (CONT’D) Pragmatic. It’s done, Lawrence. I’ll talk to Lomanitz and the others. You don’t have to worry.
Lawrence looks at me. Sees this is real.
LAWRENCE (CONT’D)
Then welcome to the war.
OPPENHEIMER (V.O.)
I filled out my first security questionnaire...
INT. ROOM 2022, ATOMIC ENERGY COMMISSION -- DAY
I glance up from my notes.
OPPENHEIMER
...and was informed that my involvement in left-wing groups would not prove a bar to my work on the atomic programme.
SENATOR PASTORE (V.O.)
Why were his Communist associations not seen as a security risk during the war?
CUT TO:
INT. SENATE COMMITTEE HEARING ROOM -- DAY (B&W)
Strauss suppresses his irritation at the line of questioning.
STRAUSS
Senator, I can’t possibly answer for a security clearance granted years before I even met the man.
SENATOR PASTORE
Fine. What about after?
STRAUSS
After the war, Dr Oppenheimer was the most respected scientific voice in the world. That’s why I asked him to run the Institute, that’s why he advised the Atomic Energy Commission. Simple as that.
INT. SENATE OFFICE -- DAY (B&W)
Strauss paces-
STRAUSS
What are they accusing me of?
SENATE AIDE
I think they just want to know what happened between 1947 and 1954 to change your mind on Oppenheimer’s security clearance.
STRAUSS
I didn’t. I was the AEC Chairman, but it wasn’t me who brought the charges against Robert.
SENATE AIDE
Who did?
STRAUSS
Some former staff member of the Joint Congressional Committee-
INSERT CUT: A YOUNG MAN LEAFS THROUGH A FILE, COLLECTING HIS THOUGHTS... THIS IS WILLIAM BORDEN... HE STARTS TYPING...
STRAUSS (CONT’D)
A rabid anti-Communist named Borden. He wrote to the FBI demanding they take action.
SENATE AIDE
The FBI? Why not come to the AEC direct?
STRAUSS
Why get caught holding the knife yourself?
SENATE AIDE
What did Borden have against Oppenheimer?
STRAUSS
This was the McCarthy era- people hounded out of jobs for any hint of red... reading Oppenheimer’s security file- his Communist brother, sister-in-law, fiancée, best friend, wife... that’s before you even get to the Chevalier incident.
SENATE AIDE
But how would Borden have access to Oppenheimer’s security file?
STRAUSS
Someone gave it to him. Someone who wanted Oppenheimer silenced.
SENATE AIDE
Who?
STRAUSS
Who knows? Robert didn’t take care not to upset the power brokers in Washington. His opinions on the atom became definitive and he wasn’t always patient with us mere mortals. I came in for plenty of harsh treatment. There was an AEC vote on the export of isotopes to Norway...
INT. CONGRESSIONAL HEARING ROOM -- DAY (B&W)
Oppenheimer sits at the witness table with Joe VOLPE, the AEC lawyer. Strauss is in the audience.
STRAUSS (V.O.)
They drafted in Robert to make me look like a fool...
CONGRESSMAN
But, Dr Oppenheimer, one member of the AEC board thinks these isotopes could be useful to our enemies in the production of atomic weapons.
OPPENHEIMER
Congressman, you could use a shovel in making atomic weapons, in fact, you do. You could use a bottle of beer in making atomic weapons. In fact, you do.
LAUGHTER. Strauss squirms, embarrassed.
OPPENHEIMER (CONT’D)
Isotopes aren’t as useful as electronic components, but more useful than a sandwich. I’d put them somewhere in between.
Volpe looks at Strauss, who SMILES, GOOD-HUMOURED...
STRAUSS (V.O.)
Genius is no guarantee of wisdom. How could this man who saw so much be so blind?
CUT TO:
INT. OPPENHEIMER HOUSE, BERKELEY -- NIGHT (COLOUR)
I come in. The lights are off. A BABY’S CRIES echo...
OPPENHEIMER
Kitty?
She is in the dining room, in the dark, drink in hand.
OPPENHEIMER (CONT’D)
Kitty, the project- I’m in.
She sips. SLIDES her drink down the table at me-
KITTY
Let’s celebrate.
As the baby CRIES, Kitty comes to me, pulling at my clothes-
OPPENHEIMER
Don’t you need to go to him?
KITTY
I’ve been going to him all fucking day...
She moves to kiss my neck- I look upstairs- she PUSHES me away- GRABS her drink...
EXT./INT. CHEVALIER HOUSE -- NIGHT
I carry the crying infant, PETER, to the front door. Knock. Barbara opens it- sees my distraught face and takes Peter.
INT. LIVING ROOM, CHEVALIER HOUSE -- MOMENTS LATER
Chevalier hands me a drink. I stare into the liquid.
OPPENHEIMER
I’m ashamed to ask.
CHEVALIER
Anything.
OPPENHEIMER
Take Peter.
CHEVALIER
Sure.
OPPENHEIMER
No, for a while, Hoke. A while.
CHEVALIER
Does Kitty know you’re here?
OPPENHEIMER
(I laugh)
Of course she fucking knows! We’re awful. Selfish, awful people...
(I down drink) Forget I asked-
Chevalier puts out a hand to stop me rising...
CHEVALIER
Robert, you see beyond the world we live in. There’s a price to be paid for that. Of course we’ll help.
EXT. NEW MEXICO -- EVENING
Kitty and I GALLOP through the trees, EMERGING into the twilight overlooking a valley. Kitty turns to the wind.
KITTY
Everything’s changing, Robert.
OPPENHEIMER
Having a child was always- KITTY (CONT’D) (impatient)
The world is pivoting in some new direction... reforming... this is your moment.
OPPENHEIMER (CONT’D)
We’re putting together a group to study feasibility-
KITTY (CONT’D)
'We' shouldn’t be doing anything. You should.
Lawrence won’t get this done. Or Tolman, or Rabi. You will.
INT. PRESIDENT’S DINING HALL, BERKELEY -- DAY
A crowded and lavish lunch. I notice a large man in ARMY UNIFORM, Colonel GROVES, sitting next to another soldier (NICHOLS) with Bush and Tolman. I sidle up to Lawrence at the buffet.
OPPENHEIMER
Who’s the uniform?
The husky GROVES spills sauce on his tunic, wipes at it.
LAWRENCE
I thought you might know.
INT. CLASSROOM, BERKELEY -- AFTERNOON
I am working. Groves and Lieutenant Colonel NICHOLS enter.
GROVES
Dr Oppenheimer. I’m Colonel Groves, this is Lieutenant Colonel Nichols.
Groves pulls off his uniform jacket, TOSSES it to Nichols.
GROVES (CONT’D)
Get that dry-cleaned.
I watch Nichols leave.
OPPENHEIMER
If that’s how you treat a lieutenant colonel, I’d hate to see how you treat a humble physicist.
GROVES
If I ever meet one I’ll let you know.
Ouch.
OPPENHEIMER
GROVES
Theatres of combat all over the world- but I have to stay in Washington.
OPPENHEIMER
Why?
GROVES
I built the Pentagon. The brass likes it so much they made me take over the Manhattan Engineer District.
OPPENHEIMER
Which is?
GROVES
Don’t be a smart-ass. You know damn well what it is- you and half of every physics department across America. That’s problem number one.
OPPENHEIMER
I thought problem number one would be securing enough uranium ore.
GROVES
Twelve hundred tons. Bought the day I took charge.
OPPENHEIMER
Processing?
GROVES
Just broke ground at Oak Ridge, Tennessee. Now I’m looking for a project director.
OPPENHEIMER
And my name came up.
GROVES
Nope. Even though you brought quantum physics to America. That made me curious.
OPPENHEIMER
What have you found out?
GROVES
You’re a dilettante, womanizer, suspected Communist-
OPPENHEIMER
I’m a New Deal Democrat-
GROVES
I said 'suspected'. Unstable, theatrical, egotistical, neurotic.
OPPENHEIMER
Nothing good? Not even 'he’s brilliant, but'...?
GROVES
Brilliance is taken for granted in your circles. So, no. Only one person said anything good- Richard Tolman. He thinks you’ve got integrity. But Tolman strikes me as someone who knows science better than people.
OPPENHEIMER
Yet here you are. You don’t take much on trust.
GROVES
I don’t take anything on trust. Why don’t you have a Nobel Prize?
OPPENHEIMER
Why aren’t you a general?
GROVES
They’re making me one for this.
OPPENHEIMER
Maybe I’ll have the same luck.
GROVES
A Nobel Prize for making a bomb?
OPPENHEIMER
Alfred Nobel invented dynamite.
GROVES
So how would you proceed?
OPPENHEIMER
You’re talking about turning theory into a practical weapons system faster than the Nazis.
GROVES
Who have a twelve-month head start.
OPPENHEIMER
Eighteen.
GROVES
How could you possibly know that?
OPPENHEIMER
Our fast neutron research took six months- the man they’ve undoubtedly put in charge will have made that leap instantly.
GROVES
Who do you think they put in charge?
OPPENHEIMER
Werner Heisenberg. He has the most intuitive understanding of atomic structure I’ve ever seen.
GROVES
You know his work?
OPPENHEIMER
I know him. Just like I know Walther Bothe. Von Weizsäcker. Diebner. In a straight race, the Germans win. We’ve got one hope.
GROVES
Which is?
OPPENHEIMER
Anti-Semitism.
GROVES
What?
OPPENHEIMER
Hitler called quantum physics 'Jewish science'. Said it right to Einstein’s face.
(MORE)
OPPENHEIMER (CONT’D)
Our one hope is that Hitler’s so blinded by hate he’s denied Heisenberg proper resources.
Because it’ll take vast resources. Our nation’s best scientists, working together- right now they’re scattered.
GROVES
Which gives us compartmentalization.
OPPENHEIMER
All minds have to see the whole task to contribute efficiently. Poor security may cost us the race, inefficiency will. The Germans know more than us, anyway.
GROVES
The Russians don’t.
OPPENHEIMER
Remind me- who are we at war with?
GROVES
Someone with your past doesn’t want to be seen downplaying the importance of security from our Communist allies.
OPPENHEIMER
Point taken. But no.
GROVES
You don’t get to say 'no' to me-
OPPENHEIMER
It’s my job to say 'no' to you when you’re wrong-
GROVES
So you’ve got the job, now?
OPPENHEIMER
I’m considering it.
GROVES
I’m starting to see how you got your reputation. My favorite response? 'Oppenheimer couldn’t run a hamburger stand.'
OPPENHEIMER
I couldn’t. But I can run the Manhattan Project.
I turn to the blackboard. Take up my chalk.
OPPENHEIMER (CONT’D)
There’s a way to balance these things...
(I draw)
Leave the Rad Lab here at Berkeley under Lawrence, Met Lab in Chicago under Szilard, large-scale refining- where’d you say? Tennessee... all America’s industrial might and scientific innovation, connected by rail... focused on one goal, one point in space and time, coming together... here.
I have drawn a cross at the centre of the diagram.
GROVES
And where’s that?
INSERT CUT: A BARBED-WIRE FENCE IS STRUNG OUT...
OPPENHEIMER
A secret labouratory. In the middle of nowhere. Self-sufficient.
Secure. Equipment, housing, the works. We keep everyone there till it’s done.
INSERT CUT: A SCHOOLHOUSE IS ERECTED. A CHURCH. A STORE...
OPPENHEIMER (V.O.)
It’ll need a school, stores, a church...
INT. TRAIN, BERKELEY TO WASHINGTON, DC -- DAY
I talk to Groves as Nichols looks on...
GROVES
Why?
OPPENHEIMER
If we don’t let scientists bring their families, we’ll never get the best. You want security? Build a town, and build it fast.
GROVES
Where?
EXT. CAR, LOS ALAMOS -- CONTINUOUS
Groves emerges, squinting into the brightness, taking in the stark beauty. I greet him, arms spread wide.
OPPENHEIMER
Welcome to Los Alamos. There’s a boys’ school we’ll have to commandeer, and the local Indians come up here for burial rites.
Other than that, nothing for forty miles any direction. And south- east, hundreds of miles of desert. Enough to find the perfect spot.
GROVES
For?
OPPENHEIMER
Success.
Groves scans the horizon. Sniffs the air... turns to Nichols.
GROVES
Build him a town. Fast. (to Oppenheimer)
Let’s go recruit some scientists.
INT. TRAIN, SANTA FE TO BOSTON -- NIGHT
I watch Groves go over a file.
OPPENHEIMER
How much can I tell them?
GROVES
(without looking up)
As much as you like, till you feel my boot on your balls.
INT. LECTURE HALL, HARVARD -- DAY
Groves and I sit talking to BAINBRIDGE and DONALD. BAINBRIDGE
I’m not a soldier, Oppie.
OPPENHEIMER
Soldier? He’s a general- (jab my thumb at Groves)
I got all the soldier I need. Maybe too much. I’m here because you know isotopes, and you-
(to Donald)
know explosives better than anyone.
DONALD
But you can’t tell us what you’re doing?
I glance at Groves. Then CROSS my legs.
OPPENHEIMER
It’s about unleashing the strong force before the Nazis do.
BAINBRIDGE
Oh my God.
INT. CORRIDOR, MIT -- DAY
Groves and I walk with CONDON.
CONDON
Why? Why would I leave my family?
OPPENHEIMER
I told you, bring your family.
CONDON
Why would we go to the middle of nowhere for who knows how long?
OPPENHEIMER
A year or two. Or three.
CONDON
Why would you think I’d do that?
Groves SNAPS like a bulldog-
GROVES
Why? Why? How about because this is the most important fucking thing that’s ever happened in the history of the world? How about that?
I look at Groves, then SHRUG at Condon.
INT. OFFICE, UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN -- NIGHT
Groves and I sit across the desk from a CONCERNED SCIENTIST. CONCERNED SCIENTIST
Robert, I hear you. I hear you.
Concerned Scientist GLANCES at Groves then DROPS his gaze.
OPPENHEIMER
General, could you give us a minute?
Groves looks at me. Gets up and goes.
CONCERNED SCIENTIST
They’re not gonna let someone like me onto this project. And failing a security check isn’t gonna be good for a career even after the war.
OPPENHEIMER
So you’re a fellow traveler, so what? This is a national emergency. I’ve got some skeletons, and they’ve put me in charge. They need us.
CONCERNED SCIENTIST
Until they don’t.
INT. QUADRANGLE, PRINCETON -- DAY
Groves and I flank FEYNMAN as he hurries across the quad-
OPPENHEIMER
Heisenberg, Diebner, Bothe, Bohr... what do these men have in common?
FEYNMAN
The greatest minds on atomic theory.
And?
OPPENHEIMER
FEYNMAN
I don’t know...
OPPENHEIMER
The Nazis have them.
FEYNMAN
Niels Bohr is in Copenhagen.
OPPENHEIMER
Under Nazi occupation. Did they stop printing newspapers in Princeton?
FEYNMAN
Niels won’t work for the Nazis.
OPPENHEIMER
No. Never. But while they have him,
we don’t. So I need you.
INT. TRAIN, PRINCETON TO SANTA FE -- NIGHT
Groves is napping. I just start talking.
OPPENHEIMER
Is there any chance of getting Bohr out of Denmark?
GROVES
No dice. I checked with the British. Until we get Allied boots back onto the continent there’s no way. Is he that important?
INSERT CUT: BOHR GESTICULATES WITH THE POISONED APPLE.
OPPENHEIMER
How many people do you know who’ve proven Einstein wrong?
The train BUMPS. I look out the window, impatient.
OPPENHEIMER (CONT’D)
It’d be quicker to take a plane.
GROVES
We can’t risk a plane. America needs us.
EXT. LOS ALAMOS UNDER CONSTRUCTION -- DAY
Dressed in ARMY UNIFORM, I show Rabi and Condon the CHAOTIC SNOWY and MUDDY mesa. CONSTRUCTION CREWS at work. Feynman approaches-
FEYNMAN
The Harvard guys say the building’s too small for their cyclotron.
OPPENHEIMER
(to Condon)
Get ’em together with the architects.
Condon hurries off with Feynman. Rabi turns to me.
RABI
When’s this place supposed to open?
OPPENHEIMER
Two months.
RABI
(shakes head)
Robert, you’re the great improviser, but this you can’t do in your head...
INT. CONSTRUCTION CABIN, LOS ALAMOS -- MOMENTS LATER
I draw on the board.
OPPENHEIMER
Four divisions- Experimental, Theoretical, Metallurgical, Ordnance.
RABI
Who’s running Theoretical?
OPPENHEIMER
I am.
RABI
That’s what I was afraid of. You’re spread too thin.
OPPENHEIMER
So you take Theoretical.
RABI
I’m not coming here, Robert.
(CONTINUED)
Why not?
OPPENHEIMER
Rabi, seldom at a loss for words, is lost for words...
RABI
You drop a bomb and it falls on the just and the unjust. I don’t wish the culmination of three centuries of physics to be a weapon of mass destruction.
OPPENHEIMER
Izzy, I don’t know if we can be trusted with such a weapon, but I know the Nazis can’t. We have no choice.
RABI
Well, the second thing you have to do is appoint Hans Bethe to head the Theoretical division.
OPPENHEIMER
Wait, what was the first?
RABI
Take off that ridiculous uniform- you’re a scientist.
OPPENHEIMER
General Groves is insisting we join.
RABI
Tell Groves to shit in his hat. They need us for who we are. So be yourself, only... better.
INT. OPPENHEIMER’S OFFICE, LOS ALAMOS -- DAY
I pull on a jacket. Run a hand through newly shorn close- cropped dark hair. Put on a PORK PIE HAT. Pick up my pipe...
EXT. LOS ALAMOS UNDER CONSTRUCTION -- MOMENTS LATER
I walk the main drag like a SHERIFF, nodding at construction workers as I pass... THE ICONIC J. ROBERT OPPENHEIMER.
INT. RAD LAB, BERKELEY -- DAY
I look down onto the bustle of students. Lomanitz looks up and waves- then is ERASED by WHITEWASH as workers COVER the windows... Serber hands me a key.
SERBER
This is the only key. Teller’s here already. Shall I show him in?
OPPENHEIMER
No, wait for the others-
The door BURSTS OPEN and a stooped, slightly heavy young man shuffles in. This is EDWARD TELLER.
TELLER
Let’s get started.
OPPENHEIMER
Hello, Edward.
INT. SAME -- DAY
I sit at the front, one long leg tucked under my ass. The scientists include Lawrence, Serber, Teller, BETHE, Condon, Tolman, Feynman, Donald, Bainbridge, NEDDERMEYER and Alvarez.
OPPENHEIMER
We’ll work here until the T-section at Los Alamos is finished-
I see Teller waving a piece of paper-
OPPENHEIMER (CONT’D)
Edward, can I get through my summary?
TELLER
This is more important.
Teller’s paper is passed around the room, scientists PALING...
TELLER (CONT’D)
Calculating chain reactions... I found a rather troubling possibility.
Hans Bethe hands me the paper, turns to Teller.
BETHE
That can’t be right. Show me how you did your calculations.
TELLER
Of course.
I look up from the paper, grave. Teller watches the ruckus he’s caused with evident satisfaction. Bethe approaches.
BETHE
Oppie, this is fantasy. Teller’s calculations cannot be right.
OPPENHEIMER
Do them yourself while I go to Princeton.
BETHE
What for?
OPPENHEIMER
To talk to Einstein.
BETHE
There’s not much common ground between you two.
OPPENHEIMER
That’s why I should get his view.
EXT. WOODS, PRINCETON, NEW JERSEY -- DAY
I walk through the trees, gaining on two figures. The two men turn. One of them is Einstein.
EINSTEIN
Dr Oppenheimer. Have you met Kurt Gödel? We walk here most days.
GÖDEL
Trees are the most inspiring structures.
OPPENHEIMER
Albert, might I have a word?
Einstein senses the gravity. Nods. We leave Gödel staring up at the bare trees.
EINSTEIN
Some days Kurt refuses to eat. Even in Princeton, he’s convinced the Nazis can poison his food.
EXT. LAKE, INSTITUTE FOR ADVANCED STUDY -- MOMENTS LATER
Einstein and I emerge from the trees. I pull a piece of paper from my breast pocket. Einstein takes it.
EINSTEIN
Whose work is this?
OPPENHEIMER
Teller’s.
EINSTEIN
And what do you take it to mean?
OPPENHEIMER
Neutron smashes into nucleus releasing neutrons to smash into other nuclei...
INSERT CUT: DARKNESS SPLIT BY GLOWING PARTICLES FIRING INTO EACH OTHER IN AN INCREASINGLY VIOLENT DISPLAY...
OPPENHEIMER
Criticality- the point of no return- massive explosive force... but the chain reaction doesn’t stop...
Einstein studies the paper... he nods.
EINSTEIN
It would ignite the atmosphere.
The air around us CATCHES FIRE... THE PLANET EARTH, LONELY IN VAST DARKNESS, IS SUDDENLY ENGULFED IN FIRE.
OPPENHEIMER
When we detonate an atomic device, we might start a chain reaction that destroys the world.
EINSTEIN
And here we are, lost in your quantum world of probabilities, but needing certainty.
OPPENHEIMER
Can you run the calculations yourself?
EINSTEIN
About the only thing you and I share is a disdain for mathematics. Who’s working on it at Berkeley?
OPPENHEIMER
Hans Bethe.
EINSTEIN
He’ll get to the truth.
OPPENHEIMER
And if the truth is catastrophic?
EINSTEIN
Then you stop. And share your findings with the Nazis, so neither side destroys the world.
I turn to leave.
Robert?
EINSTEIN (CONT’D)
(holding out paper) This is yours. Not mine.
INT. CORRIDOR, BERKELEY -- DAY
I come past the secretaries. Bethe is there, excited.
BETHE
Teller’s wrong-
I gesture SILENCE as I unlock the Rad Lab-
INT. RAD LAB, BERKELEY -- CONTINUOUS
Bethe runs to the cabinet- takes out some papers- hands them to me, excited. I start to scan them, GRINNING-
BETHE
When you narrow Teller’s critical assumptions the real picture emerges-
OPPENHEIMER
Bottom line?
BETHE
The chances of an uncontrolled nuclear reaction are near zero.
OPPENHEIMER
Near zero?
BETHE
Oppie, this is good news-
OPPENHEIMER
Can you run more calculations?
BETHE
You’ll get the same answer. Until we actually detonate one of these things, the best assurance you’re going to get is this-
(jabs paper) Near zero.
OPPENHEIMER
Theory will take you only so far.
INT. OPPENHEIMER HOUSE, BERKELEY -- NIGHT
Kitty opens the door to the Chevaliers, finger to her lips - I am holding the sleeping Peter.
BARBARA
(whispering)
So beautiful. We miss him.
KITTY
Want to adopt?
OPPENHEIMER
She’s kidding.
Kitty shakes her head, 'not kidding'. Barbara takes Peter. I lead Chevalier to the kitchen...
OPPENHEIMER (CONT’D)
We wanted to see you before we left.
CHEVALIER
For parts unknown...
INT. KITCHEN, OPPENHEIMER HOUSE, BERKELEY -- CONTINUOUS
I mix a tray of martinis. Chevalier watches, distracted.
CHEVALIER
You know who I ran into the other day? Eltenton.
OPPENHEIMER
The chemist from Shell? Union guy?
CHEVALIER
Yeah. He was moaning about the way we’re handling the war.
OPPENHEIMER
How so?
CHEVALIER
Lack of cooperation with our allies. Apparently, our government isn’t sharing any research with the Russians. He said a lot of scientists think the policy’s stupid.
My hands SLOW...
OPPENHEIMER
Oh, yeah?
CHEVALIER
Yeah. He mentioned that if anyone had information they wanted to pass on, going around official channels, he could help...
I look up at Chevalier. Grave.
OPPENHEIMER
That would be treason.
CHEVALIER
Yes, of course. I just thought you should know.
We STARE at each other... BANG- Kitty barges in.
KITTY
Brat’s down- where are the martinis?
She sees us having a moment...
OPPENHEIMER (V.O.)
The discussion ended there.
I pick up the tray.
INT. ROOM 2022, ATOMIC ENERGY COMMISSION -- DAY
OPPENHEIMER
Nothing in our long-standing friendship would have led me to believe that Chevalier was actually seeking information; and I was certain he had no idea of the work on which I was engaged.
I steal a glance at Robb, then look directly at the board-
OPPENHEIMER (CONT’D)
It has long been clear to me that I should have reported this incident at once.
SENATOR MCGEE (V.O.)
The Oppenheimer situation highlights the tension between scientists and the security apparatus...
CUT TO:
INT. SENATE COMMITTEE HEARING ROOM -- DAY (B&W)
Strauss is at the witness table facing the Senate Committee.
SENATOR MCGEE
In hopes of learning how the nominee handled such issues during his time at the AEC, we’ll have a scientist appearing before the Committee.
STRAUSS
(private)
Who’re they bringing in?
COUNSEL
(private) They haven’t said.
STRAUSS
Mr Chairman, if I may? I’m nominated for Commerce Secretary. Why seek the opinion of scientists-
CHAIRMAN
This is a Cabinet post, Admiral. We seek a wide range of opinion.
STRAUSS
I’d like to know the name of the scientist testifying. And I’d like the chance to cross-examine.
CHAIRMAN
(irritated) This is not a court.
INT. SENATE OFFICE -- MOMENTS LATER (B&W)
The Senate Aide shows Strauss and Counsel in.
COUNSEL
Lewis, you’re not on trial-
STRAUSS
So everyone keeps saying.
COUNSEL
You act like a defence attorney, the Committee’s gonna act like a prosecutor.
STRAUSS
(to Senate Aide) A formality, huh?
SENATE AIDE
No Presidential Cabinet nominee has failed to be confirmed since 1925. This is just how the game is played.
COUNSEL
It’s in the bag, Lewis, so play nice. They bring in a scientist, so what?
Strauss gives a wry smile. Remembers-
INSERT CUT: STRAUSS APPROACHES EINSTEIN AND OPPENHEIMER- EINSTEIN BLOWS PAST WITHOUT ACKNOWLEDGING STRAUSS...
STRAUSS
You don’t know scientists like I do, counselor. They resent anyone who questions their judgement- especially if you’re not one of them...
INSERT CUT: STRAUSS STARES- THE CROWD AT THE ISOTOPES HEARING LAUGHS...
STRAUSS (CONT’D)
I was chair of the AEC- I’m easy to blame for what happened to Robert.
SENATE AIDE
We can’t let the Senate think that the scientific community doesn’t support you.
STRAUSS
Should we pivot?
SENATE AIDE
To what?
STRAUSS
Embrace it. 'I fought Oppenheimer and the US won'?
SENATE AIDE
I don’t think we need to go there. Isn’t there anyone we can call who knows what really happened?
STRAUSS
Teller.
SENATE AIDE
He’ll make an impression.
STRAUSS
Can you find out the name of the scientist they’ve called?
SENATE AIDE
Probably.
STRAUSS
(to Counsel)
We get that name- you call the AEC, find out if he was based in Chicago or Los Alamos during the war.
SENATE AIDE
Why’s that matter?
STRAUSS
If he was in Chicago he worked under Szilard and Fermi, not the cult of Oppie at Los Alamos.
(MORE)
STRAUSS (CONT’D)
Robert built that damn place- he was founder, mayor, sheriff all rolled into one...
CUT TO:
INT./EXT. CAR DRIVING THROUGH LOS ALAMOS -- DAY (COLOUR)
I DRIVE Kitty and Peter through the 'town'... Kitty STARES at the newly built BASIC WOODEN STRUCTURES...
KITTY
All it needs is a saloon.
INT. OPPENHEIMER HOUSE, LOS ALAMOS -- DAY
I stand in the hall, holding Peter, NERVOUS, as Kitty inspects the house... she pokes her head back in-
KITTY
Robert. There’s no kitchen.
OPPENHEIMER
Really? We’ll fix that. Don’t worry.
EXT. T-SECTION, LOS ALAMOS -- DAY
I walk Bethe through the security gate.
BETHE
Barbed wire. Guns, Oppie.
OPPENHEIMER
We’re at war, Hans.
INT. LECTURE HALL, T-SECTION, LOS ALAMOS -- DAY
I step up to join Serber- throw up a slide. Condon, Neddermeyer, Kistiakowsky, Donald, Tolman, Bainbridge and Feynman, amongst other SCIENTISTS, are in attendance.
OPPENHEIMER
Halifax, 1917. A cargo ship carrying munitions exploded in the harbor...
INSERT CUT: WOOD AND CONCRETE FRAGMENTS FLY...
OPPENHEIMER (CONT’D)
A vast and sudden chemical reaction...
INSERT CUT: A SHOCKWAVE DRIFTS ACROSS THE TOPS OF THE CHOPPY WATER...
OPPENHEIMER (CONT’D)
The biggest man-made explosion in history. Let’s calculate how much more destructive it would have been with a nuclear, not chemical, reaction. Expressing power in terms of tons of TNT-
BETHE
But it’ll be thousands.
OPPENHEIMER
Then, kilotons.
I switch the lights on, step down to let Serber- SERBER
Using U-235, the bomb-
He sees me wave.
SERBER (CONT’D)
Sorry- the gadget will need a thirty-three-pound sphere, about this size...
Serber reaches below the table, brings up a GOLDFISH BOWL-
SERBER (CONT’D)
Or using plutonium, a ten-pound sphere...
He puts a large BRANDY GLASS next to the aquarium.
SERBER (CONT’D)
Here’s the amount of uranium Oak Ridge refined all of last month.
Serber drops THREE MARBLES into the bowl. The scientists stare at the almost-empty goldfish bowl.
SERBER (CONT’D)
The Hanford plant made this much plutonium...
He drops TWO MARBLES into the brandy glass.
SERBER (CONT’D)
If we can enrich these amounts... we need a way to detonate them.
Teller is at the back folding a paper plane.
OPPENHEIMER
Are we boring you, Edward?
TELLER
(without looking up)
Yes.
OPPENHEIMER
May I ask why?
TELLER
We came into this room knowing a fission bomb was possible. Let’s leave it with something new.
OPPENHEIMER
Such as?
TELLER
A 'super' atomic bomb. Instead of uranium, or plutonium, we use hydrogen.
MURMURS of dissent-
TELLER (CONT’D)
(shutting them down)
Heavy hydrogen- deuterium. We compact the atoms together under great force and induce a fusion reaction. Not kilotons... megatons.
A HUBBUB develops- I process quickly, then-
OPPENHEIMER
Hang on. How do you generate enough force to fuse hydrogen atoms?
Teller smiles a self-satisfied smile.
TELLER
A small fission bomb.
GROANS all around...
OPPENHEIMER
Well, since you’re going to need one, anyway... can we get back to the business at hand?
Teller SHRUGS.
INT. SENATE COMMITTEE HEARING ROOM -- DAY (B&W)
SENATOR BARTLETT
Mr Strauss, the isotopes issue wasn’t your most important policy disagreement with Dr Oppenheimer. It was the Hydrogen bomb, wasn’t it?
STRAUSS
We did disagree about the need for an H-bomb programme.
SENATOR BARTLETT
Tell us how that came to pass.
As Strauss REMEMBERS we hear a SIREN and we-
CUT TO:
EXT. NEW YORK STREET -- NIGHT (B&W)
Strauss is in a car, barreling along behind a POLICE ESCORT-
INT. HOTEL, NEW YORK -- NIGHT (B&W)
Strauss and his ASSISTANT rush down the corridor to a door-
INT. HOTEL CONFERENCE ROOM -- NIGHT (B&W)
Strauss enters- a table surrounded by AEC members- Oppenheimer is slouched at the table, pipe blazing, Bush presides... Strauss removes his overcoat, revealing a tuxedo...
STRAUSS
What do we know?
BUSH
One of our B-29s over the north Pacific picked up radiation.
Rabi uses a compass to indicate an area on the map...
STRAUSS
Do you have the filter papers?
OPPENHEIMER
There’s no doubt what this is.
STRAUSS
The White House says there’s doubt.
Oppenheimer begrudgingly slides them over to Strauss.
BUSH
Wishful thinking, I’m afraid.
OPPENHEIMER
It’s an atomic test.
STRAUSS
The Soviets have a bomb? We’re supposed to be years ahead of them. What were you guys doing at Los Alamos? Wasn’t the security tight?
OPPENHEIMER
Of course it was- you weren’t NICHOLS (O.S.) there, Lewis. Forgive me, doctor...
Strauss leans around the FLOWERS in the centre of the table to see who is speaking- Nichols, now a civilian.
NICHOLS (CONT’D)
But I was there.
CUT TO:
EXT. T-SECTION, LOS ALAMOS -- DAY (COLOUR)
Condon, Nichols and I watch cars pull up. Groves emerges.
OPPENHEIMER
Welcome back.
GROVES
Progress?
INSERT CUT: MARBLES DROP INTO THE GOLDFISH BOWL.
OPPENHEIMER
It’s nice to see you, too.
GROVES
Meet the British contingent.
SCIENTISTS emerge. A THIN YOUNG MAN offers his hand-
FUCHS
(German accent)
Dr Oppenheimer, Klaus Fuchs.
OPPENHEIMER
How long have you been British?
FUCHS
Since Hitler told me I wasn’t German.
INT. LECTURE HALL, T-SECTION, LOS ALAMOS -- DAY
Bethe, Teller, Condon, Kistiakowsky, Donald, Bainbridge, Fuchs and Feynman and other scientists listen to-
SERBER
I call it 'shooting'- we fire a chunk of fissionable material into the larger sphere with enough force to achieve criticality.
INSERT CUT: A URANIUM "BULLET" IS FIRED INTO A SPHERE-
TOLMAN
I’ve been thinking about implosion. Explosives around the sphere blast inwards, crushing the material.
INSERT CUT: A SPHERICAL ARRAY OF EXPLOSIVES BLASTS INWARD-
NEDDERMEYER
I’d like to investigate that idea.
OPPENHEIMER
I’ll talk to the Ordinance division- we’ll get you blowing things up...
EXT. "MAIN STREET", LOS ALAMOS -- DAY
Condon, Nichols and I show Groves the GROWING TOWN...
OPPENHEIMER
School’s up and running. I thought of a way to reduce support staff...
I open the door to the cabin containing my office-
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INT. OUTER OFFICE -- CONTINUOUS
Groves notices the YOUNG WOMAN working behind the desk-
INT. OPPENHEIMER’S OFFICE, LOS ALAMOS -- CONTINUOUS
I slump into my chair. Groves is perplexed-
GROVES
Is that...?
OPPENHEIMER
Mrs Serber. I’ve offered jobs to all the wives. Admin, librarians, computation. We cut down on staff and keep families together.
GROVES
Are these women qualified?
OPPENHEIMER
Don’t be absurd. These are some of the brightest minds in our community.
CONDON
And they’re already security cleared.
NICHOLS
I’ve informed General Groves you’ve been holding cross-divisional open discussions-
GROVES
Shut ’em down. Compartmentalization is the key to maintaining security-
NICHOLS
CONDON
It’s only the top men.
Who, presumably, communicate with subordinates.
OPPENHEIMER
These men aren’t stupid, they can be discreet.
GROVES
I don’t like it.
OPPENHEIMER
You don’t like anything enough for there to be a fair test.
Groves shrugs. Gets up to leave. Nichols rolls his eyes.
GROVES
Once a week. Top men only.
OPPENHEIMER
I’d like to bring my brother here.
GROVES
No.
Groves and Condon leave- I corner Nichols-
OPPENHEIMER
I still haven’t heard that my security clearance has been approved.
NICHOLS
It hasn’t.
OPPENHEIMER
We’re going to Chicago tomorrow-
NICHOLS
You should wait.
OPPENHEIMER
You’re aware that the Nazis have a two-year head start?
NICHOLS
Dr Oppenheimer, the fact that your security clearance is proving difficult to obtain is not my fault. It’s yours.
OPPENHEIMER
It may not be your fault, but it’s your problem. Because I’m going.
CUT TO:
INT. HOTEL CONFERENCE ROOM -- NIGHT (B&W)
Strauss reaches to the centre of the table to move the flowers from between him and Nichols-
STRAUSS
How many people were in the open discussions?
NICHOLS
Too many. Compartmentalization was supposed to be the protocol.
OPPENHEIMER
We were in a race against the Nazis-
STRAUSS
Well, now the race is against the Soviets.
OPPENHEIMER
Only if we start it.
Strauss holds up the filter papers.
STRAUSS
Robert, they just fired the starting gun. What’s the nature of the device they detonated?
OPPENHEIMER
The data indicates it may have been a plutonium implosion device.
STRAUSS
Like the one you built at Los Alamos?
Oppenheimer nods reluctantly...
STRAUSS (CONT’D)
If the Soviets have a bomb, Truman needs to know what’s next.
Bush nods. Oppenheimer looks incredulous-
OPPENHEIMER
What’s next? Arms talks. Obviously.
STRAUSS
(to Bush)
What about the Super? Does Truman even know about it?
BUSH
Not specifically.
OPPENHEIMER
We still don’t know if a Hydrogen bomb is technically feasible.
STRAUSS
My understanding is that Teller first proposed it at Los Alamos.
OPPENHEIMER
His designs have always been wildly impractical. You’d have to deliver by ox-cart not airplane.
STRAUSS
If it could put us ahead again, Truman needs to know about it. And if there’s a possibility that the Russians know about it from a spy at Los Alamos... we’ve gotta get going.
OPPENHEIMER
There’s no proof there was a spy at Los Alamos.
Strauss holds up the filter papers, raises his eyebrows...
CUT TO:
EXT. FOOTBALL STADIUM, CHICAGO -- DAY (COLOUR)
Condon and I are led across the field by J. Ernest WILKINS...
CONDON
They put it under the football stadium?
WILKINS
The field’s not in use, anymore.
OPPENHEIMER
Just as well.
INT. ATOMIC PILE, UNDERNEATH THE STADIUM, CHICAGO -- DAY
Wilkins shows us to SZILARD and FERMI. A scientist with GLASSES takes notes. The group approaches the atomic pile...
FERMI
I hear you’ve got a little town.
OPPENHEIMER
Come and see.
SZILARD
Who could think straight in a place like that? Everybody will go crazy.
OPPENHEIMER
Thanks for the vote of confidence, Szilard.
I spot Glasses SCRIBBLING - I GRAB his pen- he FLINCHES-
OPPENHEIMER (CONT’D)
We really need that in the notes? (to Fermi)
When are you going to try it out?
FERMI
We already did. The first self- sustaining nuclear chain reaction. Didn’t Groves tell you?
EXT. T-SECTION, LOS ALAMOS -- DAY
Condon and I have just passed through-
HORNIG
Dr Oppenheimer! I tried personnel.
We turn to see a twenty-three-year-old young woman on the other side of the barrier. This is Lilli HORNIG.
HORNIG (CONT’D)
They asked if I could type.
OPPENHEIMER
Can you?
HORNIG
Harvard forgot to teach that on the graduate chemistry course.
I smile at this. Turn to Condon.
OPPENHEIMER
Put Mrs Hornig on the plutonium team.
INT. CYCLOTRON BUILDING, LOS ALAMOS -- CONTINUOUS
Condon and I peer up at the equipment. Groves STORMS in-
GROVES
What the hell were you doing in Chicago?!
CONDON
Visiting the Met Lab- GROVES (CONT’D) Why?!
Condon looks at me. I say nothing. He turns to Groves-
CONDON (CONT’D)
You can’t talk to us like this. We have every right-
GROVES (CONT’D)
You have just the rights I give you! No more, no less.
CONDON (CONT’D)
This is ridiculous- we’re adults, trying to run a project here.
(to me)
Tell him, Robert.
I look steadily at Groves.
OPPENHEIMER
Compartmentalization is the protocol we agreed to.
CONDON
You’ve got to be kidding me. Enough of this madhouse- nobody can work under these conditions.
(to Groves)
You know what, Generalissimo? I quit.
(to Oppenheimer) Thanks for nothing.
Condon storms out. Groves turns to me.
GROVES
Better off without him.
OPPENHEIMER
Aren’t you more worried about his discretion out there?
GROVES
We'll have him killed.
(off Oppenheimer’s look) Kidding. He hates me, not America.
OPPENHEIMER
Not everyone has levers like mine to pull.
GROVES
I don’t know what you mean.
OPPENHEIMER
You didn’t hire me despite my left- wing past, you hired me because of it. So you could control me.
GROVES
I’m not that subtle. I’m just a humble soldier.
OPPENHEIMER
You’re neither humble, nor 'just' a soldier. You studied engineering at MIT.
GROVES
Guilty as charged.
OPPENHEIMER
Now that we understand each other, perhaps you’ll get me my security clearance, so I can perform this miracle for you.
General Groves looks at me. Nods.
GARRISON (V.O.)
General Groves, were you aware of Dr Oppenheimer’s left-wing associations when you appointed him?
INT. ROOM 2022, ATOMIC ENERGY COMMISSION -- DAY
Groves, in CIVILIAN CLOTHES, testifies. I watch...
GROVES
I was aware that there were suspicions about him... I was aware that he had a very extreme liberal background.
GARRISON
In your opinion, would he ever consciously commit a disloyal act?
GROVES
I would be amazed if he did.
GARRISON
You had complete confidence in his integrity?
GROVES
At Los Alamos, yes, which is where I really knew him.
ROBB
General, did your security officers on the project advise against the clearance of Dr Oppenheimer?
GROVES
Truer to say they could not and would not clear him. Until I insisted...
ROBB
You became pretty familiar with the security file on Dr Oppenheimer?
GROVES
I did.
ROBB
General, there’s really only one question we need answered here today...
Groves shifts, knowing what’s about to be asked...
ROBB (CONT’D)
In the light of your experience of security matters and knowledge of the file...
EXT. T-SECTION, LOS ALAMOS -- DAY
I greet Lawrence and Lomanitz as they get out of a car-
ROBB (V.O.)
...would you clear Dr Oppenheimer today?
LAWRENCE
Physics and New Mexico, huh? But my God, what a trek.
OPPENHEIMER
That’s why you need a liaison.
LAWRENCE
I’m appointing Lomanitz.
I pat Lomanitz on the shoulder.
OPPENHEIMER
You’re gonna be okay.
INT. LECTURE HALL, T-SECTION, LOS ALAMOS -- LATER
As the group assembles, General Groves speaks to Lawrence.
GROVES
I’ll remind you what we talked about in Berkeley, doctor.
LAWRENCE
Compartmentalization. I understand completely.
Oppenheimer theatrically drops three marbles into the quarter- full goldfish bowl, then ADDS TWO MORE- the room APPLAUDS. Oppenheimer BOWS, steps down. Lawrence BOUNCES up-
LAWRENCE (CONT’D)
Greetings from Berkeley. I’m here to update you on our progress and solicit your input. To do so I will be sharing many things that General Groves has told me not to
(to Groves)
Well, General, I said I 'understood', not that I agreed. So, to business...
Groves looks at me. I shrug. He leaves.
CUT TO:
INT. HOTEL CONFERENCE ROOM -- NIGHT (B&W)
Strauss places the filter papers back down on the table...
STRAUSS
There were rumours of espionage at Los Alamos-
OPPENHEIMER
Unsubstantiated-
STRAUSS (CONT’D)
I’ve heard there were Communists on the project- were any of them involved with discussions of the Super?
OPPENHEIMER (CONT’D)
We didn’t knowingly employ any Communists.
NICHOLS
I seem to remember you demanding that your brother come to Los Alamos.
OPPENHEIMER
He’d left the Party by then.
STRAUSS
And Lomanitz?
OPPENHEIMER
He was never employed at Los Alamos, he was a liaison. Our security was tight, as former Colonel Nichols well knows.
NICHOLS
Our security was the tightest we could make it given the personalities involved. But attempts were made. Doctor, we’ve all read your file here. Do we need to talk about Jean Tatlock? Or the Chevalier incident?
Strauss watches Oppenheimer glare at Nichols.
CUT TO:
INT. OPPENHEIMER’S OFFICE, LOS ALAMOS -- DAY (COLOUR)
SECRETARY
(over intercom) That’s Lomanitz on one...
I pick up the phone-
OPPENHEIMER
Lomanitz? Okay, hang on, calm down.
INT. COLONEL NICHOLS’ OFFICE -- MOMENTS LATER
I stand at Nichols’ desk.
OPPENHEIMER
There’s been another screw-up- Lomanitz just got drafted.
NICHOLS
We are at war, doctor.
OPPENHEIMER
Don’t be an asshole, Nichols. We need this kid. Fix it, will you?
NICHOLS
It wasn’t a mistake. Your friend Lomanitz has been trying to unionize the Radiation Lab.
OPPENHEIMER
He promised to quit all that.
NICHOLS
Well, he hasn’t. The security officer at Berkeley is concerned about Communist infiltration through that union- the... F-A...
OPPENHEIMER
(thinking)
F-A-E-C-T. I’m there next week, maybe I’ll drop in to see him.
Nichols TOSSES a security pass across the desk.
NICHOLS
Your Q clearance came through. It’s important you not maintain or renew any questionable associations.
ROBB (V.O.)
Doctor, did you think social contacts between a person employed on secret war work and Communists was dangerous?
INT. ROOM 2022, ATOMIC ENERGY COMMISSION -- DAY
I testify, Kitty behind me...
OPPENHEIMER
My awareness of the danger would be greater today.
ROBB
But it’s fair to say that during the war years...
EXT. HOTEL, SAN FRANCISCO -- DAY
A TAXI pulls up. I get out, carrying a bag.
ROBB (V.O.)
...you felt that such contacts were potentially dangerous?
I enter, without seeing a CAR FOLLOWING. The PASSENGER jumps out, while the DRIVER checks the time, makes a note.
INT. HOTEL LOBBY, SAN FRANCISCO -- CONTINUOUS
OPPENHEIMER (V.O.)
Were conceivably dangerous.
I move to the elevators, watched by the passenger.
INT. CORRIDOR, HOTEL, SAN FRANCISCO -- CONTINUOUS
At the door to 805 I reach into my bag...
ROBB (V.O.)
Really? Known Communists?
...and remove a small BUNCH OF FLOWERS. I knock...
OPPENHEIMER (V.O.)
Look, I’ve had a lot of secrets in my head a long time. It doesn’t matter who I associate with...
The door opens to reveal JEAN TATLOCK.
INT. ROOM 2022, ATOMIC ENERGY COMMISSION - DAY
OPPENHEIMER (CONT'D)
I don’t talk about those secrets.
INT. ROOM 805, HOTEL, SAN FRANCISCO -- CONTINUOUS
Tatlock GRABS the flowers. As I follow her in, she DUMPS them in the wastebasket...
8FLiX.com FYC SCREENPLAY DATABASE 20230904
INT. ROOM 2022, ATOMIC ENERGY COMMISSION -- DAY
Robb refers to his papers- Kitty watches...
ROBB
You said in your statement you 'had' to visit Jean Tatlock in 1943...
INT. ROOM 805, HOTEL, SAN FRANCISCO -- NIGHT
Tatlock and I sit across the room from each other, naked.
TATLOCK
You left. Not a word. What did you think that would do to me?
OPPENHEIMER
I wrote.
TATLOCK
Pages of nothing. Where’d you go?
OPPENHEIMER
I can’t tell you.
TATLOCK
Why not?
OPPENHEIMER
Because you’re a Communist.
ROBB (V.O.)
Why did you have to see her?
INT. ROOM 2022, ATOMIC ENERGY COMMISSION -- DAY
I sit at the table, self-conscious, testifying...
OPPENHEIMER
She had indicated a great desire to see me before we left. At that time I couldn’t. But I felt that she had to see me...
Kitty watches me testify. I am NAKED...
OPPENHEIMER (CONT’D)
She was undergoing psychiatric treatment. She was extremely unhappy.
ROBB
Did you find out why she had to see
you?
OPPENHEIMER
Because she was still in love with me.
Kitty watches Tatlock, also naked, STRADDLE me, head on my shoulder, facing Kitty...
ROBB
You spent the night with her didn’t you?
As Tatlock GRINDS on me she locks eyes with Kitty...
OPPENHEIMER
Yes.
INT. ROOM 805, HOTEL, SAN FRANCISCO -- NIGHT
Tatlock studies me from across the room.
TATLOCK
You drop in and out of my life and don’t have to tell me why. That’s power.
OPPENHEIMER
Not that I enjoy. I’d rather be here for you as you need.
TATLOCK
But now you’ve got other priorities.
OPPENHEIMER
I have a wife and child.
TATLOCK
That’s not what either of us is talking about.
OPPENHEIMER
Jean, you asked me to come. And I’m glad I did. But I can’t come again.
TATLOCK
What if I need you?
I slowly shake my head.
TATLOCK (CONT’D)
Not a word?
INT. ROOM 2022, ATOMIC ENERGY COMMISSION -- DAY
All eyes on me, clothed and alone again...
ROBB
Did you think that consistent with good security?
Behind me, Kitty’s face is stone...
OPPENHEIMER
It was, as a matter of fact. Not a word.
ROBB
When did you see her after that?
INSERT CUT: HOT BATH RUNNING. PILL BOTTLE. DOWNTURNED HEAD IN THE WATER. THE SOUND OF FEET STAMPING, STAMPING...
I JAM my eyes closed, shake off the image-
OPPENHEIMER
I never saw her again.
INT. SAME -- DAY
As the room breaks up, Kitty speaks privately to me through CLENCHED TEETH as she gathers her things. No eye contact.
KITTY
I can make the last train back to Princeton.
OPPENHEIMER
I said nothing that I hadn’t already said to you, Kitty.
KITTY
Well, today you said it to history.
OPPENHEIMER
This is a closed hearing-
KITTY
If they don’t release a transcript, you will!
She DROPS her bag, spilling the contents. Garrison spots a small FLASK as Kitty sweeps it into her purse. I CROUCH-
OPPENHEIMER
I was under oath.
KITTY
You were under an oath to me when you went to see Jean.
She STANDS- I follow- she TURNS back- in my face-
KITTY (CONT’D)
You sit there, day after day, letting them pick our lives to pieces. Why won’t you fight?
I don’t answer. She leaves. Garrison steps up.
GARRISON
Robert, I’m not putting her up there.
EXT. BERKELEY CAMPUS -- DAY
I stroll across the campus, enter an administrative building.
INT. LT. JOHNSON’S OFFICE -- MOMENTS LATER
I knock. Johnson opens the door, SURPRISED.
JOHNSON
Dr Oppenheimer, it’s an honour. Please, take a seat-
OPPENHEIMER
No need. I just wanted to check whether I should talk to Lomanitz while I’m here- given your concerns.
JOHNSON
That’s up to you, really, professor. But I’d be cautious.
OPPENHEIMER
Understood. Oh, and as far as the union goes, I wanted to give you a heads up on a man named Eltenton.
JOHNSON
A heads up?
OPPENHEIMER
He might merit watching, is all.
JOHNSON
I’d love to get more details-
OPPENHEIMER
I’ve got an appointment now, and I leave early tomorrow-
JOHNSON
Come as early as you like. Since you haven’t time now.
GROVES (V.O.)
You went back the next morning?
INT. TRAIN, SANTA FE TO CHICAGO -- DAY
Groves sits opposite. I stare out the window.
OPPENHEIMER
I did. I had to, really.
INT. LT. JOHNSON’S OFFICE -- MORNING
Johnson smiles, beckons me in. Indicates a SECOND MAN-
OPPENHEIMER (V.O.)
This time there was another man.
INT. TRAIN, SANTA FE TO CHICAGO -- DAY
I stare out the window. Groves sits opposite.
OPPENHEIMER
Said his name was Pash.
GROVES
Pash? You met Colonel Pash?
INT. ROOM 2022, ATOMIC ENERGY COMMISSION -- DAY
Alone on the couch, I glance up, NERVOUS, as a man in uniform walks past. As he sits, I study the back of his head.
ROBB
Colonel Pash, can you read from your memo of June 29th, 1943?
PASH
'Results of surveillance conducted on subject indicate further possible Communist Party connections. Subject met with and spent considerable time with one Jean Tatlock, Communist, the record of whom is attached.'
ROBB
The subject being Dr Oppenheimer?
PASH
Yes.
ROBB
Whom you had not met?
PASH
Not then, but soon after...
INT. TRAIN, SANTA FE TO CHICAGO -- DAY
OPPENHEIMER
He’s head of security for the project, shouldn’t I know him?
GROVES
No, he should know you. I’d never put you in a room with Pash.
OPPENHEIMER
Why not?
GROVES
When Pash first learned about Lomanitz- he told the FBI he was going to kidnap him, take him out on a boat, interrogate him 'in the Russian manner'...
INT. LT. JOHNSON’S OFFICE -- DAY
Pash sits down next to me, opposite Johnson.
PASH
Dr Oppenheimer, this is a pleasure. General Groves has placed a certain responsibility in me, and it’s like having a child, that you can’t see, by remote control, so to actually meet you... I don’t mean to take much of your time...
The disarming friendliness of the truly dangerous.
OPPENHEIMER
Not at all. Whatever time you choose.
PASH
Mr Johnson told me of your conversation yesterday, in which I’m very interested. It had me worried all day...
OPPENHEIMER
I didn’t want to talk to Lomanitz without authorization-
PASH
That’s not the particular interest I have. It’s something a little more, in my opinion, more serious...
INT. TRAIN, SANTA FE TO CHICAGO -- DAY
GROVES
When the FBI pointed out that such information couldn’t be used in court Pash made it clear that he didn’t intend to have anyone left to prosecute. The FBI talked him down, but that’s the man you’re dancing with.
INT. LT. JOHNSON’S OFFICE -- DAY
PASH
I gather you’ve heard there are other parties interested in the work of the Radiation Lab...
OPPENHEIMER
Well, a man attached to the Soviet Consul indicated, through intermediate people, to people on this project that he was in a position to transmit information they might supply.
PASH
Why would anyone on the project want that?
OPPENHEIMER
Frankly, I can see there might be arguments for the commander-in- chief informing the Russians- they’re our allies. But I don’t like the idea of it going out the back door- it might not hurt to be on the lookout for it.
INT. TRAIN, SANTA FE TO CHICAGO -- DAY
GROVES
You said that to Pash?
OPPENHEIMER
I was trying to put it in the context of... Russia’s not Germany.
GROVES
Boris Pash is the son of a Russian Orthodox bishop. Born here but in 1918 he went back to Russia to fight the Bolsheviks. This is a man who’s killed Communists with his own hands.
INT. LT. JOHNSON’S OFFICE -- DAY
Pash spreads his palms...
PASH
I’m not the judge of who should or should not get information. My business is to stop it going through illegally. Could you be a little more specific?
OPPENHEIMER
There’s a man whose name was mentioned to me a couple of times- Eltenton. I think he’s a chemist employed by Shell. He talked to a friend of his who’s an acquaintance of someone on the project. To go beyond that would be to put names down of people who are not only innocent but were one hundred percent cooperative.
INT. TRAIN, SANTA FE TO CHICAGO -- DAY
Groves is staring at me like I just crapped my pants.
GROVES
You thought Pash would be satisfied with that?
OPPENHEIMER
I was trying to give them Eltenton without opening a can of worms. I told him a cock-and-bull story.
INT. ROOM 2022, ATOMIC ENERGY COMMISSION -- DAY
I am up front. Robb questioning-
ROBB
Did you lie to General Groves, too?
OPPENHEIMER
No, I told him I’d lied to Pash.
INT. SAME -- DAY
Groves is on the stand, in civilian clothes-
GARRISON
Do you recall your conversation with him about the Chevalier incident?
GROVES
I’ve seen so many versions of it, I wasn’t confused before, but I’m certainly getting there now.
GARRISON
What was your conclusion?
GROVES
That he was under the influence of the typical American schoolboy attitude that there’s something wicked about telling on a friend. He did what he thought was essential- disclosing Eltenton.
INT. SAME -- DAY
Pash is testifying.
PASH
The memo I wrote at the time states 'Dr Oppenheimer sought to provide information to burnish his image as loyal, clearly having heard of our investigation at Berkeley. He is not to be trusted on matters of security.'
INT. LT. JOHNSON’S OFFICE -- DAY
Pash gazes, unblinking, into my eyes...
PASH
These other people you mentioned, were they contacted by Eltenton direct?
No.
OPPENHEIMER
PASH
Well now, could we know through whom that contact was made?
OPPENHEIMER
It would involve people who ought not be involved in this.
PASH
Is this person a member of the project?
OPPENHEIMER
A member of the faculty, but not on the project.
PASH
Eltenton made the approach through a member of the faculty here at Berkeley?
OPPENHEIMER
As far as I know- there may have been more than one person involved. If I seem uncooperative I think you can understand that it’s because of my insistence in not getting innocent people into trouble.
Pash stares at me. I finally keep my mouth shut.
PASH
You see me as persistent-
OPPENHEIMER
You are persistent, and that is your job. But my job is protecting the people who work for me.
PASH
Instead of us going on certain steps which may come to your attention and be a little bit... disturbing to you... I’d rather discuss those with you first. I’m not formulating any plans, I’m just going to have to digest the whole thing.
I nod at Pash. Get to my feet.
INT. TRAIN, SANTA FE TO CHICAGO -- DAY
Groves takes in the story.
GROVES
You’re protecting a friend. But who’s protecting you?
OPPENHEIMER
You could.
GROVES
If you gave me the name.
OPPENHEIMER
If you order me to, I’ll do it.
GROVES
You’re making a mistake, Robert. A mistake that may haunt you. You need to volunteer this name.
I turn to watch the scenery trundle past.
ROBB (V.O.)
And did he give you the name?
INT. ROOM 2022, ATOMIC ENERGY COMMISSION -- DAY GROVES
He did.
ROBB
But not at that time.
GROVES
No.
ROBB
In fact, it was some months later, wasn’t it?
Groves nods.
INT. SAME -- DAY
I study the back of Boris Pash’s head...
ROBB
And in the months between your interview with Dr Oppenheimer and his eventual naming of Chevalier, did you expend resources trying to find the identity of the intermediary?
PASH
Considerable resources. Without the name our job was extremely difficult.
ROBB
When did you receive the name?
PASH
I was gone by the time Oppenheimer offered it up.
Gone?
ROBB
PASH
They felt my time would be better spent in Europe determining the status of the Nazi bomb project.
ROBB
Who did?
PASH
General Groves. He transferred me to London.
I lift my head at this.
INSERT CUT: MARBLES DROP INTO THE BOWL... THREE-QUARTERS FULL...
EXT. LOS ALAMOS -- NIGHT
Serber and I walk down the street. Snow falling.
SERBER
Little early for a Christmas party.
OPPENHEIMER
Something’s up. Tolman’s been away.
SERBER
Where?
OPPENHEIMER
Ruth won’t tell.
We head towards Fuller Lodge...
INT. FULLER LODGE, LOS ALAMOS -- LATER
A CHRISTMAS PARTY. DEBAUCHED. Kitty, in SANTA HAT,
serves/spikes the EGGNOG. Bethe, Teller, Charlotte Serber, Neddermeyer, Kistiakowsky, Donald, Hornig, Bainbridge, Fuchs, Feynman amongst the revelers. I have Ruth cornered, glancing over at Kitty, who pretends she wasn’t looking at me and GRABS at the nearest male arm- pushing eggnog...
RUTH
Compartmentalization, Oppie. What makes you think I know, anyway?
I take her glass. Sip from it...
OPPENHEIMER
You do a good job of knowing where Mr Tolman is... when it counts.
RUTH
Like now.
I turn- Tolman and Groves enter, brushing off snow...
GROVES
Atten-shun! We have an early Christmas present for you...
They step aside to reveal... NIELS BOHR. I grin.
BOHR (V.O.)
The British pilots put me in the bomb bay...
INT. SAME -- LATER
Bohr holds court. I listen at the back.
BOHR
...showed me the oxygen- of course I messed it up. When they opened me up in Scotland I was unconscious. I pretended I’d been napping.
The crowd LAUGHS, loving it. Bohr peels off to talk to me.
BOHR (CONT’D)
Is it big enough?
OPPENHEIMER
To end the war?
BOHR
To end all war.
INT. LECTURE HALL, T-SECTION -- LATER
I sip my drink, watching Bohr read the boards. Tolman, Teller, Bethe and Serber sprawl, party hats, TINSEL scarves...
BOHR
Heisenberg sought me out in Copenhagen. It was chilling- my old student, working for the Nazis.
(MORE)
BOHR (CONT’D)
He told me things to draw me out... sustained fission reactions in uranium...
TOLMAN
That sounds more like a reactor than a bomb.
TELLER
Did he mention gaseous diffusion?
BOHR
He seemed more focused on heavy water.
TELLER
As a moderator?
BOHR
Yes. Instead of graphite.
Serber and Tolman GRIN. I nod. Bohr notices us relax...
BOHR (CONT’D)
What?
OPPENHEIMER
He took a wrong turn. We’re ahead. And with you here to help us...
Bohr turns to Teller and the others-
BOHR
Gentlemen, could you give us a moment?
They shuffle out. Bohr looks at the MARBLES. Turns to me...
BOHR (CONT’D)
I’m not here to help, Robert. I knew you could do this without me.
OPPENHEIMER
Then why did you come?
BOHR
To talk about after. The power you’re revealing will forever outlive the Nazis. And the world is not prepared.
OPPENHEIMER
You can lift the rock without being ready for the snake that’s revealed.
BOHR
We have to make the politicians understand- this isn’t a new weapon- it’s a new world. I’ll be out there, doing what I can- but you...
(points at me)
You’re an American Prometheus- Father of the Atomic Bomb. The man who gave them the power to destroy themselves. They’ll respect that. And your work really begins.
I take this in. Charlotte Serber enters-
CHARLOTTE
I’m sorry, Oppie, but there’s a call. From San Francisco.
I look at my watch, surprised... look at Bohr, who nods 'Go.'
EXT. SNOWY WOODS, LOS ALAMOS -- DAWN
Kitty, on horseback, finds my horse, tied up. She dismounts, moving into the trees... She finds me curled up at the base of a tree in the SNOW, distraught.
KITTY
Robert?
She crouches, touches my shoulder- I look up, ASHAMED.
OPPENHEIMER
Her father called... they found her yesterday... in the bath...
INSERT CUT: A WOMAN, FACE-DOWN IN THE BATH, A CUSHION BELOW...
Who?
KITTY
OPPENHEIMER
She’d taken pills, left a note... not signed... she took barbiturates...
INSERT CUT: TATLOCK KNEELS IN THE BATH, POPPING PILLS. SINKS SERENELY ONTO CUSHIONS UNDER THE WATER...
OPPENHEIMER (CONT’D)
But there was chloral hydrate in her blood...
INSERT CUT: GLOVED HANDS HOLD TATLOCK’S STRUGGLING HEAD UNDERWATER...
I SHAKE OFF the image...
OPPENHEIMER (CONT’D)
There was a note.
KITTY
Jean Tatlock?
INSERT CUT: OPPENHEIMER, NAKED, SHAKES HIS HEAD AT TATLOCK.
OPPENHEIMER
We were together- she said she needed me... but I told her I wouldn’t see her again. It was me.
Kitty SLAPS me in the face. I look up at her, bleary-eyed...
KITTY
You don’t get to commit the sin, then have us all feel sorry for you that it had consequences.
(rises)
Pull yourself together. People here depend on you.
INT. LECTURE HALL, T-SECTION, LOS ALAMOS -- DAY
I vacantly preside over a shambles- the goldfish bowl is FILLED with marbles. As is the glass tumbler... Donald, Bainbridge, Feynman watch the others squabble-
HORNIG
Serber, I’m not quitting my job because plutonium’s radioactive!
SERBER
We can’t know what it might do to your reproductive system- Donald, help me out, here-
DONALD
You’re on your own, pal. HORNIG (to Serber)
Your reproductive system’s more exposed than mine.
Presumably.
KISTIAKOWSKY
The implosion device is nowhere.
KISTIAKOWSKY (CONT’D)
There’s rushing and there’s getting on with it- pick one, will ya?
TELLER
NEDDERMEYER
You can’t rush everything, Oppie.
BETHE
Teller’s not helping- I’ve been asking for calculations on the implosion lenses for weeks-
The British can do it- Fuchs- FUCHS Absolutely.
BETHE
It’s your job, Teller! TELLER (CONT’D) I’m engaged in research-
BETHE (CONT’D)
On a Hydrogen bomb we’re not even building!
Teller simply walks away. As he passes me-
TELLER
I won’t work for that man.
BETHE
Let him go. He’s a prima donna-
SERBER
I agree. He should leave Los Alamos.
I sigh. RISE, clear and direct-
OPPENHEIMER
Kisty, you replace Neddermeyer. Seth, I’m putting you on plutonium. Lilli, go work for Kisty.
(off her look) Because he needs you.
(to Fuchs)
(MORE)
OPPENHEIMER (CONT’D)
Fuchs, take Teller’s role- you’re exclusively on the implosion device.
I head for the door-
OPPENHEIMER (CONT’D)
And nobody is leaving Los Alamos.
EXT. T-SECTION, LOS ALAMOS -- DAY
Teller is held at the gate. I approach. We face off in the 'street' like gunslingers.
TELLER
They won’t let me leave.
OPPENHEIMER
I won’t let you leave. Forget Hans, forget fission. Stay here and research what you want. Fusion. The Hydrogen bomb- whatever. We’ll meet to discuss-
TELLER
You don’t have time to meet. You’re a politician now, Robert. You left physics behind long ago.
OPPENHEIMER
Once a week. One hour, you and me.
Teller considers this. Nods, turns to the GUARD- TELLER
Now, raise that fucking barrier.
ROBB (O.S.)
So the Super was under development on your watch at Los Alamos...
INT. ROOM 2022, ATOMIC ENERGY COMMISSION -- DAY
ROBB
...yet, after the war, you tried to deny it was viable.
OPPENHEIMER
No. I pointed out technical difficulties with it.
ROBB
Didn’t you try to kill it at the AEC meeting after the Russian bomb test?
No.
OPPENHEIMER
ROBB
But that was the recommendation the AEC offered, was it not?
OPPENHEIMER
After hours of discussion...
INT. HOTEL CONFERENCE ROOM -- NIGHT (COLOUR)
Me, Bush, Nichols (CIVILIAN), Rabi, Fermi, Strauss and others.
OPPENHEIMER (V.O.)
...about the best response.
BUSH
Truman has to do something...
Rabi opens his compasses wider...
RABI
An H-bomb would be one thousand times the power of an A-bomb.
He draws a circle around Moscow...
RABI (CONT’D)
The only intended target would be the largest cities.
And a circle around St Petersburg...
RABI (CONT’D)
It’s a weapon of mass genocide.
STRAUSS
Why don’t you draw some of those circles on this side of the map?
He points at the USA...
STRAUSS (CONT’D)
Start here...
(gestures around them) New York.
As I listen to them I hear the sound of FEET STAMPING...
FERMI
It’s a weapon of attack, with no defensive value.
STRAUSS
Deterrence.
BUSH
Do we need more deterrence than our current arsenal of atomic bombs?
I tense up as the STAMPING SOUND gets LOUDER and LOUDER...
RABI
Drown in ten feet of water or ten thousand, what’s the difference? We can already drown Russia, and they know it.
INSERT CUT: DOZENS OF FEET STAMPING, FASTER AND FASTER...
STRAUSS
Now they can drown us.
INSERT CUT:... SO FAST THE FEET BREAK RHYTHM, CAUSING CACOPHONY...
STRAUSS (CONT’D)
Gentlemen, I have to ask whether your discussion should be more of a technical one. Robert?
I JAM my eyes CLOSED, SHAKE OFF the image- the sound STOPS-
OPPENHEIMER
Teller’s designs are as impractical as they were during the war.
LAWRENCE
The Hydrogen bomb can be made to work, Oppie. You know that.
OPPENHEIMER
We can’t commit all our resources to that chance.
STRAUSS
Then how would you have Truman reassure the American people?
OPPENHEIMER
By limiting the spread of atomic weapons through international control of nuclear energy.
STRAUSS
World government?
OPPENHEIMER
The United Nations. As Roosevelt intended.
STRAUSS
I asked what Truman should do. The world’s changed. Communism threatens our survival.
OPPENHEIMER
Lewis, if we build a Hydrogen bomb, the Soviets would have no choice but to build their own.
STRAUSS
Could they be working on it already? Based on information from a spy at Los Alamos?
OPPENHEIMER
There was no spy at Los Alamos!
BUSH
Gentlemen, let’s not get sidetracked.
OPPENHEIMER (CONT’D)
I say we use this moment to gain concessions from the Russians by committing that we will not build the Hydrogen bomb.
STRAUSS
Thereby revealing its existence.
OPPENHEIMER
Which you seem convinced they already know.
BUSH
At this point I’d like the Advisory Committee members to meet in privacy to finalize our recommendations.
Strauss nods. Rises. Much of the room follows suit, leaving.
STRAUSS
I’m not sure you want to go down this road, Robert.
OPPENHEIMER
Lewis, we’re the Advisory Committee. We’ll give them our advice.
Strauss shrugs. As he, Lawrence and Nichols leave together, Borden approaches.
BORDEN
Dr Oppenheimer? William Borden- Joint Committee on Atomic Energy.
OPPENHEIMER
Oh, yes.
BORDEN
During the war, I was a pilot. One night, flying back from a raid, I saw an amazing sight- like a meteor-
INSERT CUT: BORDEN SPEEDS THROUGH THE NIGHT...
BORDEN (V.O.)
A V-2 rocket heading for England-
INSERT CUT: A ROCKET STREAKS PAST, RIPPING APART THE DARK...
BORDEN (V.O.)
I can’t help but imagine what it will be for such an enemy rocket to carry an atomic warhead...
INSERT CUT: A MISSILE RISES THROUGH THE CLOUDS...
I hear the sound of FEET STAMPING...
INSERT CUT: DOZENS OF FEET STAMPING FASTER AND FASTER...
I peer into the future...
INSERT CUT: HUNDREDS OF MISSILES RISE THROUGH THE CLOUDS...
I look at the map... Rabi’s circles EXPAND like raindrops in a puddle...
OPPENHEIMER
Then let’s make sure we’re not the ones to make that possible.
But that’s not the answer Borden wanted. He leaves. Fermi and Bush remain. Rabi leans over to me.
RABI
Oppie, you don’t want to go up against Strauss.
OPPENHEIMER
If we both speak, they listen to me.
RABI
When you speak, they hear a prophet. When Strauss speaks, they hear themselves.
OPPENHEIMER
They’ll listen to a prophet.
RABI
A prophet can’t be wrong. Not once.
SENATOR MCGEE (V.O.)
Didn’t you accuse Oppenheimer of sabotaging the development of the Super?
CUT TO:
INT. SENATE COMMITTEE HEARING ROOM -- DAY (B&W)
Strauss shifts uneasily in his chair.
STRAUSS
I was never one of those who bandied around terms like 'sabotage'.
SENATOR MCGEE
But Mr Borden was?
STRAUSS
As I understand it.
SENATOR MCGEE
How was Mr Borden able to put together such a detailed indictment?
(MORE)
SENATOR MCGEE (CONT’D)
He was no longer a government employee, and yet he appears to have had unlimited access to Dr Oppenheimer’s file. Might Mr Nichols have given him access to the file? Or someone else at the AEC?
STRAUSS
Feelings ran high on these issues, but that’s a very serious accusation, Senator.
CUT TO:
EXT. LOS ALAMOS -- DAY (COLOUR)
RAIN. I ride my horse through the outskirts. Spot a FLIER stapled to a telegraph pole, ink running: "THE IMPACT OF THE GADGET ON CIVILIZATION - DISCUSSION, BLDG T31 SUNDAY, 11AM".
INT. CYCLOTRON BUILDING, LOS ALAMOS -- DAY
I enter to find forty scientists meeting. Hornig is speaking.
HORNIG
Germany’s about to surrender, the Japanese are losing. It’s no longer the enemy who are the greatest threat to mankind- it’s us. Our work.
Heads turn as they notice me.
OPPENHEIMER
Hitler’s dead. But the Japanese fight on.
The audience is now turned my way...
HORNIG
Their defeat seems assured.
OPPENHEIMER
Not if you’re a GI preparing to invade Japan. We can end this war.
MORRISON
How can we justify using this weapon on human beings?
OPPENHEIMER
We’re theorists- we can imagine a future, and our imaginings horrify us. But they won’t fear it until they understand it, and they won’t understand it until they’ve used it. When the world learns the terrible secret of Los Alamos, our work will ensure a peace mankind has never seen. A peace based on the kind of international cooperation that Roosevelt always envisaged.
Some of the scientists nod. Scattered applause... INSERT CUT: THE GOLDFISH BOWL IS FULL OF MARBLES...
EXT. LOS ALAMOS -- DAY
I walk down the main drag with Groves.
OPPENHEIMER
Progress.
GROVES
Two years and a billion dollars’ worth?
OPPENHEIMER
Hard to put a price on it.
GROVES
Not really. Just add up the bills. (points)
'Rural free delivery'... Eighty babies delivered the first year. This year they’ve had ten a month.
OPPENHEIMER
Birth control’s a little out of my jurisdiction, General.
Groves watches Kitty approach- she’s HEAVILY PREGNANT.
GROVES
Clearly.
8FLiX.com FYC SCREENPLAY DATABASE 20230904
EXT. CANYON, LOS ALAMOS -- DAY
An IMPLOSION DEVICE ROCKS the canyon. Groves, Fuchs and I raise our heads- Kistiakowsky and Hornig rush to the device-
KISTIAKOWSKY
That’s the one!
I put my PIPE on the wall as we CLIMB out of the bunker...
GROVES
Two viable bombs. I need a date.
OPPENHEIMER
September-
GROVES
July-
Kistiakowsky waves a trail of ticker tape-
KISTIAKOWSKY
That’s the sweet spot, gentlemen!
OPPENHEIMER
August.
GROVES
July-
OPPENHEIMER
A test in July.
Fuchs hands me my pipe. I dust it off...
OPPENHEIMER (CONT’D)
But I need my brother. (off his look)
Frank knows the desert. He left politics behind- he’s been working for Lawrence for two years.
INSERT CUT: FLYING OVER DESERT TO FIND FRANK STANDING BY A JEEP WITH AN ARMY OFFICER.
GROVES
What do we call the test?
OPPENHEIMER
(thinking)
'Batter my heart, three-person’d god.'
What? Trinity.
GROVES OPPENHEIMER
INSERT CUT: A STEEL TOWER IS RAISED IN THE DESERT...
INT. ROOM 2022, ATOMIC ENERGY COMMISSION -- DAY
ROBB
So you insisted on bringing on your brother, Frank, a known Communist-
OPPENHEIMER
Former Communist-
ROBB
You brought a known former Communist onto America’s most secret and important defence project?
OPPENHEIMER
I knew my brother could be trusted absolutely.
ROBB
And you feel your judgement was sound on who on the team could be trusted?
KISTIAKOWSKY (O.S.)
Fuchs! Head down!
EXT. BERM -- DAY
Behind a berm, Groves, Fuchs, Frank and I watch Kistiakowsky and Hornig arm a detonator. Fuchs shuffles lower.
KISTIAKOWSKY
Everybody ready...?
Kistiakowsky triggers A VAST EXPLOSION, SPLINTERING THE TOWER, SENDING A MASSIVE PLUME OF FIRE INTO THE AIR... the
SHOCKWAVE throws DEBRIS onto me and Groves...
GROVES
I hope you learned something.
FRANK
We learned we’re gonna need to be a lot further away...
GROVES
Well, figure it out. Fast. (to me)
We leave for Washington tomorrow, and we’re going to give them a date.
INT. HOTEL LOBBY, WASHINGTON, DC -- DAY
I walk across the lobby- someone GRABS my arm- Szilard, with the Scientist with Glasses in tow. I glance out the window, where Groves is getting into a car, waiting for me...
OPPENHEIMER
You’re a long way from Chicago, Leo.
SZILARD
If we don’t act now, they’re going to use this thing against Japan. We booked a meeting with Truman, but somebody killed it. You’re meeting the Secretary of War-
OPPENHEIMER
Just because we’re building it- doesn’t mean we get to decide how it’s used.
SZILARD
History will judge us, Robert. In Chicago we put together a petition-
Glasses holds out a paper- I PUSH it back- Glasses FLINCHES-
OPPENHEIMER
I’m not getting into that. Tell me your concerns and I’ll relay them-
SZILARD
My concerns?! Germany’s defeated, Japan’s not going to hold out alone-
OPPENHEIMER
How would you know? You got us into this, you and Einstein, with your letter to Roosevelt saying we could build a bomb-
SZILARD
Against Germany.
OPPENHEIMER
That’s not how weapons manufacture works, Szilard.
SZILARD
Oppie, you have to help.
OPPENHEIMER
Fermi’s in the meeting. And Lawrence-
SZILARD (CONT’D)
They’re not you. You’re the great salesman of science- you can convince anyone of anything. Even yourself.
INT. SECRETARY OF WAR’S OFFICE -- DAY
I sit on a couch next to Fermi- Lawrence, Groves and Bush in chairs. Secretary of War STIMSON presides. Military, scientists and officials are scattered through the room.
STIMSON
The firestorm in Tokyo killed one hundred thousand people. Mostly civilians. I worry about an America where we do these things and no one protests.
MARSHALL
Pearl Harbor and three years of brutal conflict in the Pacific buys a lot of latitude with the American public.
STIMSON
Enough to unleash the atomic bomb?
FERMI
In truth, the A-bomb might not cause as much damage as the Tokyo bombings.
STIMSON
What are we estimating?
BUSH
In a medium-sized city, twenty or thirty thousand dead.
OPPENHEIMER
Don’t underestimate the psychological impact of an atomic explosion... a pillar of fire ten thousand feet tall, deadly neutron effects for a mile in all directions... from one. Single.
Device. Dropped from a barely noticed B-29... the atomic bomb will be a terrible revelation of divine power.
Groves carefully monitors my effect on the room...
MARSHALL
If that’s true it would be definitive. World War II would be over. Our boys would come home.
STIMSON
This could end the war.
OPPENHEIMER
This could end all war. If we retain moral advantage.
Groves registers the pivot...
STIMSON
How so?
OPPENHEIMER
If we use this weapon without informing our allies, they’ll see It as a threat and we’ll be in an arms race.
MARSHALL
How open can we be with the Soviets?
BUSH
Secrecy won’t stop the Soviets becoming part of the atomic world.
A politician, BYRNES, clears his throat politely-
BYRNES
We’ve been told they have no uranium.
BUSH
You’ve been misinformed. A Russian bomb is a matter of time.
LAWRENCE
To stay ahead, our programme has to continue at full pace after the war.
OPPENHEIMER
Secretary Stimson, if I may. Not all the scientists on the project agree. In fact, this might be a moment to consider other opinions-
GROVES
The Manhattan Project’s been plagued from the start by certain scientists of doubtful discretion and uncertain loyalty. One of them just tried to get a meeting with the President.
I say nothing. Groves looks directly at me.
GROVES (CONT’D)
We need them for now, but as soon as is practical, we should sever any such scientists from the programme. Wouldn’t you agree, doctor?
I meet Groves’ gaze. Stay silent... Nod.
MARSHALL
If a Russian bomb is inevitable, perhaps we should invite their top scientists to Trinity.
BYRNES
President Truman has no intention of raising expectations that Stalin be included in the atomic project.
STIMSON
Informing him of our breakthrough, and presenting it as the means to win the war need not make unkeepable promises. But the Potsdam peace conference in July is the last chance for Truman to have that conversation. Can you give us a working bomb by then?
GROVES
Absolutely. We’ll test-fire before the conference.
STIMSON
And Japan?
OPPENHEIMER
If the test works you’ll have two bombs for August.
STIMSON
Military targets?
OPPENHEIMER
There aren’t any big enough.
CONANT
Perhaps a vital war plant, with workers housed nearby.
FERMI
Could we issue a warning? To reduce civilian casualties.
AIR FORCE OFFICER
They’d send up everything they have against us, and I’d be in that plane.
BUSH
If we announce it and it fails to go off we’d scupper any chance of Japanese surrender.
LAWRENCE
Is there no way to demonstrate the bomb to Japan to provoke surrender?
GROVES
We intend to demonstrate it in the most unambiguous terms. Twice. Once to show the weapon’s power. A second to show that we can keep going until they surrender.
STIMSON
We have a list of twelve cities to choose from. Sorry, eleven, I’ve taken Kyoto off the list because of its cultural significance to the Japanese people.
Stimson senses the unease in the room...
STIMSON (CONT’D)
Let me make this simple for you, gentlemen.
(MORE)
STIMSON (CONT’D)
The Japanese will not surrender short of a successful invasion of the home islands. Many lives, American and Japanese, will be lost in that invasion. The use of the atomic bomb against Japanese cities will save lives.
EXT. BASE OF STEEL TOWER, TRINITY TEST SITE -- DAY
Frank shows Groves and me the site plan...
FRANK
Ground Zero. Observation posts at ten thousand yards north, south and west.
OPPENHEIMER
Where do we trigger from?
FRANK
South ten thousand. Base camp is ten miles south, here. And a further observation point on this hill twenty miles away.
I point to a crew digging a trench from the base of the tower.
OPPENHEIMER
What’s that? The trigger lines went in already.
FRANK
The air force requested a line of lights for their B-29.
GROVES
What B-29? Our bomb’s on the tower.
FRANK
They want to use the test to confirm the safe operating distance.
Risky.
OPPENHEIMER
FRANK
Not as risky as dropping one over Japan and hoping we were right about the blast radius.
OPPENHEIMER
Don’t let them slow us down- we’re firing on the 15th.
FRANK
The 15th?! That’s not- GROVES
The 15th!
Frank sees my expression-
The 15th.
FRANK (CONT’D)
INT. LECTURE HALL, T-SECTION, LOS ALAMOS -- DAY
I show the plan to the division heads.
OPPENHEIMER
I’ll be at the south observation point with Frank and Kistiakowsky. You’ll all be assigned to base camp, far observation, or west observation.
INSERT CUT: I ENTER A TENT AT THE BASE OF THE TOWER- THE SILVER SPHERE OF THE BOMB IS SURROUNDED BY THE TEAM...
BETHE
Are those safe distances?
OPPENHEIMER
They’re based on your calculations.
RABI
Time to stand behind your science, Hans. Literally.
INSERT CUT: THE BOMB IS HOISTED UP IN TO THE TOWER...
TELLER
What about the radiation cloud?
OPPENHEIMER
Without high winds it should settle within two to three miles.
Evacuation measures will be in place, but we need good weather for visibility so it should be fine. We go on the night of the 15th.
The team exchange looks-
OPPENHEIMER (CONT’D)
That’s a hard deadline, so if anyone has anything... speak now.
BETHE
We need a final implosion test.
KISTIAKOWSKY
Couldn’t hurt.
OPPENHEIMER
Do it. Is there anything else that might stop us?
A THUNDERCLAP takes us into-
EXT. OPPENHEIMER HOUSE, LOS ALAMOS -- DAY
White sheets FLAP CRAZILY in the wind... through the window we see Kitty put her drink down reluctantly. She comes out to grab a sheet that has come loose from the line... notices a JEEP idling at the gate, ARMED GUARDS patiently waiting.
I emerge from the house carrying an overnight bag. Kitty, one hand on the washing line, turns to look at me, curious.
KITTY
It’s happening, isn’t it?
I watch the sheets flapping. Glance at the guards...
OPPENHEIMER
I’ll send a message. If it’s gone our way... 'Take in the sheets.'
She nods. I head towards the waiting jeep.
KITTY
Robert?
I turn, looking at Kitty amongst the FLAPPING SHEETS...
KITTY (CONT’D)
Break a leg.
EXT. CANYON, LOS ALAMOS -- DAY
A BANG as the final implosion test goes off... Kistiakowsky and Fuchs raise their heads... Kistiakowsky shows Fuchs the tape, grave.
8FLiX.com FYC SCREENPLAY DATABASE 20230904
EXT. STEEL TOWER, TRINITY TEST SITE -- EVENING
I watch the last TECHNICIAN come down. I nod at the man, then start my lonely climb... I stare at the silver sphere of the first atomic bomb, its surface STUDDED with detonators, WIRES DRAPED across it like spaghetti. Thunder RUMBLES. I watch the approaching storm...
EXT. BASE CAMP, TRINITY TEST SITE -- EVENING Army tents. A WINDMILL SPINS FURIOUSLY...
INT. BASE CAMP, TRINITY TEST SITE -- EVENING
Fermi moves through the team, taking bets...
FERMI
Oppie’s taken a very modest three kilotons... Teller’s in for forty- five...
Rabi pulls out some bills-
RABI
Twenty.
FERMI
Twenty thousand tons of TNT... and does anyone want the side action on total atmospheric ignition?
The scientists groan and laugh. Soldiers look at each other: 'What the hell?' Groves corners the army WEATHERMAN.
GROVES
Are you saying we’ll have to delay?
WEATHERMAN
I’m saying it would be prudent.
OPPENHEIMER
Has this weather reached the site?
The weatherman gets on his radio. Kistiakowsky BURSTS in-
KISTIAKOWSKY
Oppie- The phone rings -
KISTIAKOWSKY (CONT’D)
Bethe’s calling you to tell you the implosion test failed, but-
I have the phone to my ear -
OPPENHEIMER
Hans. Yes, he’s here. Yes. (I hang up)
Is he wrong?
KISTIAKOWSKY
No.
OPPENHEIMER
So we’re about to fire a dud?
KISTIAKOWSKY
No.
GROVES
Explain.
KISTIAKOWSKY
I can’t. I just know the implosion lenses will work.
OPPENHEIMER
If we fire those detonators and they don’t trigger the reaction, two years’ worth of plutonium will be scattered across white sands.
KISTIAKOWSKY
(holds out his hand)
A month of my salary against ten bucks says it lights.
I study Kistiakowsky. Take the bet.
WEATHERMAN
The wind’s picking up at Zero, not the rain. Lightning circling.
THUNDER. Rabi calls over-
RABI
Hey, weatherman, you think it might be time to get your men away from the steel tower with the atomic bomb primed to detonate via electrical charge?
The weatherman laughs. Then GRABS the radio -
WEATHERMAN
Pull ’em out.
OPPENHEIMER
(to Groves)
Let’s get to south observation. Make our determination there.
EXT. STEEL TOWER, TRINITY TEST SITE -- NIGHT
The last trucks drive away, lightning on the horizon. The bomb sits there, impervious to peals of DRY THUNDER...
EXT. SOUTH OBSERVATION POST, TRINITY TEST SITE -- NIGHT
Groves, the weatherman and I watch rain LASH the desert...
OPPENHEIMER
The team hasn’t slept for two nights. We stand down, make the bomb safe, it’s weeks before we get back here.
GROVES
Then we miss Potsdam. (checks watch)
I need to get word to Truman by seven.
(to the weatherman)
Our window’s closing. What’s it doing?
WEATHERMAN
Raining. Blowing. Lightning.
GROVES
For how long, dammit?!
WEATHERMAN
It’s holding strong.
OPPENHEIMER
It’ll break before dawn.
GROVES
How could you know that?
OPPENHEIMER
I know this desert. The air cools overnight. Just before dawn, the storm breaks.
WEATHERMAN
He could be right. But schedule it as late as possible.
OPPENHEIMER
Five thirty?
Groves considers this. Turns to the weatherman.
GROVES
Sign your forecast. If you’re wrong, I’ll hang you.
INT. BUNKER, SOUTH OBSERVATION POST -- NIGHT
Groves and me, alone. Rain pelting down outside.
GROVES
Three years. Four thousand people. Two billion dollars. If it doesn’t go off we’re both finished.
OPPENHEIMER
I put my money on three kilotons. Any less, they won’t get what it is.
GROVES
What did Fermi mean by 'atmospheric ignition'?
OPPENHEIMER
We had a moment where it looked like the chain reaction from an atomic device might never stop. Setting fire to the atmosphere.
GROVES
Why’s Fermi still taking side bets on it?
OPPENHEIMER
Call it gallows humour.
Groves takes this in. Picks the scab-
GROVES
Are we saying there’s a chance that when we push that button... we destroy the world?
OPPENHEIMER
Nothing in our research over the last three years supports that conclusion except as the most remote possibility.
GROVES
How remote?
OPPENHEIMER
The chances are near zero.
GROVES
Near zero?
OPPENHEIMER
(smiling)
What do you want from theory alone?
GROVES
Zero would be nice.
I check my watch.
I listen-
OPPENHEIMER
Well, in an hour and fifty-eight minutes, we’ll know.
OPPENHEIMER (CONT’D)
It’s letting up...
EXT. TRINITY TEST SITE -- NIGHT
Searchlights settle on the gleaming steel tower. A line of lights leading from the blackness of the night-time desert to the tower comes on...
EXT. SOUTH OBSERVATION POST, TRINITY TEST SITE -- CONTINUOUS
Groves and I come out into gentle rain. The wind has fallen off. Frank comes up to meet us.
FRANK
The arming party’s left Zero, heading this way, throwing the switches...
(to the soldiers)
Turn the cars, ready for emergency evacuation...
EXT. SOUTH 1500 POST -- NIGHT
Kistiakowsky and military personal, including BAINBRIDGE, get out of a truck. Kistiakowsky THROWS a SWITCH on the ground...
EXT. BASE CAMP, TRINITY TEST SITE -- CONTINUOUS
Rabi, Fermi and Bethe come outside. A SOLDIER hands them WELDER’S GLASS...
EXT. SOUTH OBSERVATION POST, TRINITY TEST SITE -- NIGHT
Kistiakowsky and Bainbridge get out of the truck and enter the bunker.
INT. SOUTH OBSERVATION POST, TRINITY TEST SITE -- CONTINUOUS
Bainbridge pulls out a key. UNLOCKS the arming switches. Kistiakowsky nods, Bainbridge THROWS THE SWITCHES.
BAINBRIDGE
Twenty minutes.
EXT. TRINITY TEST SITE -- CONTINUOUS
A SIGNAL ROCKET flares up into the air...
EXT. BASE CAMP, TRINITY TEST SITE -- CONTINUOUS
Rabi, Fermi and the others watch the rocket go up-
FERMI
Twenty minutes!
EXT. HILLTOP DISTANT OBSERVATION POINT -- CONTINUOUS
A group of scientists, including Teller, Feynman and Lawrence, watch the distant rocket sputter...
FEYNMAN
That’s twenty!
DARK GLASSES are handed out. Feynman refuses, jumping up into the cab of a truck-
SOLDIER
Hey, Feynman-
Feynman TAPS the windshield-
FEYNMAN
The glass stops the UV.
Teller, in dark glasses, is APPLYING SUNSCREEN at night-
TELLER
But what stops the glass?
Feynman looks at Teller. Looks at the glass, shakes his head, grinning...
INT. SOUTH OBSERVATION POST, TRINITY TEST SITE -- CONTINUOUS
Groves moves to me-
GROVES
I’m heading to base camp. Best of luck.
Groves shakes my hand.
GROVES (CONT'D) (CONT’D)
Try not to blow up the world.
INT. SAME -- MOMENTS LATER
I watch Bainbridge take his place at the KILL SWITCH. OPPENHEIMER
Watch that needle. If the detonators don’t charge, or if the voltage dips below one volt, you abort.
Bainbridge nods, watching the meter of the X-unit like a hawk. A nervous hawk.
EXT. BASE CAMP, TRINITY TEST SITE -- CONTINUOUS
A loudspeaker broadcasts the countdown-
LOUDSPEAKER
Two minutes to detonation...
The two-minute rocket goes up-
ARMY CAPTAIN
Everybody down!
The observers lie on the ground, facing away from the site.
ARMY CAPTAIN (CONT’D)
Do not turn around until you see light reflected on the hills. Then look at the explosion only through the welder’s glass...
LOUDSPEAKER
Ninety seconds...
EXT. DISTANT OBSERVATION POINT -- CONTINUOUS
Feynman TUNES the radio into the countdown relay-
RADIO
Sixty seconds...
Lawrence jumps in next to Feynman. The scientists peer into the distance through the windshield... Teller, pale with sunscreen, adjusts his dark glasses...
INT. SOUTH OBSERVATION POST, TRINITY TEST SITE -- CONTINUOUS
Bainbridge PEERS at the X-unit... Frank and I peer at the tower... The electronic counter STARTS: 45, 44, 43, 42...
OPPENHEIMER
These things are hard on your heart.
LOUDSPEAKER
Thirty seconds...
FOUR RED LIGHTS flicker on-
EXT. STEEL TOWER, TRINITY TEST SITE -- CONTINUOUS
The bomb WAKES, detonators on its surface HUMMING...
INT. SOUTH OBSERVATION POST, TRINITY TEST SITE -- CONTINUOUS
The NEEDLE on the X-unit SHOOTS to the right-
BAINBRIDGE
Detonators charged!
I pull on a pair of WELDER’S GOGGLES...
8FLiX.com FYC SCREENPLAY DATABASE 20230904
EXT. BASE CAMP, TRINITY TEST SITE -- CONTINUOUS
Rabi lifts his head to peek around, welder’s glass over his eyes... Groves shakes hands with Bush...
LOUDSPEAKER
...eighteen, seventeen...
EXT. DISTANT OBSERVATION POINT -- CONTINUOUS
Feynman peers through the windshield. Teller studies the horizon...
RADIO
...twelve, eleven...
INT. SOUTH OBSERVATION POST, TRINITY TEST SITE -- CONTINUOUS
A GONG sounds at T-minus 10- Bainbridge peers at the needle, which BOBBLES- his hand FLINCHES- the needle settles...
LOUDSPEAKER
Ten, nine, eight...
Frank and I peer through the holes in the concrete.
LOUDSPEAKER (CONT’D)
...seven, six, five...
Kistiakowsky SCRAMBLES out of the bunker-
EXT. SOUTH OBSERVATION POST, TRINITY TEST SITE -- CONTINUOUS
-and up onto the embankment, eyes locked on the tiny glow of the distant tower...
LOUDSPEAKER
...four, three...
INT. SOUTH OBSERVATION POST, TRINITY TEST SITE -- CONTINUOUS
I stare straight ahead...
LOUDSPEAKER
...two, one...
Bainbridge watches the needle as the counter goes down to-
... zero.
My breath stops- an agonizing instant before- SILENT LIGHT. FULL BRIGHT NOON SUNNY DAYLIGHT.
EXT. BASE CAMP, TRINITY TEST SITE -- CONTINUOUS
Rabi sees SUDDEN DAYTIME- turns to the LIGHT, peers through the welder’s glass at BLINDING SILENT WHITE...
EXT. DISTANT OBSERVATION POINT -- CONTINUOUS
Lawrence is stepping out of the car as Feynman SHUTS his eyes against INSTANT DAYLIGHT... a HUSHED INTAKE OF BREATH from
the crowd of sunglasses-clad distant observers...
INT. SOUTH OBSERVATION POST, TRINITY TEST SITE -- CONTINUOUS
All we can hear is my TREMULOUS BREATHING as the LIGHT becomes less BLINDING, resolving into a FIREBALL, BRIGHT AS THE SUN, BUT GIANT... I YANK off my goggles... watch the ROILING PLASMA become more visible in its HELLISH CONTORTIONS... CLIMBING into the sky like the DEVIL’S CLAW...
My PUPILS are PINPRICKS-
OPPENHEIMER (V.O.)
Now I am become Death, destroyer of worlds...
And then- CRACK!!... !!!... !!!!... !!!!!...
I am hit by the WIND and DUST of the SHOCKWAVE-
THE THUNDER OF A THOUSAND STORMS ROLLS OVER, DEAFENING-
EXT. SOUTH OBSERVATION POST, TRINITY TEST SITE -- CONTINUOUS
Kistiakowsky is BLOWN OFF HIS FEET...
INT. SOUTH OBSERVATION POST, TRINITY TEST SITE -- CONTINUOUS With the wave of DARK THUNDER, TERRIBLE BEAUTY GIVES WAY TO
FEAR... I TREMBLE as I watch the glowing cloud climb to its full height, its inner fire dimming to a HELLISH SCARLET... DUST CLOUD RISING, CRACKLING WITH PURPLISH ENERGY...
As the sound diminishes to a RUMBLE and night REGAINS the desert floor, Frank turns to me-
FRANK
(quiet) It worked.
I nod, awestruck...
EXT. BASE CAMP, TRINITY TEST SITE -- CONTINUOUS
Startled murmurs, then a few claps... then CRAZY, CHEERING, CLAPPING, DANCING... in the middle of it all Rabi tries to understand what just happened...
EXT. SAME -- CONTINUOUS
ECSTATIC CHEERING... even Teller SMILES... Feynman pulls out some BONGOS and hops onto the hood of the truck... people DANCE to his PAGAN RHYTHM as the dawn CREEPS IN...
EXT. SOUTH OBSERVATION POST, TRINITY TEST SITE -- CONTINUOUS
Kistiakowsky GRABS me in a big HUG- steps back- holding out his hand for payment. I pull out my wallet, frown- there’s nothing in it-
OPPENHEIMER
I’m good for it.
Kistiakowsky GRINS-
KISTIAKOWSKY
Yes, you are! Yes, you are!
EXT. BASE CAMP, TRINITY TEST SITE -- MOMENTS LATER
Rabi, still amidst the celebration, watches a car pull up.
I get out, walking like GARY FUCKING COOPER- the crowd spots me... goes NUTS.
Groves turns to an AIDE -
GROVES
Get me Potsdam. Right away.
I nod at Groves, move through the sea of congratulations to find Serber...
OPPENHEIMER
Get a message to Kitty...
Serber’s face falls, perturbed-
SERBER
We can’t say anything-
OPPENHEIMER
Just tell her to bring in the sheets.
Serber grins. I spot Groves on a FIELD TELEPHONE- then am HOISTED ONTO JOYFUL SHOULDERS...
INT. OPPENHEIMER HOUSE, LOS ALAMOS -- DAY
Kitty wrangles the kitchen phone while she feeds our baby daughter and young son-
KITTY
Sorry. Yes, Charlotte, go ahead.
CHARLOTTE
(over phone)
Well, I don’t know, he just said to tell you to bring in the sheets.
Kitty freezes, letting the phone come off her ear...
CHARLOTTE (CONT’D)
(over phone) Kitty? Kitty?
Kitty smiles, tears forming. It is done.
FADE OUT. FADE IN:
EXT. T-SECTION, LOS ALAMOS -- DAY
I watch CRATES hoisted on trucks by the army...
OPPENHEIMER (V.O.)
They musn’t drop it through cloud cover-
INT. T-SECTION, LOS ALAMOS -- DAY
I am talking to the AIR FORCE OFFICER who is supervising the crating of equipment-
OPPENHEIMER
If they detonate it too high in the air, the blast won’t be as powerful-
AIR FORCE OFFICER
With respect, Dr Oppenheimer. We’ll take it from here.
I lose sight of the bomb as THE CRATE IS CLOSED.
EXT. T-SECTION, LOS ALAMOS -- DAY
Groves appears at my side, watching the loading...
OPPENHEIMER
Did Truman brief Stalin at Potsdam?
GROVES
'Brief' would be an overstatement. He referred to a powerful new weapon, Stalin said he hoped we’d make good use of it against Japan.
OPPENHEIMER
That’s it?
GROVES
Robert, we’ve given them an ace. It’s for them to play the hand.
Frustrated, I drop my cigarette and GRIND it out-
OPPENHEIMER
You’re aiming for the 6th?
GROVES
That’s up to the CO in the Pacific.
OPPENHEIMER
Should I come with you to Washington?
GROVES
What for?
OPPENHEIMER
Well... you’ll keep me informed?
Groves turns to leave -
GROVES
Of course.
(looks back) As best I can.
I watch Groves leave, uneasy. A truck pulls out, REVEALING TELLER. He crosses, watching the loaded truck move away...
TELLER
Would the Japanese surrender if they knew what was coming?
OPPENHEIMER
I don’t know.
TELLER
Have you seen Szilard’s petition?
OPPENHEIMER
Yeah. What the hell does Szilard know about the Japanese?
I look at Teller.
OPPENHEIMER (CONT’D)
You’re not signing it?
TELLER
A lot of people have.
OPPENHEIMER
Edward, the fact that we built this bomb doesn’t give us any more right or responsibility to decide how it’s used than anyone else.
TELLER
But we’re the only people who know about it.
OPPENHEIMER
I’ve told Stimson the various opinions of the community.
TELLER
But what’s your opinion?
I watch another truck pull out...
OPPENHEIMER
Once it’s used, nuclear war, maybe all war, becomes unthinkable.
TELLER
Until somebody builds a bigger bomb.
INT. OPPENHEIMER HOUSE, LOS ALAMOS -- NIGHT
Kitty comes downstairs to find me sitting at the kitchen table. The phone in front of me.
OPPENHEIMER
I thought they would call.
KITTY
It’s only the 5th.
OPPENHEIMER
In Japan it’s the 6th.
INT. OPPENHEIMER’S OFFICE, LOS ALAMOS -- DAY
I pace my office, agitated.
OPPENHEIMER
Charlotte? Try Groves again.
CHARLOTTE (O.S.)
Truman’s on the Radio- !
I BOLT into-
INT. FOYER, OPPENHEIMER’S OFFICE -- CONTINUOUS
Charlotte is patching the PA to the radio-
TRUMAN
(over radio)
...Sixteen hours ago an American airplane dropped one bomb on Hiroshima and destroyed its usefulness to the enemy...
INT. OFFICE, T-SECTION, LOS ALAMOS -- DAY
Frank is doing paperwork when the PA WHISTLES-
TRUMAN
(over PA)
That bomb had more power than twenty thousand tons of TNT...
INT. CORRIDOR, T-SECTION, LOS ALAMOS -- CONTINUOUS
As Frank emerges, others DRIFT into the corridor, shocked...
TRUMAN
(over PA)
It is an atomic bomb. It is a harnessing of the basic power of the universe...
He hears BANGING and CHEERING- through the window SOLDIERS BEAT on trash-can lids. Frank and the scientists try uncertain smiles and handshakes...
INT. OPPENHEIMER’S OFFICE, LOS ALAMOS -- DAY
I listen to the radio-
TRUMAN
(over radio)
The force from which the sun draws its power has been loosed against those who brought war to the Far East...
CHARLOTTE (O.S.)
Groves on one!
I white-knuckle the phone...
GROVES
(over phone)
I’m very proud of you and all of your people.
OPPENHEIMER
It went alright?
GROVES
(over phone) Apparently it went with a tremendous bang.
OPPENHEIMER
Everybody here is feeling Reasonably good about it. It’s been a long road.
GROVES
(over phone)
I think one of the wisest things I ever did was when I selected the director of Los Alamos.
I gently put down the phone...
TRUMAN
(over radio)
We have spent two billion dollars...
EXT. LOS ALAMOS -- CONTINUOUS
I walk in a relieved daze...
TRUMAN (CONT'D)
(over radio)
...on the greatest scientific gamble in history and won.
Horns HONK, soldiers CHEER... people WAVE... I nod back...
INT. FULLER LODGE, LOS ALAMOS -- NIGHT
A restless, excitable CROWD is packed into the bleachers, like a HIGH-SCHOOL PEP RALLY...
INT. LOBBY, FULLER LODGE, LOS ALAMOS -- CONTINUOUS
Kitty reaches forward and adjusts my tie. We hear the sound of DOZENS OF FEET STAMPING RHYTHMICALLY...
INT. FULLER LODGE, LOS ALAMOS -- CONTINUOUS
The impatient crowd is STAMPING IN UNISON...
INT. LOBBY, FULLER LODGE, LOS ALAMOS -- CONTINUOUS
Kitty nods at me, I take a breath and PUSH through the door-
INT. FULLER LODGE, LOS ALAMOS -- CONTINUOUS
As I walk past the rear bleachers I get a close view of DOZENS OF FEET STAMPING IN UNISON... the STAMPING FEET GET
FASTER as I approach the stage...
The STAMPING GROWS OPPRESSIVE- FASTER and FASTER until RHYTHM
BREAKS, causing CACOPHONY which PEAKS as I step up...
I raise my hands in a theatrically victorious gesture- the crowd CHEERS...
OPPENHEIMER
The world will remember this day.
LOUDER CHEERING...
OPPENHEIMER (CONT’D)
It’s too early to determine what the results of the bombing are...
Though the crowd is still CHEERING, their sound DIMINISHES...
OPPENHEIMER (CONT’D)
But I’m sure the Japanese didn’t like it-
CHEERS. CHEERS. CHEERS. BUT NO SOUND. As I look out at the
EXCITED FACES I can hear my own BREATHING... I carry on-
OPPENHEIMER (CONT’D)
I’m proud of what you accomplished...
The crowd seems to go NUTS, but all we hear is the QUIET CREAKING OF SEATS and SHUFFLE OF FEET as they REACT, HANDS SILENTLY CLAPPING, MOUTHS SILENTLY JAWING... I try again-
OPPENHEIMER (CONT’D)
I just wish we’d had it in time to use against the Germans...
The CHEERING AND CLAPPING PEOPLE GET TO THEIR FEET in
MORTIFYING SILENCE...
I stare at them, straining to hear something, then-
PIERCING SCREAMS not cheers, as INSTANT DAYLIGHT POURS IN THE WINDOWS- BRIGHTER AND BRIGHTER-
My eyes are pinpricks as I see CHEERING/SCREAMING MOUTHS STRETCHED GROTESQUELY WIDE-
CRACK!!... !!!... !!!! ... THE THUNDER OF A THOUSAND STORMS
ROLLS OVER, DEAFENING-
I see FLESH RIPPED FROM THE SMILING YOUNG FACES... I see
PLASMA ROILING and the DEVIL’S CLAW reach into the night sky... I see piles of ASHES where the young crowd was cheering...
INT. SAME -- LATER
I DRIFT through a SILENT, KINETIC WHIRLWIND OF CELEBRATION CLAPPED on the back, KISSED... NODDING and HOLLOW SMILES...
I see a YOUNG WOMAN LAUGHING... I STEP on something, look down to see my foot inside a CHARRED CORPSE... I look up, SHAKING OFF THE IMAGE... I see young people MAKING OUT under the bleachers, a hand up a sweater... I see the young woman again but NOW SHE JUST CRIES AND CRIES AND CRIES...
INT. LOBBY, FULLER LODGE, LOS ALAMOS -- CONTINUOUS
DRIFTING through... I see a young man sitting, back to the wall, WEEPING, a woman trying to console him...
EXT. FULLER LODGE, LOS ALAMOS -- CONTINUOUS
As I exit, REVELERS RUN PAST, JOYFUL... turning, I see a young physicist at the wall, bent double...
As I pass, he looks up, DISTRAUGHT, VOMIT AROUND HIS MOUTH.
FADE OUT.
INT. LOBBY, OVAL OFFICE, THE WHITE HOUSE -- DAY
Relief. Gentle formality. I look at the coffee table: Time
magazine- me on the cover: "FATHER OF THE ATOMIC BOMB".
FEMALE VOICE (O.S.)
Dr Oppenheimer?
An AIDE on softly clicking heels, points at the magazine.
AIDE
Nice picture.
I look up at her. Blank.
AIDE (CONT’D)
President Truman will see you now.
INT. OVAL OFFICE -- CONTINUOUS
Truman comes from behind his desk to shake my hand-
TRUMAN
Dr Oppenheimer, it’s an honour.
OPPENHEIMER
Mr President. Secretary Byrnes.
Byrnes nods, sits. I take a seat. Truman leans on the desk.
TRUMAN
How’s it feel to be the most famous man in the world?
I can’t think of an answer.
TRUMAN (CONT’D)
You helped save a lot of American lives. What we did at Hiroshima was-
OPPENHEIMER
And Nagasaki.
What?
TRUMAN (CONT’D)
OPPENHEIMER
Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
TRUMAN
Obviously. Your invention let us bring our boys home.
Your country owes you a great debt.
OPPENHEIMER
It was hardly my invention.
TRUMAN
It’s you on the cover of Time. (indicates Byrnes)
Jim here tells me you’re concerned about an arms race with the Soviets.
OPPENHEIMER
Well, it’s that... now is our chance to secure international cooperation on atomic energy, and I’m concerned-
TRUMAN
You know when the Soviets are gonna have a bomb?
OPPENHEIMER
I’m not sure I could give a- TRUMAN (CONT’D) Never.
I look at the President, incredulous...
OPPENHEIMER (CONT’D)
Mr President, the Russians have good physicists and abundant resources-
TRUMAN
Abundant? I don’t think so.
OPPENHEIMER
They’ll put everything they have...
I taper off.
TRUMAN
I hear you’re leaving Los Alamos. What should we do with it?
OPPENHEIMER
Give it back to the Indians.
Truman laughs. But I’m not joking. Truman looks to Byrnes for help.
BYRNES
Dr Oppenheimer, if what you say about the Soviets is true, we have to build up Los Alamos, not shut it down.
I WRING my hands, deeply uncomfortable...
OPPENHEIMER
Mr President, I feel that I have blood on my hands.
Truman looks at me differently. Pulls the crisp white handkerchief from his breast pocket and offers it-
TRUMAN
You think anyone in Hiroshima or Nagasaki gives a shit who built the bomb? They care who dropped it. I did. Hiroshima isn’t about you.
Truman gestures to Byrnes, they both RISE. I get to my feet. Awkward. As I leave I hear -
TRUMAN (CONT’D)
Don’t let that crybaby back in here.
The door of the Oval Office CLOSES on me...
STRAUSS (V.O.)
Robert saw that hand-wringing got him nowhere...
INT. LOBBY, OVAL OFFICE, THE WHITE HOUSE -- CONTINUOUS
Walking past I notice my face staring back at me from the cover of the magazine on the table...
STRAUSS (V.O.)
By the time I met him, he’d fully embraced his 'father of the bomb' reputation...
CUT TO:
INT. SENATE OFFICE -- DAY (B&W)
Strauss sits talking with the Senate Aide.
STRAUSS
He used his profile to influence policy...
INSERT CUT: LIFE MAGAZINE- "OPPENHEIMER, NO. 1 THINKER ON ATOMIC ENERGY"... OPPENHEIMER RUNS A GAUNTLET OF FLASHBULBS... OPPENHEIMER AND KITTY ARE PHOTOGRAPHED AT OLDEN MANOR...
STRAUSS (CONT’D)
But all along- with McCarthy on the rise- he knew he was vulnerable.
His brother was blacklisted by every university in the country...
INSERT CUT: FRANK WORKS A RANCH IN COLORADO...
STRAUSS (CONT’D)
Lomanitz wound up working the railroad, laying track...
INSERT CUT: LOMANITZ SWINGS A HAMMER...
STRAUSS (CONT’D)
Chevalier went into exile...
INSERT CUT: CHEVALIER CARRIES SHOPPING, STEPPING AROUND CHICKENS IN A RURAL FRENCH ALLEY...
STRAUSS (CONT’D)
But none of that stopped Robert from om pushing the GAC to recommend arms control instead of the H-bomb.
INSERT CUT: STRAUSS MOVES THE FLOWERS ON THE TABLE IN THE HOTEL CONFERENCE ROOM, WATCHING OPPENHEIMER...
STRAUSS (CONT’D)
He was devastated when that didn’t go his way...
INSERT CUT: HEADLINE: "TRUMAN ANNOUNCES H-BOMB PROGRAM"...
CUT TO:
INT. BALLROOM, PLAZA HOTEL -- NIGHT (COLOUR)
Drink in hand, I watch the room sing 'Happy Birthday' to Strauss. Ruth Tolman is next to me, staring at the NEWSPAPER.
RUTH
I miss Richard more than I can bear...
I turn to Ruth, sympathetic.
RUTH (CONT’D)
But part of me’s glad he didn’t live to see where this is all going.
I nod, understanding. She downs her drink and leaves.
STRAUSS (O.S.)
Robert, my son and his fiancée are desperate to meet the father of the atomic bomb...
Strauss is there with his adult children- I glance at them, raise a glass, then turn away. Strauss stands there, humiliated. The couple awkwardly moves off.
STRAUSS (CONT’D)
Is this a bad time?
OPPENHEIMER
What do you think, Lewis?
STRAUSS
I think it must have been a blow for you-
OPPENHEIMER
For the world.
STRAUSS
The world? What does Fuchs mean to rest of the world?
OPPENHEIMER
Fuchs? Klaus Fuchs?
Strauss looks at me with concern...
STRAUSS
You haven’t heard. Klaus Fuchs, the British scientist you put onto the implosion team at Los Alamos?
INSERT CUT: FUCHS HANDS OPPENHEIMER HIS PIPE...
STRAUSS (CONT’D)
Turns out he was spying for the Soviets. The whole time. I’m sorry, Robert, you must feel awful.
(gestures to bar) Have another. On me.
Strauss moves off. I stand there. Frozen.
STRAUSS (V.O.)
After the truth about Fuchs came out, they stepped up surveillance on Robert. He knew his phone was tapped-
CUT TO:
INT. SENATE OFFICE -- DAY (B&W)
STRAUSS
He was followed everywhere...
INSERT CUT: OPPENHEIMER, DRIVING, CHECKS HIS REAR-VIEW MIRROR, SPOTS A SEDAN FOLLOWING HIM...
STRAUSS (CONT’D)
His trash picked through...
INSERT CUT: KITTY, FROM THE KITCHEN WINDOW, SPOTS A SUITED MAN PICKING THROUGH THEIR TRASH...
STRAUSS (CONT’D)
But it never stopped him speaking his mind.
SENATE AIDE
A man of conviction?
STRAUSS
Sure. Or maybe he thought fame could actually protect him. When Eisenhower took over, Robert saw one more chance. He took it...
INT. CORPORATE AUDITORIUM -- NIGHT (B&W)
Oppenheimer is lecturing... Strauss is in the crowd...
OPPENHEIMER
America and Russia may be likened to two scorpions in a bottle, each capable of killing the other, but only at the risk of his own life. There are various aspects of this policy which I would like to discuss but can’t. Follies that can occur only when even the men who know the facts can find no one to talk about them, when the facts are too secret for discussion, and thus for thought. Candor is the only remedy. Officials in Washington have to start levelling with the American people, and telling them what the enemy already know about the atomic armaments race.
Strauss notices two generals exchanging unfavorable looks.
STRAUSS (V.O.)
A lot of scientists blame me, but how was I supposed to protect him?
INT. SENATE OFFICE -- DAY (B&W)
STRAUSS
That was the last straw for Robert’s enemies.
SENATE AIDE
So he had to lose his security clearance.
STRAUSS
And with it, his credibility.
SENATE AIDE
But how could they do it? He was a war hero- and he’d already told everyone about his past...
STRAUSS
Borden dredged it all up again.
SENATE AIDE
But how could Borden get access to Oppenheimer’s FBI file? Could it have been Nichols?
STRAUSS
I can’t imagine he’d do that. But whoever did unleashed a firestorm that burned a path from the White House right to my desk at the AEC. You see them in there trying to hang Oppenheimer around my neck.
I’ve worked my whole life to get here- the Cabinet of the United States of America- and now, in front of the entire country, they want to put me back in my place... a lowly shoe salesman.
COUNSEL
Lewis, we can win this thing.
SENATE AIDE
I think we can make the Senate grasp that you did your duty, painful though it was. Will Hill’s testimony back that up?
COUNSEL
Hill should be fine.
(CONTINUED)
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STRAUSS
I don’t really know him, but he was one of Szilard’s boys in Chicago.
And they never forgave Oppenheimer...
CUT TO:
INT. LECTURE HALL, LOS ALAMOS -- NIGHT (COLOUR)
Serber and MORRISON lecture using slides we never see.
STRAUSS (V.O.)
...for not supporting their petition against bombing Japan.
I watch as part of a large audience.
MORRISON
This was taken thirty-one days after the bombing. Virtually everyone in the street for nearly a mile around was instantly and seriously burned by the heat of the bomb.
Serber changes the slide. I react slightly.
MORRISON (CONT’D)
The hot flash burned suddenly and strangely.
SERBER
The Japanese told us of people who wore striped clothing upon whom the skin was burned in stripes.
Changes slide. I LOOK AWAY from the screen. I hear the sound of FEET STAMPING as Morrison continues...
MORRISON
There were many who thought themselves lucky, who crawled out of the ruins of their homes only slightly injured. But they died anyway. They died days or weeks later from the radium-like rays emitted in great numbers at the moment of the explosion.
EXT. T-SECTION, LOS ALAMOS -- NIGHT
I light my pipe. Teller comes up.
TELLER
Did you read this crap in the papers? A British physicist saying the atomic bombings weren’t the last act of World War II but the first act of this cold war with Russia.
OPPENHEIMER
Which physicist?
TELLER
I think you knew him. Patrick Blackett?
I remember-
INSERT CUT: BLACKETT TAKES A MOUTHFUL OF APPLE...
I smile to myself, rueful...
OPPENHEIMER
He may not be wrong. We bombed an enemy that was essentially defeated.
TELLER
Robert, you have all the influence now.
I look at Teller.
TELLER (CONT’D)
Urge them to continue my research on the Super.
OPPENHEIMER
I neither can nor will, Edward.
Teller looks at me. Hurt.
TELLER
Why?
OPPENHEIMER
It’s not the right use of our resources.
TELLER
Is that what you really believe?
I say nothing.
TELLER (CONT’D)
J. Robert Oppenheimer. Sphinx-like guru of the atom. Nobody knows what you believe. Do you?
OPPENHEIMER (V.O.)
I hope that in years to come you will look back on your work here with pride...
EXT. FULLER LODGE, LOS ALAMOS -- DAY
I give my leaving address, Groves by my side. The THOUSANDS of members of the Los Alamos community listen...
OPPENHEIMER
But today that pride must be tempered with a profound concern. If atomic weapons are to be added to the arsenals of a warring world... then the day will come when people will curse the name of Los Alamos and Hiroshima. The peoples of this world must unite or they will perish. The atomic bomb has spelled out these words for all men to understand.
THUNDEROUS APPLAUSE echoes around the mountains...
CUT TO:
INT. SENATE OFFICE -- MORNING (B&W)
Strauss and Counsel drink coffee. The Senate Aide BURSTS in-
SENATE AIDE
Sorry, Admiral- I stopped off to get this-
The Senate Aide holds up TIME MAGAZINE: Strauss is on the cover- "THE STRAUSS AFFAIR, SENATE V. PRESIDENT".
SENATE AIDE (CONT’D)
It seems pretty favorable...
The Counsel looks over Senate Aide’s shoulder-
COUNSEL
There’s Oppenheimer. What’s the caption?
SENATE AIDE
'J. Robert Oppenheimer- Strauss fought him...
(pauses)
...and the US won.'
COUNSEL
That’ll work.
The Senate Aide is perturbed. Looks up at Strauss.
SENATE AIDE
Those are your words. From yesterday.
STRAUSS
We needed to pivot.
SENATE AIDE
But how could you know what Time magazine would write...?
STRAUSS
Henry Luce is an old friend.
The Senate Aide stares at Strauss, realizing...
SENATE AIDE
You’ve sat there and let me tell you how this is done. But you’ve been far ahead. All along...
STRAUSS
Survival in Washington is about knowing how to get things done.
SENATE AIDE
You get things done. What was it you said about Borden? Why get caught holding the knife yourself? I’m beginning to think that Borden was holding the knife for you.
STRAUSS
Oh?
SENATE AIDE
As Chairman of the AEC, you had access to Oppenheimer’s file...
CUT TO:
INT. ROOM 2022, ATOMIC ENERGY COMMISSION -- DAY (COLOUR)
I sit there testifying. Robb checks his notes...
ROBB
In the years following the war, would you say you exerted a great influence on the atomic policies of the USA?
OPPENHEIMER
I think 'great' would be an overstatement.
ROBB
Really? If we look at the issue of isotopes... were you not personally responsible for destroying all opposition to their export?
I think back to my congressional testimony...
INT. CONGRESSIONAL HEARING ROOM -- DAY
The room is all chuckles and smiles at my performance...
OPPENHEIMER
You can use a bottle of beer for making atomic weapons, in fact, you do... I’d say isotopes are less useful for atomic energy than electronic components, but more useful than a sandwich. I’d put them somewhere in between.
The room LAUGHS appreciatively. I lean over to Volpe -
OPPENHEIMER (CONT’D)
How’d I do?
Volpe glances back at Lewis Strauss, eyes down, ENRAGED...
VOLPE
Maybe a little too well, Robert.
INT. ROOM 2022, ATOMIC ENERGY COMMISSION -- DAY
OPPENHEIMER
I was the spokesman, but the opinion was unanimous amongst scientists.
GRAY
That will do for today. We’ll reconvene tomorrow when we’ll hear from Dr Isidor Rabi.
INT. HOTEL ROOM, WASHINGTON, DC -- NIGHT
I sit on the bed, Garrison and his team go over notes. Kitty raids the mini-bar.
GARRISON
Rabi will help us. But it’s going to come down to how much influence Borden has been able to exert on Teller-
Kitty is laughing as she opens a miniature with her teeth.
GARRISON (CONT’D)
Did I say something funny?
KITTY
Borden, Borden, Borden. We all know it’s Strauss.
OPPENHEIMER
Kitty, Lewis brought me to Princeton.
KITTY
And you humiliated him in front of Congress.
OPPENHEIMER
That was six years ago.
KITTY
The truly vindictive are as patient as saints.
GARRISON
Strauss claims to be neutral.
Kitty THROWS the miniature at me- it SMASHES into the wall-
KITTY
Wake up! It’s always been Strauss- and you know it. Why won’t you fight him, for Christ’s sake?!
She stalks into the bathroom, SLAMMING the door. Garrison watches me clean up the miniature...
GARRISON
I’ve said it before, Robert. We should not put her on the stand-
CUT TO:
INT. SENATE OFFICE -- MORNING (B&W)
The Senate Aide stares at Strauss in morbid fascination...
SENATE AIDE
It wasn’t Nichols or Hoover or one of Truman’s guys- it was you. You gave the file to Borden... you set him on Oppenheimer, convinced him to-
STRAUSS
Borden didn’t take any convincing...
INT. NICHOLS’ OFFICE, ATOMIC ENERGY COMMISSION -- NIGHT (B&W)
Nichols is behind the desk, but Strauss commands the room, instructing Borden...
NICHOLS
Take your time, use the entire file. Write up your conclusions and send them to the FBI.
BORDEN
The material’s extensive- but it isn’t new.
STRAUSS
Your conclusions will be. And they’ll have to be answered.
NICHOLS
Hoover passes them to McCarthy?
STRAUSS
(shakes head)
Oppenheimer’s too slippery for that self-promoting clown.
(MORE)
STRAUSS (CONT’D)
I’ve talked it over with Hoover- he’ll hold McCarthy at bay while you do this at the AEC.
NICHOLS
A trial?
STRAUSS
No trial. You can’t give Oppenheimer a platform, you can’t martyr him. We need a systematic destruction of Oppenheimer’s credibility so he can never again speak on matters of national security.
BORDEN
What, then?
STRAUSS
A shabby little room, far from the limelight...
INSERT CUT: ROOM 2022 IS OPENED UP. DUSTED, TABLES ARRANGED...
STRAUSS (CONT’D)
A simple bureaucratic procedure- his Q clearance is up for renewal.
(points at Borden)
You send your accusations to the FBI...
INSERT CUT: BORDEN PULLS PAPER FROM HIS TYPEWRITER. HE SEALS AN ENVELOPE...
STRAUSS (CONT’D)
Hoover sends them to the AEC... (points at Nichols)
You’re forced to act. You write up an indictment...
INT. FRONT HALL, STRAUSS RESIDENCE -- NIGHT (B&W)
Strauss opens the door to Oppenheimer...
STRAUSS (V.O.)
Tell Oppenheimer his security clearance is not being renewed...
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INT. LIVING ROOM, STRAUSS HOUSE -- NIGHT (B&W)
Nichols hands the indictment to Oppenheimer, who sits and reads. Strauss hands Oppenheimer a drink...
STRAUSS (V.O.)
But offer him the chance to appeal.
Oppenheimer looks up from the letter.
OPPENHEIMER
Can I keep this?
NICHOLS
No.
STRAUSS
As you can see, Robert, it’s not yet signed. If you do decide to appeal, they’ll have to send you a copy...
Oppenheimer rises. In a daze. Strauss takes his arm...
INT. NICHOLS’ OFFICE, ATOMIC ENERGY COMMISSION -- NIGHT (B&W)
STRAUSS
When he appeals, I appoint a board...
INSERT CUT: THE GRAY BOARD TAKE THEIR SEATS IN ROOM...
STRAUSS (CONT’D)
They will, of course, have counsel-
INSERT CUT: ROGER ROBB TAKES HIS SEAT...
NICHOLS
A prosecutor?
STRAUSS
In all but name.
NICHOLS
Who?
STRAUSS
Roger Robb.
NICHOLS
Ouch.
STRAUSS
Robb will have security clearance to examine Oppenheimer’s file...
INSERT CUT: ROBB OPENS A MASSIVE BLACK BINDER...
STRAUSS (CONT’D)
As will the Gray Board...
INSERT CUT: A BLACK BINDER IS PLACED IN FRONT OF EACH BOARD MEMBER...
STRAUSS (CONT’D)
Defence counsel will not.
INSERT CUT: GARRISON, AT HIS TABLE IN ROOM 2022, LOOKS COVETOUSLY AT THE BLACK BINDERS GRACING EACH PLACE BUT HIS...
STRAUSS (CONT’D)
A closed hearing- no audience, no reporters, no burden of proof.
NICHOLS
No burden of proof?
Strauss sips his drink. Smiles at Nichols...
STRAUSS
We’re not convicting, just denying.
INT. ROOM 2022, ATOMIC ENERGY COMMISSION -- DAY (B&W)
Oppenheimer is seated at the witness table...
OPPENHEIMER
This answer is a summary of relevant aspects of my life in more or less chronological order...
INT. SENATE OFFICE -- DAY (B&W)
The Senate Aide looks like he ate a bad nut.
STRAUSS
What is it you said? 'This is just how it’s done'?
SENATE AIDE
Forgive my naïveté.
STRAUSS
Amateurs seek the sun and get eaten, power stays in the shadows.
SENATE AIDE
(points to Time magazine) You’re out of the shadows, now.
STRAUSS
That’s why this has to work.
SENATE AIDE
Well, Teller’s testifying this morning - that’ll help, then Hill is in the afternoon.
COUNSEL
Hill should help us, too.
CUT TO:
CLOSE ON: A LETTER- AEC LETTERHEAD- "DEAR DR OPPENHEIMER..."
STRAUSS (O.S.)
As you can see, it’s not yet signed...
INT. LIVING ROOM, STRAUSS HOUSE -- LATER (COLOUR)
I look up from Nichols’ letter- SHELL-SHOCKED.
STRAUSS
If you do decide to appeal, they’ll
have to send you a copy...
I hand the letter back to Nichols. Strauss takes my arm...
EXT. STRAUSS HOUSE -- CONTINUOUS
Strauss gently guides me down the steps...
STRAUSS
Take my car and driver. I insist.
OPPENHEIMER
I’ll have to consult my lawyers.
STRAUSS
Of course. But don’t take too long, I can’t keep Nichols at bay. I’m sorry it’s come to this, Robert.
Strauss, like a parent, puts me into the back of his car.
INT. STRAUSS CAR -- NIGHT
I sit in the back, shadows flicking across my face...
OPPENHEIMER (V.O.)
Nichols wants me to fight so that he can get it all in the record...
INT. VOLPE’S HOUSE -- NIGHT
Kitty and I sit with Joe Volpe.
OPPENHEIMER
Strauss thinks I should walk away...
VOLPE
You could. Your security clearance expires tomorrow. Just let it go.
KITTY
You’d be accepting the charges! You’ll lose your job. Your reputation, your place in history! We’ll lose our house. Robert, we have to fight.
I look at Kitty. Nod.
VOLPE
As AEC Counsel, I can’t represent you. I’ll call Lloyd Garrison.
OPPENHEIMER
He’s good.
VOLPE
The best. But I have to warn you...
INT. ROOM 2022, ATOMIC ENERGY COMMISSION -- DAY
I watch Garrison scramble to make notes...
VOLPE (V.O.)
This won’t be a fair fight.
ROBB
During your interview with Boris Pash in 1943, did you refer to microfilm?
No.
OPPENHEIMER
Robb consults a paper in his white binder.
ROBB
You never said 'a man at the consulate expert in the use of microfilm'?
OPPENHEIMER
Not specifically.
GARRISON
I’d like to know what document Mr Robb is quoting from, and if we might be furnished with a copy.
ROBB
The document is classified.
GARRISON
Members of the board, we’re now hearing some new account of the interview... shouldn’t we get back to firsthand information?
ROBB
This is first-hand.
GARRISON
How so?
Robb looks at Gray. Who nods.
ROBB
There’s a recording of the interview.
Garrison is shocked. I shake my head.
GARRISON
You’ve let my client sit up here and potentially perjure himself and all this time you had a recording-?
ROBB
No one told your client to misrepresent his former answers-
GARRISON
Misrepresent? It was twelve years ago!
(to the board)
Can we listen to this recording?
ROBB
Mr Garrison, you don’t have clearance.
I SNAP at the absurdity-
OPPENHEIMER
But you’re reading it into the transcript!
Garrison puts a calming hand on my arm-
GARRISON
Is this proceeding interested in truth or entrapment? Because if it’s truth...
Garrison points at the BLACK BINDERS in front of them all- GARRISON (CONT’D)
Where’s the disclosure? Where’s the
witness list?
GRAY
Mr Garrison, this is not a trial- as you’re well aware. Evidentiary rules do not apply. We’re dealing with national security.
GARRISON
How does national security prevent the prosecution from providing us a list of witnesses?!
Gray looks at Garrison, stony-faced.
GRAY
Perhaps a brief recess is in order!
OPPENHEIMER
If I may? You gentlemen have my words. If you say it’s from a transcript then I’ll accept it. I’ve already explained that I made up a cock-and-bull story.
ROBB
But not the level of detail. Why would anyone present such an elabourate fiction?
OPPENHEIMER
Because I was an idiot. I found myself trying to give a tip to the intelligence people, without realizing that when you give a tip you have to offer the whole story. Asked for details, I went off on a false pattern. There was no microfilm, no consular attaché.
There weren’t three or more people involved on the project. There was one person involved. That was me.
ROBB
Why lie?
OPPENHEIMER
Clearly with the intention of not revealing who was the intermediary.
ROBB
Your friend Haakon Chevalier. The Communist.
Yes.
OPPENHEIMER
ROBB
Is he still your friend?
I look from smug Robb to the expectant board members...
OPPENHEIMER
Chevalier is my friend.
Robb backs down, SATISFIED.
INT. CORRIDOR OUTSIDE ROOM 2022 -- DAY
Oppenheimer and Garrison take a break. Rabi approaches.
GARRISON
Dr Rabi, thanks for coming.
Garrison looks around to see Robb conferring with his team.
GARRISON (CONT’D)
(lowered voice)
Do you know anyone the prosecution has called?
RABI
Teller, obviously.
(looks at Oppenheimer) They’ve asked Lawrence.
OPPENHEIMER
What did he say?
RABI
He wasn’t going to help them...
OPPENHEIMER
But?
RABI
Strauss told him that you and Ruth Tolman had been having an affair for years. The whole time you lived with them in Pasadena...
INSERT CUT: I SIP FROM RUTH’S DRINK AT THE CHRISTMAS PARTY. RICHARD ENTERS, BANGING SNOW OFF HIS SHOULDERS...
RABI (CONT’D)
He convinced Lawrence that Richard died of a broken heart.
OPPENHEIMER
That’s absurd.
RABI
Which part?
OPPENHEIMER
The broken heart. Richard never found out.
Rabi tries not to smile. Shakes his head.
OPPENHEIMER (CONT’D)
Is Lawrence going to testify?
RABI
I don’t know.
INT. ROOM 2022, ATOMIC ENERGY COMMISSION -- DAY
Rabi is testifying.
GARRISON
Dr Rabi, what governmental positions do you currently hold?
RABI
I’m Chairman of the General Advisory Committee to the AEC, succeeding Dr Oppenheimer.
GARRISON
And how long have you known Dr Oppenheimer?
RABI
Since 1928. I know him quite well.
GARRISON
Well enough to speak on the bearing of his character, loyalty and associations?
RABI
Dr Oppenheimer is a man of upstanding character, loyal to the United States, to his friends and to the institutions of which he is a part. I’ve examined his security file, and in spite of the associations in there, I do not believe Dr Oppenheimer is a security risk, and that these associations from the past should bar him from continuing as a consultant to the AEC.
EXT. CORRIDOR OUTSIDE ROOM 2022 -- DAY
I sit, exhausted. A segment of orange drops into my lap -
RABI
Eat.
I 'sip' at the orange. Rabi spots Lawrence coming down the corridor- Rabi straightens to his full height- STARES DOWN Lawrence, who looks from Rabi to me. Then TURNS and leaves.
OPPENHEIMER
What was that?
RABI
Nothing to worry about.
INT. ROOM 2022, ATOMIC ENERGY COMMISSION -- LATER
Robb cross-examines Rabi-
ROBB
Dr Rabi, after the Russian A-bomb test did Dr Lawrence come to see you prior to the GAC meeting?
RABI
You’d be better off asking him.
ROBB
I fully intend to. Did he come to you about the Hydrogen bomb?
RABI
Yes. We all felt that after the Russian explosion we had to do something to regain our position.
ROBB
So you agreed with those who felt we should launch a programme for the Super at that time?
RABI
No. There were all kinds of legitimate concerns about the allocation of our resources.
GRAY
Would you say Dr Oppenheimer was unalterably opposed to the H-bomb?
RABI
No. He thought a fusion programme would come at the expense of our awfully good fission programme.
ROBB
But that proved not to be the case?
RABI
In the event, both could be done. Los Alamos, which Dr Oppenheimer founded, rose to the occasion and worked miracles, absolute miracles.
ROBB
May I ask one more question? A purely hypothetical question.
(MORE)
ROBB (CONT’D)
Suppose this board should not be satisfied that in his testimony here Dr Oppenheimer had told the whole truth... What would you say then about whether or not he ought to be cleared?
RABI
If you want to set me up on the board then I’ll give you an answer. But I’ve never hidden my opinion that I think this whole proceeding is a most unfortunate one.
ROBB
Why?
RABI
He’s a consultant- you don’t want to consult the guy? Don’t. Why go through all this against a man who’s accomplished what Dr Oppenheimer has? Look at his record- we have an A-bomb and a whole series of it, and we have a whole series of Super bombs and what more do you want, mermaids?
CUT TO:
INT. SENATE COMMITTEE HEARING ROOM -- DAY (B&W)
Strauss watches with satisfaction as Teller testifies.
TELLER
...that’s why I’m here today. To express the warm support for science and scientists Mr Strauss has shown over the years I’ve known him.
CHAIRMAN
Thank you, Dr Teller. We’ll break now, unless there’s any immediate business.
STRAUSS
Senator, I’d like to once again request that we’re furnished with a list of witnesses.
CHAIRMAN
And I’ll remind the nominee that we don’t always have that information in advance. We do know that Dr Hill will be here after lunch.
With that, the Chairman BANGS his gavel...
CUT TO:
INT. ROOM 2022, ATOMIC ENERGY COMMISSION -- DAY (COLOUR)
Robb addresses the board...
ROBB
Our next scheduled witness, Dr Lawrence, has apparently come down with... colitis...
I glance sideways at Garrison, who almost smiles-
ROBB (CONT’D)
So I’ll proceed instead with William Borden.
I watch as Borden is sworn in.
ROBB (CONT’D)
Mr Borden, as a result of your study of Dr Oppenheimer, did you reach certain conclusions?
BORDEN
I did.
ROBB
Did there co me a time when you expressed those conclusions in a letter to Mr J. Edgar Hoover of the Federal Bureau of Investigation?
BORDEN
That is correct.
ROBB
Prior to writing that letter, did you discuss the writing of it with anybody connected with the Atomic Energy Commission?
BORDEN
I did not.
ROBB
Do you have a copy of the letter with you.
Robb’s assistant distributes copies of the letter...
BORDEN
I have one in front of me.
ROBB
Would you be good enough to read it?
GARRISON
A moment, please!
Garrison holds up a finger, FRANTICALLY reading ahead-
GRAY
What’s the purpose of the delay? He’s simply going to read this.
GARRISON
Mr Chairman, this is the first we’ve seen of this letter- and I see statements, at least one, which I don’t think anybody would be happy to have go into the record- accusations that have not before been made and are not part of the indictment from Nichols.
Garrison holds up the letter -
GARRISON (CONT’D)
Is it the opinion of the board that these are matters into which inquiry should now be directed?
I scan down the letter for what he’s seen. My face falls...
GRAY
Testimony of this witness is not in any way going to broaden the inquiry.
GARRISON
How can it avoid it, sir? Supposing you should believe the witness? Mr Robb is tasked by this board with calling in witnesses, and he brings in one to make accusations of a kind that I don’t think belong here.
ROBB
Mr Chairman, the witness wrote this letter on his own initiative laying out evidence which has already been before the board. His conclusions are valid testimony just like the positive conclusions of friends of Dr Oppenheimer. It cuts both ways.
GARRISON
How long has counsel been in possession of the letter?
ROBB
Mr Garrison, I don’t think I should be subject to cross-examination by you.
GRAY
Mr Garrison, given that we on the board have all read the letter, isn’t it better to have it in the record?
Garrison says nothing. He looks at me, frustrated.
GRAY (CONT’D)
Let’s proceed.
BORDEN
'Dear Mr Hoover, the purpose of this letter is to state my opinion, based upon years of study of the available classified evidence, that more probably than not J. Robert Oppenheimer is an agent of the Soviet Union.'
I turn the letter face down, staring at its blank whiteness...
BORDEN (CONT’D)
'The following conclusions are justified. One: Between 1929 and 1942, more probably than not, J. Robert Oppenheimer was a sufficiently hardened Communist that he volunteered information to the Soviets. Two: More probably than not, he has since been functioning as an espionage agent.'
I watch the STENOGRAPHER calmly type this into the record...
BORDEN (CONT’D)
'Three: More probably than not, he has since acted under Soviet directive in influencing United States military, atomic energy, intelligence, and diplomatic policy.'
Devastated, I cannot meet the eye of anyone in the room. Garrison gets up from his place. Sits down next to me.
GARRISON
I’m sorry, Robert.
OPPENHEIMER
Isn’t anyone ever going to tell the truth about what’s happening here?
CUT TO:
INT. SENATE COMMITTEE HEARING ROOM -- DAY (B&W)
Strauss and his Counsel take their seats as the Chairman calls to order. Strauss looks around the room, CHEERFULLY.
CHAIRMAN
We will now hear from Dr David Hill.
Strauss peers at a FAMILIAR man in GLASSES, DAVID HILL- Szilard’s note-taking scientist WHOSE PEN OPPENHEIMER GRABBED...
CHAIRMAN (CONT’D)
Dr Hill, would you care to make a statement?
HILL
Thank you. I have been asked to testify about Lewis Strauss, a man who has given years of service in high positions of government and who is known to be earnest, hard- working and intelligent.
Strauss glances at Counsel, satisfied.
HILL (CONT’D)
The views I have to express are my own, but I believe that much I have to say will help indicate why most of the scientists in this country would prefer to see Mr Strauss completely out of the government.
Strauss narrows his eyes...
SENATOR PASTORE
(friendly lob)
You’re referring to the hostility of certain scientists directed at Mr Strauss because of his commitment to security, as demonstrated in the Oppenheimer affair?
No.
HILL
Hill takes a sip of water before continuing...
HILL (CONT’D)
Because of the personal vindictiveness he demonstrated against Dr Oppenheimer, and against all those who have disagreed with his official positions.
Counsel turns to Strauss, who is FIXATED on Hill. The Senate Aide REACTS, surprised. MURMURS echo through the chamber...
HILL (CONT’D)
In my ten years observation of Mr Strauss I have seen his incapacity to change a position, the subordination of his integrity to the attainment of political goals and an obsessive quest for popular and professional approval...
The audience REACTS- Strauss SHAKES his head- the Chairman BANGS the gavel-
Order!
CHAIRMAN
CUT TO:
8FLiX.com FYC SCREENPLAY DATABASE 20230904
INT. ROOM 2022, ATOMIC ENERGY COMMISSION -- DAY (COLOUR)
Vannevar Bush is sworn in.
BUSH
It appears to most scientists around the country that Oppenheimer is now being pilloried and put through an ordeal because he expressed his honest opinions. The written charges against him are in a poorly written indictment which the board should have rejected from the outset.
EVANS
Dr Bush, I thought I was performing a service to my country in hearing this case.
BUSH
No board in this country should sit in judgement of a man because he expressed strong opinions. If you want to try that case, you can try me- I have expressed strong opinions, often unpopular, many times. I’m doing so right now. When a man is pilloried for doing that, this country is in a severe state... excuse me, gentlemen, if I become stirred, but I am.
CUT TO:
INT. SENATE COMMITTEE HEARING ROOM -- DAY (B&W)
Strauss fumes as Hill reads his statement.
HILL
From the standpoint of public welfare, the most injurious exercise of personal vindictiveness in which Lewis Straus has engaged was in the personnel security prosecution of J. Robert Oppenheimer, who had not hesitated to disagree with Mr Strauss on certain questions of fundamental policy.
(MORE)
HILL (CONT’D)
Oppenheimer made mincemeat out of Strauss’ position on the shipments of isotopes to Norway, and Strauss never forgave him this public humiliation. Another controversy between them centreed around their differences in judgement on how the H-bomb would contribute to national security. Oppenheimer had considerable influence and prestige, and Strauss was able to find a few ambitious men who also disagreed with Oppenheimer’s position, and envied him his prestige in government circles.
Teller, in the audience, stares at Hill...
HILL (CONT’D)
Strauss turned to the personnel security system in order to destroy Oppenheimer’s effectiveness-
SENATOR PASTORE
But, Dr Hill, we’ve already heard that Mr Strauss did not bring the charges, or participate in the hearings against Dr Oppenheimer.
HILL
I realize that Mr Strauss didn’t sign the letter of charges, but I think when all of the evidence is viewed, it becomes highly plausible that the Oppenheimer matter was initiated and carried through largely through the animus of Lewis Strauss.
CUT TO:
INT. ROOM 2022, ATOMIC ENERGY COMMISSION -- DAY (COLOUR)
Groves is testifying.
ROBB
General, would you clear Dr Oppenheimer today?
GROVES
Under my interpretation of the Atomic Energy Act, which did not exist when I hired Dr Oppenheimer in 1942... I would not clear Dr Oppenheimer today if I were a member of the commission.
ROBB
Thank you, General.
GROVES
But I’m not sure I could’ve cleared
any of those guys.
ROBB
That’s all.
GARRISON
General, Dr Oppenheimer had no responsibility for the selection or clearance of Klaus Fuchs, did he?
GROVES
No, not at all.
GARRISON
You wouldn’t want to leave with this board even the remotest suggestion that you’re here questioning Dr Oppenheimer’s basic loyalty to the United States in the operation of Los Alamos?
GROVES
By no means. I hope I didn’t lead anybody to think otherwise for an instant.
GARRISON
Would you say that the revocation of Dr Oppenheimer’s position would be in the public interest?
GROVES
The revocation under such extreme publicity I think would be most unfortunate, not because of the effect on Dr Oppenheimer- that I leave to one side- but because of the disastrous effect upon the attitude of the scientists of this country toward doing government research.
GRAY
Thank you, General.
Groves gets up, walks past me with a formal nod.
INT. CORRIDOR OUTSIDE ROOM 2022 -- DAY
Garrison checks his watch.
OPPENHEIMER
She’ll be here.
GARRISON
Do you even want her here?
OPPENHEIMER
Only a fool or an adolescent presumes to know someone else’s relationship, and you’re neither, Lloyd.
Kitty comes around the corner. Unsteady. I watch her walk towards us, not entirely straight... she catches my eye-
OPPENHEIMER (CONT’D)
Kitty and I, we’re grown-ups. We’ve walked through fire together. And she’ll do fine.
INT. ROOM 2022, ATOMIC ENERGY COMMISSION -- DAY
Kitty is at the witness table. From behind I can see her fiddling distractedly with her purse...
GARRISON
Mrs Oppenheimer, you are no longer a member of the Communist Party?
KITTY
No.
GARRISON
When would you say that you ceased to be a member?
KITTY
When I left Youngstown in 1936.
GARRISON
Will you describe your views on Communism as pro, anti, neutral.
KITTY
Very strongly against. I’ve had nothing to do with Communism since 1936. Since before I met Robert.
GARRISON
That’s all.
HILL (V.O.)
The record demonstrates that Oppenheimer was not interrogated by impartial and disinterested counsel for the Gray Board...
Robb gets up to cross-examine...
CUT TO:
INT. SENATE COMMITTEE HEARING ROOM -- DAY (B&W)
Strauss watches Hill continue to answer questions...
HILL
...he was interrogated by a prosecutor who used all the tricks of a rather ingenious legal background to try to trick Oppenheimer into erroneous statements, and he did succeed in a few instances.
SENATOR SCOTT
You are charging now that the Gray Board permitted a prosecution of Dr Oppenheimer. Do you think, then, that the members of the Gray Board were unfair?
Hill takes a beat to consider this.
HILL
I can only say if I’d been on the Gray Board, I would’ve protested against the tactics of the man who served in fact as a prosecuting counsel- a man appointed not by the board but by Lewis Strauss.
Strauss strokes his chin, feigning indifference.
SENATOR MCGEE
Who was this?
CUT TO:
INT. ROOM 2022, ATOMIC ENERGY COMMISSION -- DAY (COLOUR)
HILL (V.O.)
Roger Robb.
Robb tries to put himself in Kitty’s eyeline...
ROBB
Mrs Oppenheimer.
She will not meet his gaze.
ROBB (CONT’D)
Did you have a Communist Party membership card?
KITTY
I, I’m not sure...
Kitty fiddles with her purse...
ROBB
Not sure?
KITTY
Well...
She FREEZES. The Board members look at her. Garrison looks at me...
ROBB
Presumably the act of joining the Party was sending some money and receiving a card?
Kitty is focused on her purse...
ROBB (CONT’D)
No?
And then Kitty LOOKS UP at Robb, pure STEEL-
KITTY
It was so long ago, Mr Robb, wasn’t it?
ROBB
Not really- KITTY (CONT’D)
Long enough to have forgotten.
ROBB (CONT’D)
Did you turn in the card or rip it up?
ROBB (CONT’D)
Your Communist Party membership card-
KITTY (CONT’D)
The card whose existence I’ve forgotten?
KITTY (CONT’D)
I haven’t the slightest idea.
ROBB (CONT’D)
Can a distinction be made between Soviet Communism and Communism?
KITTY
In the days when I was a member I thought they were definitely two things-
Garrison and I hang on her every word...
KITTY (CONT’D)
I thought the Communist Party of the United States was concerned with our domestic problems. I now no longer believe this. I believe the whole thing is linked together and spread all over the world. I’ve believed this since I left the Party sixteen years ago.
ROBB
But- KITTY (CONT’D)
Seventeen years ago. My mistake.
ROBB (CONT’D)
But you- KITTY (CONT’D)
Sorry, eighteen. Yes, eighteen years ago.
Robb sighs patiently.
ROBB (CONT’D)
Were you familiar with the fact that your husband was making contributions to the Spanish Civil War as late as 1942?
KITTY
I knew that Robert gave money from time to time, yes.
ROBB
Do you remember whether he gave money on a regular or periodic basis?
Kitty smiles sweetly-
KITTY
Do you mean regular, or do you mean periodic, Mr Robb?
ROBB
(annoyed)
I mean... regular.
KITTY
He did not.
ROBB
Were you aware that this money was going into Communist Party channels?
KITTY
Don’t you mean 'through'?
ROBB
Pardon?
KITTY
I think you mean 'through Communist Party channels'.
ROBB
Yes. KITTY (CONT’D)
Yes.
ROBB (CONT’D)
Would it be fair to say that this meant that by 1942 he had not stopped having anything to do with the Communist Party? I don’t insist that you answer yes or no. You can answer any way you wish.
KITTY
I know that. Thank you. But the question isn’t properly phrased.
ROBB
Don’t you understand what I am trying to get at?
ROBB (CONT’D)
Why don’t you answer it that
Yes, I do.
KITTY (CONT’D)
KITTY (CONT’D)
way?
I don’t like the phrase 'having anything to do with the Communist Party' because Robert never had anything to do with the Communist Party as such. I know he gave money for Spanish refugees. I know he took an intellectual interest in Communist ideas-
ROBB (CONT’D)
Are there two kinds of Communists? An intellectual Communist and a plain ordinary Commie?
Kitty laughs the laugh of the free.
KITTY
I couldn’t answer that one.
EVANS
(delighted)
I couldn’t either.
Gray shoots a look at Evans. CHUCKLES around the room. Garrison looks at me. Nods. She did good.
INT. ROOM 2022, ATOMIC ENERGY COMMISSION -- DAY
I watch Teller testify.
ROBB
Is it your intention to suggest that Dr Oppenheimer is disloyal to the United States?
TELLER
I do not want to suggest anything of the kind. I have always assumed, and now assume, that he is loyal to the United States. I believe this, and I shall believe it until I see very conclusive proof to the opposite.
ROBB
Now, a question which is a corollary of that... do you or do you not believe that Dr Oppenheimer is a security risk?
TELLER
In a great number of cases I have seen Dr Oppenheimer act in a way which for me was exceedingly hard to understand. I thoroughly disagreed with him in numerous issues, and his actions, frankly, appeared to me confused and complicated. To this extent, I feel that I would like to see the vital interests of this country in hands which I understand better and therefore trust more.
GRAY
Thank you, doctor.
Teller gets up from the table, as he walks past me he holds out his hand...
TELLER
I’m sorry.
I shake his hand.
KITTY (V.O.)
You shook his fucking hand?!
INT. DINING ROOM, OLDEN MANOR, PRINCETON -- NIGHT
KITTY (CONT'D)
I would’ve spat in his face!
GARRISON
I’m not sure the board would’ve appreciated that.
KITTY
Not gentlemanly enough? You’re all being too goddamn gentlemanly.
VOLPE
Gray must see what Robb is doing- why doesn’t he shut him down?
Garrison shrugs.
KITTY
(to me)
And you? Shaking Teller’s hand- you need to stop playing the martyr.
EXT. OLDEN MANOR, PRINCETON -- NIGHT
Garrison drives off. Volpe turns to me...
VOLPE
Robert, you can’t win this thing. It’s a kangaroo court with a predetermined outcome. Why put yourself through more of it?
OPPENHEIMER
I have my reasons.
Volpe shrugs. Embraces me. Gets in his car.
EINSTEIN (O.S.)
He has a point, you know.
I turn. Einstein steps into the light.
EINSTEIN (CONT’D)
You’re a man chasing a woman who doesn’t love him any more- the United States Government.
OPPENHEIMER
I’m not sure you understand, Albert.
EINSTEIN
No? I left my country, never to return. The German calamity of years ago repeats itself- people acquiesce without resistance and align themselves with the forces of evil. You’ve served America well, and if this is the reward she has to offer perhaps you should turn your back on her.
OPPENHEIMER
Dammit, I happen to love this country.
Einstein considers this. Nods slowly.
EINSTEIN
Then tell them to go to hell.
CUT TO:
INT. SENATE OFFICE -- DAY (B&W)
Strauss BURSTS in, fuming...
STRAUSS
This has become a trial about a trial!
SENATE AIDE
It’s not a good thing that he’s telling them that you initiated the hearings.
STRAUSS
He can’t prove that I gave the file to Borden.
SENATE AIDE
He doesn’t have to. We’re not in court, there’s no burden of proof...
Strauss realizes. Shakes his head at himself.
STRAUSS
They’re not convicting. Just denying.
The Senate Aide nods.
STRAUSS (CONT’D)
Why would Hill come here to tear me down? What’s his angle?
SENATE AIDE
Do people need a reason to do the right thing?
Strauss GLARES at the Senate Aide.
SENATE AIDE (CONT’D)
I mean, as he sees it.
STRAUSS
I told you Oppenheimer poisoned the scientists against me! Right from that first meeting...
INSERT CUT: STRAUSS WATCHES OPPENHEIMER HAND EINSTEIN HIS HAT AS THEY SPEAK DOWN AT THE LAKE...
STRAUSS (CONT’D)
I don’t know what Oppenheimer said to him that day, but Einstein wouldn’t even meet my eye...
INSERT CUT: AS STRAUSS APPROACHES, EINSTEIN WALKS PAST WITHOUT ACKNOWLEDGING HIM, CLEARLY UPSET...
STRAUSS (CONT’D)
Oppenheimer knows how to manipulate his own. At Los Alamos he preyed on the naïveté of scientists who thought they’d get a say in how we used their work... but don’t ever think he was that naïve himself...
CUT TO:
INT. ROOM 2022, ATOMIC ENERGY COMMISSION -- DAY (COLOUR)
I am back at the witness table. Robb squares up.
ROBB
Doctor, in your work on the Hydrogen bomb at Los Alamos and in the years following, were you deterred by any moral qualms about the development of this weapon?
OPPENHEIMER
Of course.
ROBB
But you still got on with the work, didn’t you?
OPPENHEIMER
Yes, because this was work of exploration. It was not the preparation of a weapon.
ROBB
You mean it was just an academic excursion?
OPPENHEIMER
No. It’s not an academic thing whether you can make a Hydrogen bomb. It’s a matter of life and death.
ROBB
Beginning in 1942 you were actively pushing the development of the H- bomb, weren’t you?
OPPENHEIMER
'Pushing' is not the right word. Supporting and working on it, yes.
ROBB
When did these moral qualms become so strong that you opposed the development of the Hydrogen bomb?
OPPENHEIMER
When it was suggested that it be the policy of the United States to make these things at all costs, without regard to the balance between these weapons and atomic weapons as part of our arsenal.
ROBB
(theatrical confusion)
What did moral qualms have to do with that?
OPPENHEIMER
(struggling)
What did moral qualms have to do with it?
Yes.
ROBB
INT. SENATE OFFICE -- DAY (B&W)
Strauss is pacing now...
STRAUSS
Oppenheimer wanted to own the atomic bomb. He wanted to be the man who moved the earth.
(MORE)
STRAUSS (CONT’D)
He talks about putting the nuclear genie back in the bottle- well, I’m here to tell you that I know J Robert Oppenheimer and if he could do it all over he’d do it all the same. He’s never once said he regrets Hiroshima- he’d do it all over because it made him the most important man who ever lived...
INT. ROOM 2022, ATOMIC ENERGY COMMISSION -- DAY (COLOUR)
I struggle to find an answer for Robb...
OPPENHEIMER
We freely used the atomic bomb.
ROBB
In fact, doctor, you assisted in selecting the target for the drop of the atomic bomb on Japan?
Now I can hear the sound of FEET STAMPING...
OPPENHEIMER (CONT’D)
Yes. ROBB (CONT’D)
You knew, did you not, that the dropping of that atomic bomb on the target you had selected would kill or injure thousands of civilians, is that correct?
OPPENHEIMER (CONT’D)
Not as many as turned out...
ROBB
How many were killed or injured?
The feet are stamping FASTER and FASTER...
OPPENHEIMER
Seventy thousand.
ROBB
Seventy thousand? At both Hiroshima and-
OPPENHEIMER (CONT’D)
One hundred and ten thousand at both.
ROBB (CONT’D)
On the day of each bombing.
OPPENHEIMER
Yes.
I nod.
ROBB
And in the weeks and years after?
OPPENHEIMER
It’s been put at between fifty and one hundred thousand...
ROBB
Two hundred and twenty thousand dead? At least?
ROBB (CONT’D)
Did you have moral scruples about that?
OPPENHEIMER
Terrible ones.
ROBB
But you testified the other day that the bombing of Hiroshima was very successful?
OPPENHEIMER
Well, it was technically
ROBB (CONT’D)
successful.
Oh, technically.
OPPENHEIMER (CONT’D)
It’s also alleged to have helped end the war.
The stamping feet are LOUDER and FASTER...
ROBB
Would you have supported the dropping of a Hydrogen bomb on Hiroshima?
INT. SENATE OFFICE -- DAY (B&W)
Strauss TURNS on the Senate Aide-
STRAUSS
But he wanted all the glory and none of the responsibility. So he needed absolution. He needed to be a martyr. To suffer, and take the sins of the world on his shoulders. To say 'no, we cannot continue on this road' even as he knew we’d have to...
8FLiX.com FYC SCREENPLAY DATABASE 20230904
INT. ROOM 2022, ATOMIC ENERGY COMMISSION -- DAY (COLOUR)
I search for an answer- the FEET STAMPING ever LOUDER-
OPPENHEIMER
It would make no sense at all.
ROBB
Why?
OPPENHEIMER
The target is too small.
ROBB
Supposing there had been a target in Japan big enough for a thermonuclear weapon, would you have opposed dropping it?
OPPENHEIMER
This was not a problem with
ROBB (CONT’D)
which I was confronted.
I’m confronting you with it now, sir. Would you have opposed the dropping of a thermonuclear weapon on Japan because of moral scruples?
OPPENHEIMER (CONT’D)
I believe I would, sir.
ROBB
Did you oppose the dropping of the atom bomb on Hiroshima because of moral scruples?
OPPENHEIMER
We set forth our- ROBB (CONT’D) I’m asking you about it, not 'we'.
OPPENHEIMER (CONT’D)
I set forth arguments against dropping it. But I did not endorse them.
INT. SENATE OFFICE -- DAY (B&W)
Strauss PACES the room, FURIOUS-
STRAUSS
He knew he’d have to be seen to suffer for what he did. It was all part of his plan.
(MORE)
STRAUSS (CONT’D)
He wanted the glorious insincere guilt of the self-important to wear like a fucking crown. And I gave it to him...
INT. ROOM 2022, ATOMIC ENERGY COMMISSION -- DAY (COLOUR)
Robb gets right in my face, incredulous-
ROBB
You mean having worked night and day for three years to build the bomb, you then argued it shouldn’t be used?
OPPENHEIMER
No. I was asked by the Secretary of War what the views of scientists were- I gave the views against and the views for.
ROBB
You supported the dropping of the atom bomb on Japan, didn’t you?
OPPENHEIMER (CONT’D)
What do you mean 'support'?
ROBB (CONT’D)
You helped pick the target, didn’t you?
OPPENHEIMER
I did my job- I was not in a policy- making position at Los Alamos- I would have done anything that I was asked to do-
ROBB
You would have made the H-bomb too wouldn’t you?
OPPENHEIMER
I couldn’t.
The STAMPING breaks rhythm to become CACOPHONOUS...
ROBB
I didn’t ask you that, doctor!
OPPENHEIMER (CONT’D)
I would have worked on it, yes. But to run a labouratory is one thing, to advise a government is another.
THE LIGHT OF A THOUSAND SUNS POURS IN THE WINDOW...
ROBB (CONT’D)
And the GAC report, which you co- authored, following the Russian atomic test said that a Super bomb should never be produced, did it not!
OPPENHEIMER
What we meant- what I meant- was that it would be a better world if there were no Hydrogen bombs in it.
LIGHT STABS THROUGH CRACKS IN THE WALL...
ROBB
Wouldn’t the Soviets do anything to increase their military strength?
OPPENHEIMER
If we did it, they’d have to do it. Our efforts would fuel their efforts- just as it had with the atomic bomb!
PLASTER BREAKS AWAY AS LIGHT POURS INTO THE ROOM... I JAM my
eyes closed, MORE AND MORE EXPOSED...
ROBB
'Just as with the atomic bomb.' Exactly. No moral scruples in 1945, plenty in 1949...
The sound STOPS. The light is gone.
GRAY
(gentle)
Dr Oppenheimer, when did your strong moral convictions develop with respect to the Hydrogen bomb?
I open my eyes, exhausted...
OPPENHEIMER
When it became clear to me that we would tend to use any weapon we had.
Silence.
INT. SENATE OFFICE -- DAY (B&W)
Strauss has stopped...
STRAUSS
J. Robert Oppenheimer- the martyr. I gave him exactly what he wanted. To be remembered for Trinity, not Hiroshima, not Nagasaki. He should be thanking me.
SENATE AIDE
Well, he’s not.
Strauss looks at the Senate Aide’s neck, wondering if he could get one hand all the way around it.
STRAUSS
(speaking softly)
Do you still have enough votes, or is the crowning moment of my career about to become the most public humiliation of my life?
The Senate Aide looks down at his buck slip, counts his tally.
SENATE AIDE
You’ll scrape through.
Strauss looks at the Senate Aide. He smiles.
STRAUSS
Then gather the press.
CUT TO:
INT. ROOM 2022, ATOMIC ENERGY COMMISSION -- DAY (COLOUR)
I sit with Garrison and listen to Gray pass judgement...
GRAY
J. Robert Oppenheimer, this board, having heard testimony from you and many of your current and former colleagues, has come to the unanimous conclusion that you are a loyal citizen...
(MORE)
GRAY (CONT’D)
However, in the light of your continuing associations and disregard for the security apparatus of this country, together with your somewhat disturbing conduct in relation to the Hydrogen bomb and the regrettable lack of candor in certain of your responses to this board, we have voted two to one to deny the renewal of your security clearance.
I barely hear the rest...
GRAY (CONT’D)
A full written opinion, with a dissent from Mr Evans, will be issued to the AEC in the coming days...
The board rises, aides start collecting files. Still dazed, I take the phone from Garrison-
GARRISON
It’s Kitty.
KITTY
(over phone) Robert? Robert?
I take a breath. Not trusting my voice...
OPPENHEIMER
Don’t... don’t... don’t... take in the sheets.
CUT TO:
INT. SENATE OFFICE -- DAY (B&W)
We hear the press gathering behind the doors. Strauss checks his tie in the mirror. Smooths his hair. The Senate Aide enters, buck slip in hand.
STRAUSS
Is it official?
SENATE AIDE
I’m afraid there were a couple of unexpected holdouts.
Strauss freezes, absorbing the impact.
STRAUSS
I’m denied?
The Senate Aide leaves him hanging for a beat.
SENATE AIDE
I’m afraid so, sir.
Strauss doesn’t know what to do or where to look.
STRAUSS
Who were the holdouts?
SENATE AIDE
There were three, led by the junior senator from Massachusetts. Young guy, trying to make a name for himself. Didn’t like what you did to Oppenheimer.
STRAUSS
What’s his name?
The Senate Aide checks his tally...
SENATE AIDE
Uh... Kennedy. John F. Kennedy.
CUT TO:
EXT. OLDEN MANOR, BACK GATE OVERLOOKING THE INSTITUTE -- DAY (COLOUR)
I approach Kitty, who’s been crying.
KITTY
Did you think if you let them tar and feather you the world would forgive you? It won’t.
OPPENHEIMER
We’ll see.
CUT TO:
INT. SENATE OFFICE -- DAY (B&W)
Strauss listens to the hungry press pack beyond the door. He TURNS on the Senate Aide-
STRAUSS
Goddamn it! You told me I’d be fine!
SENATE AIDE
Well, I didn’t have all the facts, did I?
STRAUSS
I did what was right for this country. They don’t want me in the Cabinet Room? Maybe they should just invite Oppenheimer instead.
SENATE AIDE
Perhaps they will.
STRAUSS
He turned the scientists against me. One by one. Starting with Einstein. I told you about that? About Einstein, by the pond?
The Senate Aide picks up Strauss’s hat and coat...
SENATE AIDE
You did. But, you know, sir, since nobody knows what they said to each other that day, is it possible they didn’t talk about you at all? Is it possible they spoke about something...
Hands Strauss his hat and coat...
SENATE AIDE (CONT’D)
...more important?
Strauss looks at the Senate Aide like he wants to kill him. The Senate Aide OPENS the office door and the FLASHBULBS EAT STRAUSS ALIVE as we-
CUT TO:
EXT. LAKESIDE, INSTITUTE FOR ADVANCED STUDY, PRINCETON -- DAY (COLOUR)
I approach the figure by the lake. The figure’s hat BLOWS off, releasing a mass of GREY CURLS. Strauss watches from the doorway as I scoop up Einstein’s hat...
EINSTEIN
Robert. The man of the moment.
I hand him his hat. He looks out at the lake.
EINSTEIN (CONT’D)
You once had a reception for me at Berkeley. Gave me an award. You all believed I’d lost the ability to understand what I’d started. So that award wasn’t for me... it was for all of you.
Einstein turns to me.
EINSTEIN (CONT'D) (CONT’D)
Now it’s your turn to deal with the consequences of your achievements. And one day... when they’ve punished you enough...
INT. CABINET ROOM, WHITE HOUSE -- DAY
Dozens of formally attired GUESTS. Kitty by my side. Many faces, now older, are there - Rabi, Lawrence, Frank, Jackie...
EINSTEIN (V.O.)
They’ll serve salmon and potato salad, make speeches, give you a medal...
LYNDON JOHNSON places a MEDAL around my neck. I SMILE and shake the President’s hand. Kitty BEAMS as she, in turn, shakes Johnson’s hand... Frank comes up to me, gives me a quick embrace-
FRANK
You’re happy, I’m happy...
OPPENHEIMER
Then I’m happy you’re happy.
Lawrence claps me on the shoulder, smiling affectionately...
EINSTEIN (V.O.)
Pat you on the back and tell you all is forgiven...
Teller approaches, I smile and take his offered hand...
EINSTEIN (V.O.)
Just remember. It won’t be for you...
Teller turns to Kitty, offering the same smile and handshake...
EINSTEIN (V.O.)
...it’ll be for them.
Kitty STARES Teller down, letting his hand hang in the air like a WILTING PLANT... and we-
CUT TO:
EXT. LAKESIDE, INSTITUTE FOR ADVANCED STUDY, PRINCETON -- DAY
Einstein TURNS to leave. Up the hill, Strauss approaches...
OPPENHEIMER
Albert? When I came to you with those calculations?
Einstein pauses. I watch raindrops make circles on the surface of the pond
OPPENHEIMER (CONT'D) (CONT’D)
We were worried that we’d start a chain reaction that would destroy the entire world...
EINSTEIN
I remember it well. What of it?
OPPENHEIMER
I believe we did.
Einstein PALES. TURNS, passing Strauss without a word. The sound of FEET STAMPING...
CLOSE IN ON: my staring eyes as I visualize THE EXPANDING NUCLEAR ARSENALS OF THE WORLD... THE FEET, FASTER AND FASTER-
When I can take it no longer, I JAM my eyes CLOSED and we-
CUT TO BLACK.
CREDITS. END.