The movie Oppenheimer focuses on J. Robert Oppenheimer’s perspective and does not show the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. However, a shocking moment in the film occurs when US Secretary of War Henry Stimson mentions not bombing Kyoto because he honeymooned there, revealing a lack of consideration for the lives at stake. This moment reflects a larger cultural issue of desensitization and a lack of critical interpretation. The line was improvised by actor James Remar, emphasizing the importance of understanding a character before portraying them. Stimson’s decision based on personal memories highlights a worldview that prioritizes American exceptionalism and devalues the lives of others. The audience’s inability to appreciate thought-provoking dialogue like this suggests a loss of the ability to reflect and interpret what is seen onscreen.
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