OPPENHEIMER
by
Christopher Nolan
based on the book AMERICAN PROMETHEUS
THE TRIUMPH AND TRAGEDY OF J. ROBERT OPPENHEIMER
by Kai Bird and Martin J. Sherwin
WHITE Revision - 1-3-22 1.
1 A VAST SPHERE OF FIRE, the fire of a thousand suns, slowly 1
EATS the nighttime desert. A line of black 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-
2 A FACE. Gaunt, tense. EYES TIGHTLY SHUT. The face SHUDDERS- 2
the sound CEASES as my EYES OPEN, STARING INTO CAMERA:
Peer into my soul- J. ROBERT OPPENHEIMER, aged 50, 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 my 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:
BLUE Revision - 2-11-22 2.
3 INT. SENATE OFFICE - DAY (BLACK AND WHITE SEQUENCE) 3
Close on a prosperous 63-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 transcript, 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?
4 INT. CORRIDOR, SENATE BUILDING - MOMENTS LATER (B&W) 4
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
Admiral.
SENATE AIDE
Admiral Strauss, this is a formality.
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
PINK Revision - 4-10-22 3.
4 CONTINUED: 4
SENATE AIDE (CONT'D)
President Eisenhower's asked you to
be in his Cabinet, the Senate really
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 wants 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:
5 INT. ROOM 2022, ATOMIC ENERGY COMMISSION - DAY (COLOUR) 5
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 CUTS: A YOUNG ME(21) LIES IN BED STARING UP, CRYING...
PARTICLES WITH THE VASTNESS OF STARS MOVE LIKE FIREFLIES...
(CONTINUED)
PINK Revision - 4-10-22 4.
5 CONTINUED: 5
OPPENHEIMER
No. I was homesick. Emotionally
immature..., troubled by visions of
a hidden universe...
6 INT. LABORATORY, CAMBRIDGE - DAY 6
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 check 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...
7 EXT. QUADRANGLE, CAMBRIDGE - EVENING 7
I HURRY across the quad. A lonely figure.
BOHR (V.O.)
Quantum physics isn't a step forward,
BLUE Revision - 2-11-22 5.
8 INT. LECTURE HALL, CAMBRIDGE - CONTINUOUS 8
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:
9 INT. SENATE COMMITTEE HEARING ROOM - DAY (BLACK AND WHITE) 9
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...
10 EXT. INSTITUTE FOR ADVANCED STUDY, PRINCETON - DAY (B&W) 10
Strauss, younger, 51, 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(43), emerging
from a TAXI in HAT and coat, PIPE in mouth. ICONIC.
STRAUSS (CONT'D)
Dr.Oppenheimer, an honor.
OPPENHEIMER
Mr.Strauss.
(CONTINUED)
BLUE Revision - 2-11-22 5A.
10 CONTINUED: 10
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.
BLUE Revision - 2-11-22 6.
11 INT. INSTITUTE FOR ADVANCED STUDY, PRINCETON - CONTINUOUS (B&W) 11
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.
12 INT. PRESIDENT'S OFFICE, INSTITUTE FOR ADVANCED STUDY - 12
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.
(CONTINUED)
WHITE Revision - 1-3-22 7.
12 CONTINUED: 12
STRAUSS (CONT'D)
I've always wondered why you didn't
involve 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 40
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-
13 INT. ROOM 2022, ATOMIC ENERGY COMMISSION - DAY (COLOUR) 13
I flip a page. Continue reading my statement.
OPPENHEIMER
I struggled badly trying to visualize
this new world...
WHITE Revision - 1-3-22 8.
14 INT. ROOMS AT CAMBRIDGE - DAY 14
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 sight,
INSERT CUT: POINTS OF LIGHT MOVE LIKE SPARKS, BUT IN A WAVE.
OPPENHEIMER (V.O.) (CONT'D)
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 A STEM AND A TINY LEAF...
I OPEN my eyes- JUMP out of bed- SCRAMBLE to dress-
15 EXT. QUADRANGLE, CAMBRIDGE - MOMENTS LATER 15
I RUN, DESPERATE, AGAINST the crowd-
16 INT. LABORATORY, CAMBRIDGE - DAY 16
I BURST in- Blackett LOOKS UP. ANOTHER MAN has his back to
me. Between them on the work bench- 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.
(CONTINUED)
WHITE Revision - 1-3-22 9.
16 CONTINUED: 16
BLACKETT
Nobody's denying his insight. It's
his laboratory 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
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.
BLACKETT
Born?
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-
YOUNG OPPENHEIMER
Wormhole.
-DROP it into the wastebasket. Blackett peers at it, curious.
(CONTINUED)
WHITE Revision - 1-3-22 10.
16 CONTINUED: (2) 16
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 WASTELAND, I WRITE
FURIOUSLY at a desk, I WRITE FURIOUSLY on a chalk board, 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 window pane, 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-
17 EXT. INSTITUTE FOR ADVANCED STUDY, PRINCETON - DAY (B&W) 17
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.
(CONTINUED)
BLUE Revision - 2-11-22 11.
17 CONTINUED: 17
STRAUSS
As Chairman of the AEC I have access
to your security file. I've read
it. The job's 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?
18 INT. SENATE COMMITTEE HEARING ROOM - DAY (B&W) 18
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.
(CONTINUED)
BLUE Revision - 2-11-22 12.
18 CONTINUED: 18
A few CHUCKLES from the room.
SENATOR MCGEE
But later?
STRAUSS
Well, we all know what happened later.
CUT TO-
19 INT. ROOM 2022, ATOMIC ENERGY COMMISSION - DAY (COLOUR) 19
The Board Members listen as I continue reading...
OPPENHEIMER
After Gottingen I moved on to Leiden
in Holland...
20 INT. LECTURE HALL, LEIDEN - DAY 20
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 (30), plonks down next to a
DUTCH STUDENT who reluctantly shifts, giving him room.
RABI
A Yank lecturing on the new physics?
This I have to hear- I'm an American
myself.
DUTCH STUDENT
How surprising.
RABI
Let me know if you need any help
with the English.
I start lecturing... IN DUTCH. Rabi, confused, leans in-
RABI (CONT'D)
Wait, what's he saying?
21 INT. TRAIN, LEIDEN TO ZURICH - NIGHT 21
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.
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
WHITE Revision - 1-3-22 13.
21 CONTINUED: 21
RABI (CONT'D)
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 of 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 enough 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
Shvitzer?
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...
(CONTINUED)
WHITE Revision - 1-3-22 14.
21 CONTINUED: (2) 21
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.
22 INT. LECTURE HALL, ZURICH - DAY 22
A tall man of 26 turns from the blackboard- HEISENBERG. I
study his every move. Rabi NUDGES me 'see?'...
23 INT. SAME - LATER 23
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.
(CONTINUED)
PINK Revision - 4-10-22 15.
23 CONTINUED: 23
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 Santa Fe. That's
the America I miss right now.
HEISENBERG
Then you best get home, cowboys.
RABI
That's his thing- me and horses? I
don't think so.
GRAY (V.O.)
Did you ever encounter Heisenberg
again?
24 INT. ROOM 2022, ATOMIC ENERGY COMMISSION - DAY 24
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?
(CONTINUED)
BLUE Revision - 2-11-22 16.
24 CONTINUED: 24
OPPENHEIMER
None that spring to mind.
(from notes)
Returning to America I accepted
appointments at both Caltech...
25 EXT. BERKELEY - DAY 25
I walk across campus to the Physics Department...
OPPENHEIMER (V.O.)
...and up at Berkeley.
26 INT. CORRIDOR, BERKELEY - CONTINUOUS 26
I struggle to unlock a door... it opens-
27 INT. CLASSROOM, BERKELEY - CONTINUOUS 27
A DUSTY storage space. Scattered tables and chairs. A piano.
28 EXT. CORRIDOR, BERKELEY - MOMENTS LATER 28
I step out of the classroom. Look NEXT DOOR...
29 INT. RAD LAB, BERKELEY - DAY 29
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.
(CONTINUED)
WHITE Revision - 1-3-22 17.
29 CONTINUED: 29
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 people start
hearing what you can do with it...
LAWRENCE
(grins)
There's no going back.
30 INT. CLASSROOM, BERKELEY - LATER 30
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(21) nods, takes a seat.
OPPENHEIMER (CONT'D)
What do you know about quantum
mechanics?
LOMANITZ
I have a grasp on the basics-
(CONTINUED)
BLUE Revision - 2-11-22 18.
30 CONTINUED: 30
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
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:
31 A PACKED CLASSROOM, hanging on my every word as I, now 32, 31
slim, well-dressed, confident, teach in the round. Lawrence
listens at the edge, fascinated.
OPPENHEIMER
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...
(CONTINUED)
BLUE Revision - 2-11-22 19.
31 CONTINUED: 31
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.
32 EXT. BERKELEY - DAY 32
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...
33 INT. CLASSROOM, BERKELEY - DAY 33
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.
(CONTINUED)
BLUE Revision - 2-11-22 20.
33 CONTINUED: 33
LAWRENCE
I've sampled the Berkeley political
scene- it's all philosophy post-grads
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 F.B.I. surveillance on
his activities at Berkeley...
CUT TO:
34 INT. SENATE COMMITTEE HEARING ROOM - DAY (B&W) 34
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 F.B.I.?
STRAUSS
Well, if I remember correctly...
CUT TO:
WHITE Revision - 1-3-22 21.
35 EXT. HOUSE PARTY, SHASTA ROAD, BERKELEY - NIGHT (COLOUR) 35
STRAUSS (V.O.)
The F.B.I. 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-
FRANK (O.S.)
Gotcha!
My younger brother FRANK(25) and his date, JACKIE.
36 INT. LIVING ROOM, HOUSE PARTY, SHASTA ROAD, BERKELEY - NIGHT 36
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-
OPPENHEIMER
I'm not.
(CONTINUED)
BLUE Revision - 2-11-22 22.
36 CONTINUED: 36
FRANK
Not yet.
JACKIE
Frank and I are thinking of joining-
OPPENHEIMER
(ignoring Jackie)
I support a 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?
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.
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
WHITE Revision - 1-3-22 23.
36 CONTINUED: (2) 36
OPPENHEIMER (CONT'D)
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.
(CONTINUED)
WHITE Revision - 1-3-22 24.
36 CONTINUED: (3) 36
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.
37 INT. BEDROOM - LATER 37
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
Jungian.
TATLOCK
You know analysis.
(CONTINUED)
WHITE Revision - 1-3-22 25.
37 CONTINUED: 37
OPPENHEIMER
When I was a post-grad 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.
(CONTINUED)
BLUE Revision - 2-11-22 26.
37 CONTINUED: (2) 37
TATLOCK
Go on, then.
I study the page as Tatlock starts to move.
OPPENHEIMER
In this part, Vishnu reveals his
multi-armed self-
TATLOCK
Read the words.
She points to each word as I translate...
OPPENHEIMER
"And now I am become Death...
She nods, impressed, starts moving again...
OPPENHEIMER (CONT'D)
Destroyer of worlds."
38 EXT. NEW MEXICO - DAY 38
Moving over the VAST landscape to find three tiny figures.
I lead Lawrence and Frank on horseback up a mountain trail.
39 EXT. CAMP SITE - EVENING 39
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.
40 INT./EXT TENT - NIGHT 40
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.
OPPENHEIMER
To Jackie?
Frank stares at me... the tent stops buffeting...
(CONTINUED)
WHITE Revision - 1-3-22 27.
40 CONTINUED: 40
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 wandered 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.
41 EXT. PERRO CALIENTE - MOMENTS LATER 41
I approach Lawrence, who stares up at the stars.
(CONTINUED)
WHITE Revision - 1-3-22 28.
41 CONTINUED: 41
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 them.
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.
OPPENHEIMER
Let's get some sleep.
I turn, heading to the tent. Lawrence follows.
OPPENHEIMER (CONT'D)
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.
42 EXT. STREET, BERKELEY - DAY 42
Tatlock and I walk down the sidewalk. I try to take her
hand- she folds her arms.
(CONTINUED)
WHITE Revision - 1-3-22 29.
42 CONTINUED: 42
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-
OPPENHEIMER (CONT'D)
Alvarez!
I leave Tatlock on the sidewalk, take off after Alverez-
43 EXT. BERKELEY CAMPUS - DAY 43
Alvarez SPRINTS, newspaper in hand- I follow-
44 INT. CLASSROOM, BERKELEY - CONTINUOUS 44
I BURST in- Lawrence is trying to calm Alvarez-
ALVAREZ
(breathless)
They've done it! Hahn and Strassmann
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...
WHITE Revision - 1-3-22 30.
45 INT. CLASSROOM, BERKELEY - LATER 45
Lawrence enters. I turn. Point at the board.
OPPENHEIMER
See. It can't be done.
LAWRENCE
Very elegant. Quite clear. Just
one problem...
OPPENHEIMER
Where?
LAWRENCE
Next door. Alvarez did it.
46 INT. RAD LAB, BERKELEY - MOMENTS LATER 46
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.
47 EXT. TATLOCK HOUSE, BERKELEY - NIGHT 47
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.
(CONTINUED)
BLUE Revision - 2-11-22 31.
47 CONTINUED: 47
OPPENHEIMER
I don't understand what you want
from me-
TATLOCK
I don't want anything from you.
I pause. Then, gently...
OPPENHEIMER
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.
48 INT. MEETING HALL, BERKELEY - NIGHT 48
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.
(CONTINUED)
BLUE Revision - 2-11-22 31A.
48 CONTINUED: 48
Eltenton guides me towards the stage...
(CONTINUED)
WHITE Revision - 1-3-22 32.
48 CONTINUED: (2) 48
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.
49 INT. RAD LAB, BERKELEY - DAY 49
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-
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.
WHITE Revision - 1-3-22 33.
50 INT. CLASSROOM, BERKELEY - CONTINUOUS 50
As I enter, a magazine FLAPS into my hands from across the
room. Students are all reading copies...
SERBER
Your paper on black 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...
51 INT. ROOM 2022, ATOMIC ENERGY COMMISSION - DAY 51
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 to-
GRAY
Mr.Robb, you'll have ample opportunity
to cross-examine.
OPPENHEIMER
I need to make clear that my changing
opinion of Russia did not mean a
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
WHITE Revision - 1-3-22 34.
51 CONTINUED: 51
OPPENHEIMER (CONT'D)
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(46), listening intently...
OPPENHEIMER (CONT'D)
But when I first met her, in Pasadena
in 1939, she had already disengaged
from politics...
52 INT. HOUSE PARTY, TOLMAN HOUSE, PASADENA - NIGHT 52
Kitty(31) 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(45) 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...
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
WHITE Revision - 1-3-22 35.
52 CONTINUED: 52
OPPENHEIMER (CONT'D)
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.
53 EXT. PERRO CALIENTE - DAY 53
Kitty and I THUNDER along on horseback, climbing a ridge. I
shout ahead to Kitty-
(CONTINUED)
WHITE Revision - 1-3-22 36.
53 CONTINUED: 53
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 28 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. 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.
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
WHITE Revision - 1-3-22 37.
53 CONTINUED: (2) 53
KITTY (CONT'D)
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 mud bank. 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.
54 INT. TATLOCK'S BEDROOM - DAY 54
Tatlock and I sit on the floor, backs to the bed like kids.
Tatlock has been crying.
(CONTINUED)
WHITE Revision - 1-3-22 38.
54 CONTINUED: 54
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.
55 INT. RAD LAB, BERKELEY - DAY 55
I write 'F.A.E.C.T.' on the board, Lomanitz hands out FLIERS.
Lawrence enters, GRABBING a flier from the nearest Student-
'UNIONIZE THE RADIATION LAB'
(CONTINUED)
PINK Revision - 4-10-22 39.
55 CONTINUED: 55
LAWRENCE
Lomanitz? What do you make a month?
LOMANITZ
(sheepish)
150 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 laborers?
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.
(CONTINUED)
WHITE Revision - 1-3-22 40.
55 CONTINUED: (2) 55
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. Listen for
sounds on your phone line. And stop
being so goddamn naive.
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
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
Then welcome to the war.
OPPENHEIMER (V.O.)
I filled out my first security
questionnaire...
56 INT. ROOM 2022, ATOMIC ENERGY COMMISSION - DAY 56
I glance up from my notes.
OPPENHEIMER
...and was informed that my
involvement in left-wing groups would
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
PINK Revision - 4-10-22 41.
56 CONTINUED: 56
OPPENHEIMER (CONT'D)
not prove a bar to my work on the
atomic program.
SENATOR PASTORE (V.O.)
Why were his Communist associations
not seen as a security risk during
the war?
CUT TO:
57 INT. SENATE COMMITTEE HEARING ROOM - DAY (B&W) 57
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.
58 INT. SENATE OFFICE - DAY (B&W) 58
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-
(CONTINUED)
PINK Revision - 4-10-22 42.
58 CONTINUED: 58
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 F.B.I? 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...
59 INT. CONGRESSIONAL HEARING ROOM - DAY (B&W) 59
Oppenheimer sits at the witness table with Joe VOLPE, the
AEC lawyer. Strauss is in the audience.
(CONTINUED)
PINK Revision - 4-10-22 42A.
59 CONTINUED: 59
STRAUSS (V.O.)
They drafted in Robert to make me
look 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.
(CONTINUED)
WHITE Revision - 1-3-22 43.
59 CONTINUED: (2) 59
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-HUMORED...
STRAUSS (V.O.)
Genius is no guarantee of wisdom.
How could this man who saw so much
be so blind?
CUT TO:
60 INT. OPPENHEIMER HOUSE, BERKELEY - NIGHT (COLOUR) 60
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...
BLUE Revision - 2-11-22 44.
61 EXT./INT. CHEVALIER HOUSE - NIGHT 61
I carry the crying infant, PETER, to the front door. Knock.
Barbara opens it- sees my distraught face and takes Peter.
62 INT. LIVING ROOM, CHEVALIER HOUSE - MOMENTS LATER 62
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.
63 EXT. NEW MEXICO - EVENING 63
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-
(CONTINUED)
BLUE Revision - 2-11-22 45.
63 CONTINUED: 63
KITTY
(impatient)
The world is pivoting in some new
direction... reforming... this is
your moment.
OPPENHEIMER
We're putting together a group to
study feasibility-
KITTY
'We' shouldn't be doing anything.
You should. Lawrence won't get this
done. Or Tolman, or Rabi. You will.
64 INT. PRESIDENT'S DINING HALL, BERKELEY - DAY 64
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.
65 INT. CLASSROOM, BERKELEY - AFTERNOON 65
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.
OPPENHEIMER
Ouch.
(CONTINUED)
WHITE Revision - 1-3-22 46.
65 CONTINUED: 65
GROVES
Theaters 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-
(CONTINUED)
WHITE Revision - 1-3-22 47.
65 CONTINUED: (2) 65
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 an 12-month head start.
OPPENHEIMER
18.
(CONTINUED)
BLUE Revision - 2-11-22 48.
65 CONTINUED: (3) 65
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 Weizsacker. 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. 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.
(CONTINUED)
PINK Revision - 4-10-22 49.
65 CONTINUED: (4) 65
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?
(CONTINUED)
WHITE Revision - 1-3-22 50.
65 CONTINUED: (5) 65
INSERT CUT: A BARBED WIRE FENCE IS STRUNG OUT...
OPPENHEIMER
A secret laboratory. In the middle
of nowhere. Self-sufficient. Secure.
Equipment, housing, the works. We
keep everyone there till it's done.
INSERT CUT: A SCHOOL HOUSE IS ERECTED. A CHURCH. A STORE...
OPPENHEIMER (V.O.) (CONT'D)
It'll need a school, stores, a
church...
66 INT. TRAIN, BERKELEY TO WASHINGTON DC - DAY 66
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?
67 EXT. CAR, LOS ALAMOS - CONTINUOUS 67
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 Southeast, 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.
(CONTINUED)
YELLOW Revision - 1-24-23 51.
67 CONTINUED: 67
GROVES
Build him a town. Fast.
(to Oppenheimer)
Let's go recruit some scientists.
68 INT. TRAIN, SANTA FE TO BOSTON - NIGHT 68
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.
69 INT. LECTURE HALL, HARVARD - DAY 69
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.
70 INT. CORRIDOR, MIT - DAY 70
Groves and I walk with CONDON.
CONDON
Why? Why would I leave my family?
OPPENHEIMER
I told you, bring your family.
(CONTINUED)
YELLOW Revision - 1-24-23 52.
70 CONTINUED: 70
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.
71 INT. OFFICE, UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN - NIGHT 71
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.
72 INT. QUADRANGLE, PRINCETON - DAY 72
Groves and I flank FEYNMAN as he hurries across the quad-
(CONTINUED)
YELLOW Revision - 1-24-23 53.
72 CONTINUED: 72
OPPENHEIMER
Heisenberg, Diebner, Bothe, Bohr...
what do these men have in common?
FEYNMAN
The greatest minds on atomic theory.
OPPENHEIMER
And?
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.
73 INT. TRAIN, PRINCETON TO SANTA FE - NIGHT 73
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.
(CONTINUED)
BLUE Revision - 2-11-22 53A.
73 CONTINUED: 73
GROVES
We can't risk a plane. America needs
us.
BLUE Revision - 2-11-22 54.
74 EXT. LOS ALAMOS UNDER CONSTRUCTION - DAY 74
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...
75 INT. CONSTRUCTION CABIN, LOS ALAMOS - MOMENTS LATER 75
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.
OPPENHEIMER
Why not?
Rabi, seldom at a loss for words, is lost for words...
(CONTINUED)
BLUE Revision - 2-11-22 55.
75 CONTINUED: 75
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.
76 INT. OPPENHEIMER'S OFFICE, LOS ALAMOS - DAY 76
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...
77 EXT. LOS ALAMOS UNDER CONSTRUCTION - MOMENTS LATER 77
I walk the main drag like a SHERIFF, nodding at construction
workers as I pass... THE ICONIC J.ROBERT OPPENHEIMER.
78 INT. RAD LAB, BERKELEY - DAY 78
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-
(CONTINUED)
YELLOW Revision - 1-24-23 56.
78 CONTINUED: 78
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.
79 INT. SAME - DAY 79
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?
(CONTINUED)
BLUE Revision - 2-11-22 57.
79 CONTINUED: 79
OPPENHEIMER
To talk to Einstein.
BETHE
There's not much common ground between
you two.
OPPENHEIMER
That's why I should get his view.
80 EXT. WOODS, PRINCETON, NEW JERSEY - DAY 80
I walk through the trees, gaining on two figures. The two
men turn. One them is Einstein.
EINSTEIN
Dr.Oppenheimer. Have you met Kurt
Godel? We walk here most days.
GODEL
Trees are the most inspiring
structures.
OPPENHEIMER
Albert, might I have a word?
Einstein senses the gravity. Nods. They leave Godel 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.
81 EXT. LAKE, INSTITUTE FOR ADVANCED STUDY - MOMENTS LATER 81
Einstein and I emerge from the trees, I pull a piece of paper
from my breast pocket. Einstein takes it.
EINSTEIN
Who's work is this?
OPPENHEIMER
Teller.
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...
(CONTINUED)
BLUE Revision - 2-11-22 57A.
81 CONTINUED: 81
OPPENHEIMER (CONT'D)
Criticality- the point of no return-
massive explosive force... but the
chain reaction doesn't stop...
Einstein studies the paper... he nods.
(CONTINUED)
BLUE Revision - 2-11-22 58.
81 CONTINUED: (2) 81
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.
EINSTEIN (CONT'D)
Robert?
(holding out paper)
This is yours. Not mine.
82 INT. CORRIDOR, BERKELEY - DAY 82
I come past the secretaries. Bethe is there, excited.
BETHE
Teller's wrong-
I gesture SILENCE as I unlock the rad lab-
BLUE Revision - 2-11-22 59.
83 INT. RAD LAB, BERKELEY - CONTINUOUS 83
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.
84 INT. OPPENHEIMER HOUSE, BERKELEY - NIGHT 84
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...
(CONTINUED)
WHITE Revision - 1-3-22 60.
84 CONTINUED: 84
OPPENHEIMER (CONT'D)
We wanted to see you before we left.
CHEVALIER
For parts unknown...
85 INT. KITCHEN, OPPENHEIMER HOUSE, BERKELEY - CONTINUOUS 85
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?
(CONTINUED)
BLUE Revision - 2-11-22 61.
85 CONTINUED: 85
She sees us having a moment...
OPPENHEIMER (V.O.)
The discussion ended there.
I pick up the tray.
86 INT. ROOM 2022, ATOMIC ENERGY COMMISSION - DAY 86
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:
87 INT. SENATE COMMITTEE HEARING ROOM - DAY (BLACK AND WHITE) 87
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.
(CONTINUED)
WHITE Revision - 1-3-22 62.
87 CONTINUED: 87
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.
88 INT. SENATE OFFICE - MOMENTS LATER (B&W) 88
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 defense 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 judgment- 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.
(CONTINUED)
PINK Revision - 4-10-22 63.
88 CONTINUED: 88
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 U.S. 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. Robert built
that damn place- he was Founder,
Mayor, Sheriff all rolled into one...
CUT TO:
89 INT./EXT. CAR DRIVING THROUGH LOS ALAMOS - DAY (COLOUR) 89
I DRIVE Kitty and Peter through the 'town'... Kitty STARES
at the newly-built BASIC WOODEN STRUCTURES...
(CONTINUED)
BLUE Revision - 2-11-22 64.
89 CONTINUED: 89
KITTY
All it needs is a saloon.
90 INT. OPPENHEIMER HOUSE, LOS ALAMOS - DAY 90
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.
91 EXT. T-SECTION, LOS ALAMOS - DAY 91
I walk Bethe through the security gate.
BETHE
Barbed wire. Guns, Oppie.
OPPENHEIMER
We're at war, Hans.
92 INT. LECTURE HALL, T-SECTION, LOS ALAMOS - DAY 92
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 AND FLIES...
OPPENHEIMER (CONT'D)
A vast and sudden chemical reaction...
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-
(CONTINUED)
WHITE Revision - 1-3-22 65.
92 CONTINUED: 92
SERBER
Using U-235, the bomb-
(sees me wave)
Sorry- the gadget will need a 33-
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.
(CONTINUED)
BLUE Revision - 2-11-22 66.
92 CONTINUED: (2) 92
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.
CUT TO:
93 INT. SENATE COMMITTEE HEARING ROOM - DAY (B&W) 93
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 program.
SENATOR BARTLETT
Tell us how that came to pass.
As Strauss REMEMBERS we hear a SIREN and we are-
94 EXT. NEW YORK STREET - NIGHT (B&W) 94
Strauss is in a car, barreling along behind a POLICE ESCORT-
95 INT. HOTEL, NEW YORK - NIGHT (B&W) 95
Strauss and his ASSISTANT rush down the corridor to a door-
PINK Revision - 4-10-22 67.
96 INT. HOTEL CONFERENCE ROOM - NIGHT (B&W) 96
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-29's 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 there,
Lewis.
NICHOLS (O.S.)
Forgive me, Doctor...
Strauss leans around the FLOWERS in the center of the table
to see who is speaking- Nichols, now a civilian.
NICHOLS (CONT'D)
But I was there.
CUT TO:
97 EXT. T-SECTION, LOS ALAMOS - DAY (COLOUR) 97
Condon, Nichols and I watch cars pull up. Groves emerges.
(CONTINUED)
BLUE Revision - 2-11-22 68.
97 CONTINUED: 97
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.
98 INT. LECTURE HALL, T-SECTION, LOS ALAMOS - DAY 98
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...
99 EXT. 'MAIN STREET', LOS ALAMOS - DAY 99
Condon, Nichols and I show Groves the GROWING TOWN...
(CONTINUED)
WHITE Revision - 1-3-22 69.
99 CONTINUED: 99
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-
100 INT. OUTER OFFICE - CONTINUOUS 100
Groves notices the YOUNG WOMAN working behind the desk-
101 INT. OPPENHEIMER'S OFFICE, LOS ALAMOS - CONTINUOUS 101
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-
CONDON
It's only the top men.
NICHOLS
Who, presumably, communicate with
subordinates.
OPPENHEIMER
These men aren't stupid, they can be
discrete.
GROVES
I don't like it.
(CONTINUED)
PINK Revision - 4-10-22 70.
101 CONTINUED: 101
OPPENHEIMER
You don't like anything enough for
that 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:
102 INT. HOTEL CONFERENCE ROOM - NIGHT (B&W) 102
Strauss reaches to the center of the table to move the flowers
from between him and Nichols-
STRAUSS
How many people were in the open
discussions?
(CONTINUED)
WHITE Revision - 1-3-22 71.
102 CONTINUED: 102
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.
(CONTINUED)
PINK Revision - 4-10-22 72.
102 CONTINUED: (2) 102
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)
103 103
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.
104 INT. ATOMIC PILE, UNDERNEATH THE STADIUM, CHICAGO - DAY 104
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-
(CONTINUED)
PINK Revision - 4-10-22 72A.
104 CONTINUED: 104
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?
BLUE Revision - 2-11-22 73.
105 EXT. T-SECTION - DAY 105
Condon and I have just passed through-
HORNIG
Dr.Oppenheimer! I tried Personnel.
We turn to see a 23-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.
106 INT. CYCLOTRON BUILDING, LOS ALAMOS - CONTINUOUS 106
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
Why?!
Condon looks at me. I say nothing. He turns to Groves-
CONDON
You can't talk to us like this. We
have every right-
GROVES
You have just the rights I give you!
No more, no less.
CONDON
This is ridiculous- we're adults,
trying to run a project here.
(to me)
Tell him, Robert.
(CONTINUED)
WHITE Revision - 1-3-22 74.
106 CONTINUED: 106
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 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
M.I.T.
GROVES
Guilty as charged.
(CONTINUED)
WHITE Revision - 1-3-22 75.
106 CONTINUED: (2) 106
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?
107 INT. ROOM 2022, ATOMIC ENERGY COMMISSION - DAY 107
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.
(CONTINUED)
PINK Revision - 4-10-22 76.
107 CONTINUED: 107
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...
108 EXT. T-SECTION - DAY 108
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.
109 INT. LECTURE HALL, T-SECTION, LOS ALAMOS - LATER 109
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 1/4
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...
(CONTINUED)
PINK Revision - 4-10-22 77.
109 CONTINUED: 109
Groves looks at me. I shrug. He leaves.
CUT TO:
110 INT. HOTEL CONFERENCE ROOM - NIGHT (B&W) 110
Strauss places the filter papers back down on the table...
STRAUSS
There were reports of espionage from
Los Alamos-
OPPENHEIMER
Unsubstantiated reports-
STRAUSS
I've heard there were Communists on
the project- were any of them involved
with discussions of the Super?
OPPENHEIMER
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:
111 INT. OPPENHEIMER'S OFFICE, LOS ALAMOS - DAY (COLOUR) 111
SECRETARY (over intercom)
That's Lomanitz on one...
(CONTINUED)
WHITE Revision - 1-3-22 78.
111 CONTINUED: 111
I pick up the phone-
OPPENHEIMER
Lomanitz? Okay, hang on, calm down.
112 INT. COLONEL NICHOLS' OFFICE - MOMENTS LATER 112
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?
113 INT. ROOM 2022, ATOMIC ENERGY COMMISSION - DAY 113
I testify, Kitty behind me...
(CONTINUED)
WHITE Revision - 1-3-22 79.
113 CONTINUED: 113
OPPENHEIMER
My awareness of the danger would be
greater today.
ROBB
But it's fair to say that during the
war years...
114 EXT. HOTEL, SAN FRANCISCO - DAY 114
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.
115 INT. HOTEL LOBBY, SAN FRANCISCO - CONTINUOUS 115
OPPENHEIMER (V.O.)
Were conceivably dangerous.
I move to the elevators, watched by the Passenger.
116 INT. CORRIDOR, HOTEL, SAN FRANCISCO - CONTINUOUS 116
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.
117 INT. ROOM 2022, ATOMIC ENERGY COMMISSION - DAY 117
OPPENHEIMER
I don't talk about those secrets.
118 INT. ROOM 805, HOTEL, SAN FRANCISCO - CONTINUOUS 118
Tatlock GRABS the flowers. As I follow her in, she DUMPS
them in the wastebasket...
119 INT. ROOM 2022, ATOMIC ENERGY COMMISSION - DAY 119
Robb refers to his papers- Kitty watches...
(CONTINUED)
WHITE Revision - 1-3-22 80.
119 CONTINUED: 119
ROBB
You said in your statement you 'had'
to visit Jean Tatlock in 1943...
120 INT. ROOM 805, HOTEL, SAN FRANCISCO - NIGHT 120
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?
121 INT. ROOM 2022, ATOMIC ENERGY COMMISSION - DAY 121
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.
(CONTINUED)
WHITE Revision - 1-3-22 81.
121 CONTINUED: 121
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.
122 INT. ROOM 805, HOTEL, SAN FRANCISCO - NIGHT 122
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?
123 INT. ROOM 2022, ATOMIC ENERGY COMMISSION - DAY 123
All eyes on me, clothed and alone again...
ROBB
Did you think that consistent with
good security?
(CONTINUED)
WHITE Revision - 1-3-22 82.
123 CONTINUED: 123
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.
124 INT. ROOM 2022, ATOMIC ENERGY COMMISSION - DAY 124
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-
(CONTINUED)
WHITE Revision - 1-3-22 83.
124 CONTINUED: 124
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.
125 EXT. BERKELEY CAMPUS - DAY 125
I stroll across the campus, enter an administrative building.
126 INT. LT.JOHNSON'S OFFICE - MOMENTS LATER 126
I knock. Johnson opens the door, SURPRISED.
JOHNSON
Dr.Oppenheimer, it's an honor.
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?
WHITE Revision - 1-3-22 84.
127 INT. TRAIN, SANTA FE TO CHICAGO - DAY 127
Groves sits opposite. I stare out the window.
OPPENHEIMER
I did. I had to, really.
128 INT. LT.JOHNSON'S OFFICE - MORNING 128
Johnson smiles, beckons me in. Indicates a SECOND MAN-
OPPENHEIMER (V.O.)
This time there was another man.
129 INT. TRAIN, SANTA FE TO CHICAGO - DAY 129
I stare out the window. Groves sits opposite.
OPPENHEIMER
Said his name was Pash.
GROVES
Pash? You met Colonel Pash?
130 INT. ROOM 2022, ATOMIC ENERGY COMMISSION - DAY 130
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...
WHITE Revision - 1-3-22 85.
131 INT. TRAIN, SANTA FE TO CHICAGO - DAY 131
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 F.B.I. he was going to
kidnap him, take him out on a boat,
interrogate him 'in the Russian
manner'...
132 INT. LT.JOHNSON'S OFFICE - DAY 132
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...
WHITE Revision - 1-3-22 86.
133 INT. TRAIN, SANTA FE TO CHICAGO - DAY 133
GROVES
When the F.B.I. 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 F.B.I. talked him
down, but that's the man you're
dancing with.
134 INT. LT.JOHNSON'S OFFICE - DAY 134
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.
135 INT. TRAIN, SANTA FE TO CHICAGO - DAY 135
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.
WHITE Revision - 1-3-22 87.
136 INT. LT.JOHNSON'S OFFICE - DAY 136
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 100
percent cooperative.
137 INT. TRAIN, SANTA FE TO CHICAGO - DAY 137
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.
138 INT. ROOM 2022, ATOMIC ENERGY COMMISSION - DAY 138
I am up front. Robb questioning-
ROBB
Did you lie to General Groves, too?
OPPENHEIMER
No, I told him I'd lied to Pash.
139 INT. ROOM 2022, ATOMIC ENERGY COMMISSION - DAY 139
Groves is on the stand, in civilian clothes-
GARRISON
Do you recall your conversation with
him about the Chevalier incident?
(CONTINUED)
WHITE Revision - 1-3-22 88.
139 CONTINUED: 139
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.
140 INT. ROOM 2022, ATOMIC ENERGY COMMISSION - DAY 140
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'.
141 INT. LT.JOHNSON'S OFFICE - DAY 141
Pash gazes, unblinking, into my eyes...
PASH
These other people you mentioned,
were they contacted by Eltenton
direct?
OPPENHEIMER
No.
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?
(CONTINUED)
WHITE Revision - 1-3-22 89.
141 CONTINUED: 141
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.
142 INT. TRAIN, SANTA FE TO CHICAGO - DAY 142
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.
(CONTINUED)
PINK Revision - 4-10-22 90.
142 CONTINUED: 142
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?
143 INT. ROOM 2022, ATOMIC ENERGY COMMISSION - DAY 143
GROVES
He did.
ROBB
But not at that time.
GROVES
No.
ROBB
In fact, it was some months later,
wasn't it?
Groves nods.
144 INT. ROOM 2022, ATOMIC ENERGY COMMISSION - DAY 144
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.
ROBB
Gone?
PASH
They felt my time would be better
spent in Europe determining the status
of the Nazi bomb project.
(CONTINUED)
BLUE Revision - 2-11-22 91.
144 CONTINUED: 144
ROBB
Who did?
PASH
General Groves. He transferred me
to London.
I lift my head at this.
INSERT CUT: MARBLES DROP INTO THE BOWL... 3/4 FULL...
145 EXT. LOS ALAMOS - NIGHT 145
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...
146 INT. FULLER LODGE, LOS ALAMOS - LATER 146
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...
(CONTINUED)
BLUE Revision - 2-11-22 91A.
146 CONTINUED: 146
They step aside to reveal... NIELS BOHR. I grin.
(CONTINUED)
WHITE Revision - 1-3-22 92.
146 CONTINUED: (2) 146
BOHR (V.O.)
The British pilots put me in the
bomb bay...
147 INT. SAME - LATER 147
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.
148 INT. LECTURE HALL, T-SECTION - LATER 148
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. 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...
(CONTINUED)
WHITE Revision - 1-3-22 93.
148 CONTINUED: 148
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'.
149 EXT. SNOWY WOODS, LOS ALAMOS - DAWN 149
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.
(CONTINUED)
WHITE Revision - 1-3-22 94.
149 CONTINUED: 149
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...
KITTY
Who?
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 HOLDS 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.
BLUE Revision - 2-11-22 95.
150 INT. LECTURE HALL, T-SECTION, LOS ALAMOS - DAY 150
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.
NEDDERMEYER
You can't rush everything, Oppie.
KISTIAKOWSKY
There's rushing and there's getting
on with it- pick one, will ya?
BETHE
Teller's not helping- I've been asking
for calculations on the implosion
lenses for weeks-
TELLER
The British can do it- Fuchs-
FUCHS
Absolutely.
BETHE
It's your job, Teller!
TELLER
I'm engaged in research-
BETHE
On a Hydrogen bomb we're not even
building!
Teller simply walks away. As he passes me-
(CONTINUED)
BLUE Revision - 2-11-22 95A.
150 CONTINUED: 150
TELLER
I won't work for that man.
BETHE
Let him go. He's a prima donna-
(CONTINUED)
BLUE Revision - 2-11-22 96.
150 CONTINUED: (2) 150
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 look)
Because he needs you.
(to Fuchs)
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.
151 EXT. T-SECTION, LOS ALAMOS - DAY 151
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...
PINK Revision - 4-10-22 97.
152 INT. ROOM 2022, ATOMIC ENERGY COMMISSION - DAY 152
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?
OPPENHEIMER
No.
ROBB
But that was the recommendation the
AEC offered, was it not?
OPPENHEIMER
After hours of discussion...
153 INT. HOTEL CONFERENCE ROOM - NIGHT (COLOUR) 153
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 1,000 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 U.S.A...
(CONTINUED)
PINK Revision - 4-10-22 97A.
153 CONTINUED: 153
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...
(CONTINUED)
PINK Revision - 4-10-22 98.
153 CONTINUED: (2) 153
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.
...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.
(CONTINUED)
PINK Revision - 4-10-22 98A.
153 CONTINUED: (3) 153
STRAUSS
Could they be working on it already?
Based on information from a spy at
Los Alamos?
(CONTINUED)
BLUE Revision - 2-11-22 99.
153 CONTINUED: (4) 153
OPPENHEIMER
There was no spy at Los Alamos!
BUSH
Gentlemen, let's not get sidetracked.
OPPENHEIMER
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-
154 INSERT CUT: BORDEN SPEEDS THROUGH THE NIGHT... 154
BORDEN (V.O.)
A V2 rocket heading for England-
A ROCKET STREAKS PAST, RIPPING APART THE DARK...
(CONTINUED)
PINK Revision - 4-10-22 100.
154 CONTINUED: 154
BORDEN (CONT'D)
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:
155 INT. SENATE COMMITTEE HEARING ROOM - DAY (B&W) 155
Strauss shifts uneasily in his chair.
STRAUSS
I was never one of those who bandied
around terms like 'sabotage'.
(CONTINUED)
BLUE Revision - 2-11-22 101.
155 CONTINUED: 155
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? 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:
156 EXT. LOS ALAMOS - DAY (COLOUR) 156
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
157 INT. CYCLOTRON BUILDING, LOS ALAMOS - DAY 157
I enter to find 40 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 G.I. preparing to
invade Japan. We can end this war.
MORRISON
How can we justify using this weapon
on human beings?
(CONTINUED)
BLUE Revision - 2-11-22 102.
157 CONTINUED: 157
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...
158 EXT. LOS ALAMOS - DAY 158
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'... 80 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.
159 EXT. CANYON, LOS ALAMOS - DAY 159
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...
(CONTINUED)
BLUE Revision - 2-11-22 103.
159 CONTINUED: 159
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 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'
GROVES
What?
OPPENHEIMER
Trinity.
INSERT CUT: A STEEL TOWER IS RAISED IN THE DESERT...
BLUE Revision - 2-11-22 104.
160 INT. ROOM 2022, ATOMIC ENERGY COMMISSION - DAY 160
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 defense 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!
161 EXT. BERM - DAY 161
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
SHOCK WAVE 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.
162 INT. HOTEL LOBBY, WASHINGTON DC - DAY 162
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...
(CONTINUED)
WHITE Revision - 1-3-22 105.
162 CONTINUED: 162
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
They're not you. You're the great
salesman of science- you can convince
anyone of anything. Even yourself.
BLUE Revision - 2-11-22 106.
163 INT. SECRETARY OF WAR'S OFFICE - DAY 163
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 100
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, 20 or 30
thousand dead.
OPPENHEIMER
Don't underestimate the psychological
impact of an atomic explosion... a
pillar of fire 10 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.
(CONTINUED)
WHITE Revision - 1-3-22 107.
163 CONTINUED: 163
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 program 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 program.
Wouldn't you agree, Doctor?
I meet Groves' gaze. Stay silent... Nod.
(CONTINUED)
BLUE Revision - 2-11-22 108.
163 CONTINUED: (2) 163
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.
(CONTINUED)
WHITE Revision - 1-3-22 109.
163 CONTINUED: (3) 163
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 12 cities to choose
from. Sorry, 11, 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. 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.
164 EXT. BASE OF STEEL TOWER, TRINITY SITE - DAY 164
Frank shows Groves and me the site plan...
FRANK
Ground zero. Observation posts at
10,000 yards north south and west.
OPPENHEIMER
Where do we trigger from?
FRANK
South 10,000. Base camp is 10 miles
south, here. And a further
observation point on this hill 20
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.
(CONTINUED)
BLUE Revision - 2-11-22 110.
164 CONTINUED: 164
OPPENHEIMER
What B-29? Our bomb's on the tower.
FRANK
They want to use the test to confirm
the safe operating distance.
GROVES
Risky.
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-
Frank sees my expression-
FRANK (CONT'D)
The 15th.
165 INT. T-SECTION, LECTURE HALL, LOS ALAMOS - DAY 165
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 INTO THE TOWER...
TELLER
What about the radiation cloud?
(CONTINUED)
BLUE Revision - 2-11-22 111.
165 CONTINUED: 165
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 fifteenth.
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 THUNDER CLAP takes us into-
166 EXT. OPPENHEIMER HOUSE, LOS ALAMOS - DAY 166
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 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.
BLUE Revision - 2-11-22 112.
167 EXT. CANYON, LOS ALAMOS - DAY 167
A BANG as the final implosion test goes off... Kistiakowsky
and Fuchs raise their heads... Kistiakowsky shows Fuchs the
tape, grave.
168 EXT. STEEL TOWER, TRINITY TEST SITE - EVENING 168
I watch the last TECHNICIAN come down. I nod at the man,
then starts 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...
169 EXT. BASE CAMP, TRINITY TEST SITE - EVENING 169
Army tents. A WINDMILL SPINS FURIOUSLY...
170 INT. BASE CAMP, TRINITY TEST SITE - EVENING 170
Fermi moves through the team, taking bets...
FERMI
Oppie's taken a very modest 3
kilotons... Teller's in for 45...
Rabi pulls out some bills-
RABI
20.
FERMI
20 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-
(CONTINUED)
BLUE Revision - 2-11-22 113.
170 CONTINUED: 170
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-
(CONTINUED)
WHITE Revision - 1-3-22 114.
170 CONTINUED: (2) 170
WEATHERMAN
Pull 'em out.
OPPENHEIMER
(to Groves)
Let's get to South Observation.
Make our determination there.
171 EXT. STEEL TOWER, TRINITY TEST SITE - NIGHT 171
The last trucks drive away, lightning on the horizon. The
bomb sits there, impervious to peals of DRY THUNDER...
172 EXT. SOUTH OBSERVATION POST, TRINITY TEST SITE - NIGHT 172
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?
(CONTINUED)
WHITE Revision - 1-3-22 115.
172 CONTINUED: 172
Groves considers this. Turns to the Weatherman.
GROVES
Sign your forecast. If you're wrong,
I'll hang you.
173 INT. BUNKER, SOUTH OBSERVATION POST - NIGHT 173
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 3 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 humor.
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.
(CONTINUED)
BLUE Revision - 2-11-22 116.
173 CONTINUED: 173
GROVES
Near zero?
OPPENHEIMER
(smiling)
What do you want from theory alone?
GROVES
Zero would be nice.
I check my watch.
OPPENHEIMER
Well, in an hour and fifty-eight
minutes, we'll know.
I listen-
OPPENHEIMER (CONT'D)
It's letting up...
174 EXT. TRINITY SITE - NIGHT 174
Searchlights settle on the gleaming steel tower. A line of
lights leading from the the blackness of the nighttime desert
to the tower comes on...
175 EXT. SOUTH OBSERVATION POST, TRINITY TEST SITE - CONTINUOUS 175
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...
176 EXT. SOUTH 1500 POST - NIGHT 176
Kistiakowsky and military personal, including BAINBRIDGE,
get out of a truck. Kistiakowsky THROWS a SWITCH on the
ground...
177 EXT. BASE CAMP, TRINITY TEST SITE - CONTINUOUS 177
Rabi, Fermi and Bethe come outside. A SOLDIER hands them
WELDER'S GLASS...
178 EXT. SOUTH OBSERVATION POST, TRINITY TEST SITE - NIGHT 178
Kistiakowsky and Bainbridge get out of the truck and enter
the bunker.
BLUE Revision - 2-11-22 117.
179 INT. SOUTH OBSERVATION POST, TRINITY TEST SITE - CONTINUOUS 179
Bainbridge pulls out a key. UNLOCKS the arming switches.
Kistiakowsky nods, Bainbridge THROWS THE SWITCHES.
BAINBRIDGE
Twenty minutes.
180 EXT. TRINITY SITE - CONTINUOUS 180
A SIGNAL ROCKET flares up into the air...
181 EXT. BASE CAMP, TRINITY TEST SITE - CONTINUOUS 181
Rabi, Fermi and the others watch the rocket go up-
FERMI
Twenty minutes!
182 EXT. HILL TOP DISTANT OBSERVATION POINT - CONTINUOUS 182
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 U.V.
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...
183 INT. SOUTH OBSERVATION POST, TRINITY TEST SITE - CONTINUOUS 183
Groves moves to me-
GROVES
I'm heading to base camp. Best of
luck.
Groves shakes my hand.
(CONTINUED)
WHITE Revision - 1-3-22 118.
183 CONTINUED: 183
GROVES (CONT'D)
Try not to blow up the world.
184 INT. SOUTH OBSERVATION POST, TRINITY TEST SITE - MOMENTS 184
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 1 volt, you abort.
Bainbridge nods, watching the meter of the X-unit like a
hawk. A nervous hawk.
185 EXT. BASE CAMP, TRINITY TEST SITE - CONTINUOUS 185
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...
186 EXT. DISTANT OBSERVATION POINT - CONTINUOUS 186
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...
187 INT. SOUTH OBSERVATION POST, TRINITY TEST SITE - CONTINUOUS 187
Bainbridge PEERS at the X-unit... Frank and I peer at the
tower... The electronic counter STARTS: 45, 44, 43, 42...
(CONTINUED)
BLUE Revision - 2-11-22 119.
187 CONTINUED: 187
OPPENHEIMER
These things are hard on your heart.
LOUDSPEAKER
Thirty seconds...
FOUR RED LIGHTS flicker on-
188 EXT. STEEL TOWER, TRINITY TEST SITE - CONTINUOUS 188
The bomb WAKES, detonators on its surface HUMMING...
189 INT. SOUTH OBSERVATION POST, TRINITY TEST SITE - CONTINUOUS 189
The NEEDLE on the X-unit SHOOTS to the right-
BAINBRIDGE
Detonators charged!
I pull on a pair of WELDER'S GOGGLES...
190 EXT. BASE CAMP, TRINITY TEST SITE - CONTINUOUS 190
Rabi lifts his head to peek around, welder's glass over his
eyes... Groves shakes hands with Bush...
LOUDSPEAKER
...eighteen, seventeen...
191 EXT. DISTANT OBSERVATION POINT - CONTINUOUS 191
Feynman peers through the windshield. Teller studies the
horizon...
RADIO
...twelve, eleven...
192 INT. SOUTH OBSERVATION POST, TRINITY TEST SITE - CONTINUOUS 192
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-
WHITE Revision - 1-3-22 120.
193 EXT. SOUTH OBSERVATION POST, TRINITY TEST SITE - CONTINUOUS 193
-and up onto the embankment, eyes locked on the tiny glow of
the distant tower...
LOUDSPEAKER
...four, three...
194 INT. SOUTH OBSERVATION POST, TRINITY TEST SITE - CONTINUOUS 194
I stare straight ahead...
LOUDSPEAKER
...two, one...
Bainbridge watches the needle as the counter goes down to-
LOUDSPEAKER (CONT'D)
...zero.
My breath stops- an agonizing instant before-
SILENT LIGHT. FULL BRIGHT NOON SUNNY DAY LIGHT.
195 EXT. BASE CAMP, TRINITY TEST SITE - CONTINUOUS 195
Rabi sees SUDDEN DAYTIME- turns to the LIGHT, peers through
the welder's glass at BLINDING SILENT WHITE...
196 EXT. DISTANT OBSERVATION POINT - CONTINUOUS 196
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...
197 INT. SOUTH OBSERVATION POST, TRINITY TEST SITE - CONTINUOUS 197
All we can hear is my TREMULOUS BREATHING as the LIGHT becomes
less BLINDING, resolving into a FIRE BALL, 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 SHOCK WAVE-
THE THUNDER OF A THOUSAND STORMS ROLLS OVER, DEAFENING-
BLUE Revision - 2-11-22 121.
198 EXT. SOUTH OBSERVATION POST, TRINITY TEST SITE - CONTINUOUS 198
Kistiakowsky is BLOWN OFF HIS FEET...
199 INT. SOUTH OBSERVATION POST, TRINITY TEST SITE - CONTINUOUS 199
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, awe-struck...
200 EXT. BASE CAMP, TRINITY TEST SITE - CONTINUOUS 200
Startled murmurs, then a few claps... then CRAZY, CHEERING,
CLAPPING, DANCING... in the middle of it all Rabi tries to
understand what just happened...
201 EXT. DISTANT OBSERVATION POINT - CONTINUOUS 201
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...
202 EXT. SOUTH OBSERVATION POST, TRINITY TEST SITE - CONTINUOUS 202
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!
203 EXT. BASE CAMP, TRINITY TEST SITE - MOMENTS LATER 203
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-
(CONTINUED)
WHITE Revision - 1-3-22 122.
203 CONTINUED: 203
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...
204 INT. OPPENHEIMER HOUSE, LOS ALAMOS - DAY 204
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 (over phone) (CONT'D)
Kitty? Kitty?
Kitty smiles, tears forming. It is done. FADE OUT.
FADE IN:
205 EXT. T-SECTION, LOS ALAMOS - DAY 205
I watch CRATES hoisted on trucks by the army...
OPPENHEIMER (V.O.)
They musn't drop it through cloud
cover-
206 INT. T-SECTION, LOS ALAMOS - DAY 206
I am talking to the AIR FORCE OFFICER who is supervising the
crating of equipment-
(CONTINUED)
WHITE Revision - 1-3-22 123.
206 CONTINUED: 206
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.
207 EXT. T-SECTION, LOS ALAMOS - DAY 207
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 C.O. 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.
(CONTINUED)
WHITE Revision - 1-3-22 124.
207 CONTINUED: 207
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)
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.
208 INT. OPPENHEIMER HOUSE, LOS ALAMOS - NIGHT 208
Kitty comes downstairs to find me sitting at the kitchen
table. The phone in front of me.
OPPENHEIMER
I thought they would call.
(CONTINUED)
WHITE Revision - 1-3-22 125.
208 CONTINUED: 208
KITTY
It's only the fifth.
OPPENHEIMER
In Japan it's the sixth.
209 INT. OPPENHEIMER'S OFFICE, LOS ALAMOS - DAY 209
I pace my office, agitated.
OPPENHEIMER
Charlotte? Try Groves again.
CHARLOTTE (O.S.)
Truman's on the Radio-!
I BOLT into-
210 INT. FOYER, OPPENHEIMER'S OFFICE - CONTINUOUS 210
Charlotte is patching the P.A. to the Radio-
TRUMAN (over radio)
...16 hours ago an American airplane
dropped one bomb on Hiroshima and
destroyed its usefulness to the
enemy...
211 INT. OFFICE, T-SECTION, LOS ALAMOS - DAY 211
Frank is doing paperwork when the P.A. WHISTLES-
TRUMAN (over P.A.)
That bomb had more power than 20,000
tons of TNT...
212 INT. CORRIDOR, T-SECTION, LOS ALAMOS - CONTINUOUS 212
As Frank emerges, others DRIFT into the corridor, shocked...
TRUMAN (over P.A.)
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...
213 INT. OPPENHEIMER'S OFFICE, LOS ALAMOS - DAY 213
I listen to the radio-
(CONTINUED)
BLUE Revision - 2-11-22 126.
213 CONTINUED: 213
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 2 billion dollars...
214 EXT. LOS ALAMOS - CONTINUOUS 214
I walk in a relieved daze...
TRUMAN (over radio)
...on the greatest scientific gamble
in history and won.
Horns HONK, soldiers CHEER... people WAVE... I nod back...
215 INT. FULLER LODGE, LOS ALAMOS - NIGHT 215
A restless, excitable CROWD is packed into the bleachers,
like a HIGH SCHOOL PEP RALLY...
WHITE Revision - 1-3-22 127.
216 INT. LOBBY, FULLER LODGE, LOS ALAMOS - CONTINUOUS 216
Kitty reaches forward and adjusts my tie. We hear the sound
of DOZENS OF FEET STAMPING RHYTHMICALLY...
217 INT. FULLER LODGE, LOS ALAMOS - CONTINUOUS 217
The impatient crowd is STAMPING IN UNISON...
218 INT. LOBBY, FULLER LODGE, LOS ALAMOS - CONTINUOUS 218
Kitty nods at me, I take a breath and PUSH through the door-
219 INT. FULLER LODGE, LOS ALAMOS - CONTINUOUS 219
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...
(CONTINUED)
WHITE Revision - 1-3-22 128.
219 CONTINUED: 219
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...
220 INT. SAME - LATER 220
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...
221 INT. LOBBY, FULLER LODGE, LOS ALAMOS - CONTINUOUS 221
DRIFTING through... I see a young man sitting, back to the
wall, WEEPING, a woman trying to console him...
222 EXT. FULLER LODGE, LOS ALAMOS - CONTINUOUS 222
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 TO BLACK.
223 INT. LOBBY, OVAL OFFICE, THE WHITE HOUSE - DAY 223
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.
(CONTINUED)
WHITE Revision - 1-3-22 129.
223 CONTINUED: 223
I look up at her. Blank.
AIDE (CONT'D)
President Truman will see you now.
224 INT. OVAL OFFICE - CONTINUOUS 224
Truman comes from behind his desk to shake my hand-
TRUMAN
Dr.Oppenheimer, it's an honor.
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.
TRUMAN
What?
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-
(CONTINUED)
WHITE Revision - 1-3-22 130.
224 CONTINUED: 224
TRUMAN
You know when the Soviets are gonna
have a bomb?
OPPENHEIMER
I'm not sure I could give a-
TRUMAN
Never.
I look at the President, incredulous...
OPPENHEIMER
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
Doctor 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.
(CONTINUED)
BLUE Revision - 2-11-22 131.
224 CONTINUED: (2) 224
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 cry-baby back in here.
The door of the Oval Office CLOSES on me...
STRAUSS (V.O.)
Robert saw that hand-wringing got
him nowhere...
224A INT. LOBBY, OVAL OFFICE, THE WHITE HOUSE - CONTINUOUS 224A
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:
225 INT. SENATE OFFICE - DAY (B&W) 225
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...
(CONTINUED)
BLUE Revision - 2-11-22 131A.
225 CONTINUED: 225
STRAUSS (CONT'D)
But none of that stopped Robert from
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:
BLUE Revision - 2-11-22 132.
226 INT. BALLROOM, PLAZA HOTEL - NIGHT (COLOUR) 226
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 fiancee 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...
(CONTINUED)
BLUE Revision - 2-11-22 133.
226 CONTINUED: 226
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.) (CONT'D)
After the truth about Fuchs came
out, they stepped up surveillance on
Robert. He knew his phone was tapped,
CUT TO:
227 INT. SENATE OFFICE - DAY (B&W) 227
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...
228 INT. CORPORATE AUDITORIUM - NIGHT (B&W) 228
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.
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
BLUE Revision - 1-25-23 134.
228 CONTINUED: 228
OPPENHEIMER (CONT'D)
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 leveling
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.
229 INT. SENATE OFFICE - DAY (B&W) 229
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 F.B.I. 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 round 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.
(CONTINUED)
BLUE Revision - 1-25-23 134A.
229 CONTINUED: 229
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.
STRAUSS
I don't really know him, but he was
one of Szilard's boys in Chicago.
And they never forgave Oppenheimer...
CUT TO:
230 INT. LECTURE HALL, LOS ALAMOS - NIGHT (COLOUR) 230
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 31 days after the
bombing.
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
BLUE Revision - 2-11-22 135.
230 CONTINUED: 230
MORRISON (CONT'D)
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.
231 EXT. T-SECTION, LOS ALAMOS - NIGHT 231
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 Two 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...
(CONTINUED)
WHITE Revision - 1-3-22 136.
231 CONTINUED: 231
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...
232 EXT. FULLER LODGE, LOS ALAMOS - DAY 232
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.
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
WHITE Revision - 1-3-22 137.
232 CONTINUED: 232
OPPENHEIMER (CONT'D)
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:
233 INT. SENATE OFFICE - MORNING (B&W) 233
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 U.S. 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...
(CONTINUED)
BLUE Revision - 2-11-22 138.
233 CONTINUED: 233
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:
234 INT. ROOM 2022, ATOMIC ENERGY COMMISSION - DAY (COLOUR) 234
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 U.S.A.?
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...
235 INT. CONGRESSIONAL HEARING ROOM - DAY 235
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
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
WHITE Revision - 1-3-22 139.
235 CONTINUED: 235
OPPENHEIMER (CONT'D)
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.
236 INT. ROOM 2022, ATOMIC ENERGY COMMISSION - DAY 236
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.
237 INT. HOTEL ROOM, WASHINGTON D.C. - NIGHT 237
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.
(CONTINUED)
WHITE Revision - 1-3-22 140.
237 CONTINUED: 237
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:
238 INT. SENATE OFFICE - MORNING (B&W) 238
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...
239 INT. NICHOLS OFFICE, AEC - NIGHT (B&W) 239
Nichols is behind the desk, but Strauss commands the room,
instructing Borden...
STRAUSS
Take your time, use the entire file.
Write up your conclusions and send
them to the F.B.I.
BORDEN
The material's extensive- but it
isn't new.
(CONTINUED)
WHITE Revision - 1-3-22 141.
239 CONTINUED: 239
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. 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
F.B.I....
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...
240 INT. FRONT HALL, STRAUSS RESIDENCE - NIGHT (B&W) 240
Strauss opens the door to Oppenheimer...
(CONTINUED)
WHITE Revision - 1-3-22 142.
240 CONTINUED: 240
STRAUSS (V.O.)
Tell Oppenheimer his security
clearance is not being renewed...
241 INT. LIVING ROOM, STRAUSS HOUSE - NIGHT (B&W) 241
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...
242 INT. NICHOLS OFFICE, AEC - NIGHT (B&W) 242
STRAUSS
When he appeals, I appoint a board...
INSERT CUT: THE GRAY BOARD TAKE THEIR SEATS IN ROOM 2022...
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.
(CONTINUED)
PINK Revision - 4-10-22 143.
242 CONTINUED: 242
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)
Defense 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.
243 INT. ROOM 2022, ATOMIC ENERGY COMMISSION - DAY (B&W) 243
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...
244 INT. SENATE OFFICE - DAY (B&W) 244
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 naivete.
STRAUSS
Amateurs seek the sun and get eaten,
power stays in the shadows.
(CONTINUED)
WHITE Revision - 1-3-22 144.
244 CONTINUED: 244
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.
STRAUSS
Hill should help us, too.
CUT TO:
CLOSE ON: a LETTER- AEC letterhead- 'DEAR DR.OPPENHEIMER...'
STRAUSS (O.S.) (CONT'D)
As you can see, it's not yet signed...
245 INT. LIVING ROOM, STRAUSS HOUSE - LATER (COLOUR) 245
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...
246 EXT. STRAUSS HOUSE - CONTINUOUS 246
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.
247 INT. STRAUSS CAR - NIGHT 247
I sit in the back, shadows flicking across my face...
(CONTINUED)
PINK Revision - 4-10-22 145.
247 CONTINUED: 247
OPPENHEIMER (V.O.)
Nichols wants me to fight so that he
can get it all in the record...
248 INT. VOLPE'S HOUSE - NIGHT 248
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...
249 INT. ROOM 2022, ATOMIC ENERGY COMMISSION - DAY 249
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?
OPPENHEIMER
No.
Robb consults a paper in his black binder.
ROBB
You never said 'a man at the consulate
expert in the use of microfilm'?
OPPENHEIMER
Not specifically.
(CONTINUED)
WHITE Revision - 1-3-22 146.
249 CONTINUED: 249
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 first hand information?
ROBB
This is first hand.
GARRISON
How so?
Robb looks at Grey. 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 12 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-
(CONTINUED)
WHITE Revision - 1-3-22 147.
249 CONTINUED: (2) 249
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 elaborate
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 attache. There weren't
three or more people involved on the
project. There was one person
involved. That was me.
ROBB
Why lie?
(CONTINUED)
BLUE Revision - 2-11-22 148.
249 CONTINUED: (3) 249
OPPENHEIMER
Clearly with the intention of not
revealing who was the intermediary.
ROBB
Your friend, Haakon Chevalier. The
Communist.
OPPENHEIMER
Yes.
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.
250 INT. CORRIDOR OUTSIDE ROOM 2022 - DAY 250
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...
(CONTINUED)
BLUE Revision - 2-11-22 149.
250 CONTINUED: 250
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.
251 INT. ROOM 2022, ATOMIC ENERGY COMMISSION - DAY 251
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.
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
BLUE Revision - 2-11-22 150.
251 CONTINUED: 251
RABI (CONT'D)
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.
252 EXT. CORRIDOR OUTSIDE ROOM 2022 - DAY 252
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.
253 INT. ROOM 2022, ATOMIC ENERGY COMMISSION - LATER 253
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 program for the Super
at that time?
(CONTINUED)
WHITE Revision - 1-3-22 151.
253 CONTINUED: 253
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 program
would come at the expense of our
awfully good fission program.
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. 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:
WHITE Revision - 1-3-22 152.
254 INT. SENATE COMMITTEE HEARING ROOM - DAY (B&W) 254
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:
255 INT. ROOM 2022, ATOMIC ENERGY COMMISSION - DAY (COLOUR) 255
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.
(CONTINUED)
WHITE Revision - 1-3-22 153.
255 CONTINUED: 255
ROBB
Did there come 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?
(CONTINUED)
WHITE Revision - 1-3-22 154.
255 CONTINUED: (2) 255
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...
(CONTINUED)
PINK Revision - 4-10-22 155.
255 CONTINUED: (3) 255
BORDEN (CONT'D)
'The following conclusions are
justified. 1. Between 1929 and 1942,
more probably than not, J.Robert
Oppenheimer was a sufficiently
hardened Communist that he volunteered
information to the Soviets. 2. 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)
3. More probably than not, he has
since acted under a 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:
256 INT. SENATE COMMITTEE HEARING ROOM - DAY (B&W) 256
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, hardworking
and intelligent.
Strauss glances at Counsel, satisfied.
(CONTINUED)
WHITE Revision - 1-3-22 156.
256 CONTINUED: 256
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?
HILL
No.
Dr.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-
CHAIRMAN
Order!
CUT TO:
257 INT. ROOM 2022, ATOMIC ENERGY COMMISSION - DAY (COLOUR) 257
Vannevar Bush is sworn in.
(CONTINUED)
WHITE Revision - 1-3-22 157.
257 CONTINUED: 257
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 judgment 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:
258 INT. SENATE COMMITTEE HEARING ROOM - DAY (B&W) 258
Strauss fumes as Hill reads his statement.
HILL
From the standpoint of public welfare,
the most injurious exercise of
personal vindictiveness in which
Lewis Strauss 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. 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 centered around their
differences in judgment on how the H-
bomb would contribute to national
security.
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
PINK Revision - 4-10-22 158.
258 CONTINUED: 258
HILL (CONT'D)
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, Doctor 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:
259 INT. ROOM 2022, ATOMIC ENERGY COMMISSION - DAY (COLOUR) 259
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.
(CONTINUED)
PINK Revision - 4-10-22 158A.
259 CONTINUED: 259
GARRISON
General, Dr.Oppenheimer had no
responsibility for the selection or
clearance of Klaus Fuchs, did he?
GROVES
No, not at all.
(CONTINUED)
WHITE Revision - 1-3-22 159.
259 CONTINUED: (2) 259
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.
260 INT. CORRIDOR OUTSIDE ROOM 2022 - DAY 260
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.
WHITE Revision - 1-3-22 160.
261 INT. ROOM 2022, ATOMIC ENERGY COMMISSION - DAY 261
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:
262 INT. SENATE COMMITTEE HEARING ROOM - DAY (B&W) 262
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.
(CONTINUED)
WHITE Revision - 1-3-22 161.
262 CONTINUED: 262
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:
263 INT. ROOM 2022, ATOMIC ENERGY COMMISSION - DAY (COLOUR) 263
HILL (V.O.)
Roger Robb.
Robb tries to put himself in Kitty's eye line...
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 starts fiddling with her purse...
ROBB
Not sure?
KITTY
Well...
She FREEZES. The Board members look at her. Garrison looks
at me...
(CONTINUED)
WHITE Revision - 1-3-22 162.
263 CONTINUED: 263
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 all just so long ago, Mr.Robb,
wasn't it?
ROBB
Not really-
KITTY
Long enough to have forgotten.
ROBB
Did you turn in the card or rip it
up?
KITTY
The card whose existence I've
forgotten?
ROBB
Your Communist Party membership card-
KITTY
I haven't the slightest idea.
ROBB
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.
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
WHITE Revision - 1-3-22 163.
263 CONTINUED: (2) 263
KITTY (CONT'D)
I've believed this since I left the
party 16 years ago.
ROBB
But-
KITTY
17 years ago. My mistake.
ROBB
But you-
KITTY
Sorry, 18. Yes, 18 years ago.
Robb sighs patiently.
ROBB
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?
(CONTINUED)
WHITE Revision - 1-3-22 164.
263 CONTINUED: (3) 263
KITTY
I think you mean 'through Communist
Party channels'.
ROBB
Yes.
KITTY
Yes.
ROBB
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
Do you understand what I am trying
to get at?
KITTY
Yes, I do.
ROBB
Why don't you answer it that way?
KITTY
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
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.
(CONTINUED)
WHITE Revision - 1-3-22 165.
263 CONTINUED: (4) 263
Gray shoots a look at Evans. CHUCKLES around the room.
Garrison looks at me. Nods. She did good.
264 INT. ROOM 2022, ATOMIC ENERGY COMMISSION - DAY 264
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?!
BLUE Revision - 2-11-22 166.
265 INT. DINING ROOM, OLDEN MANOR, PRINCETON - NIGHT 265
KITTY
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.
266 EXT. OLDEN MANOR, PRINCETON - NIGHT 266
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.
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
WHITE Revision - 1-25-23 167.
266 CONTINUED: 266
EINSTEIN (CONT'D)
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:
267 INT. SENATE OFFICE - DAY (B&W) 267
Strauss BURSTS in, fuming...
STRAUSS
This has become a trial about a trial!
SENATE AIDE
It's not good that he's telling them
that you initiated the hearings.
STRAUSS
He can't prove it. 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.
(CONTINUED)
WHITE Revision - 1-3-22 168.
267 CONTINUED: 267
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 naivete of scientists who thought
they'd get a say in how we used their
work... but don't ever think he was
that naive himself...
CUT TO:
268 INT. ROOM 2022, ATOMIC ENERGY COMMISSION - DAY (COLOUR) 268
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?
(CONTINUED)
WHITE Revision - 1-3-22 169.
268 CONTINUED: 268
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?
ROBB
Yes.
269 INT. SENATE OFFICE - DAY (B&W) 269
Strauss is pacing now...
STRAUSS
Oppenheimer wanted to own the atomic
bomb. He wanted to be the man who
moved the earth. 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.
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
PINK Revision - 4-10-22 170.
269 CONTINUED: 269
STRAUSS (CONT'D)
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...
270 INT. ROOM 2022, ATOMIC ENERGY COMMISSION - DAY (COLOUR) 270
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
Yes.
ROBB
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
Not as many as turned out...
ROBB
How many were killed or injured?
The feet are stamping FASTER and FASTER...
OPPENHEIMER
70,000.
ROBB
70,000? At both Hiroshima and-
OPPENHEIMER
110,000 at both.
ROBB
On the day of each bombing.
OPPENHEIMER
Yes.
ROBB
And in the weeks and years after?
(CONTINUED)
PINK Revision - 4-10-22 170A.
270 CONTINUED: 270
OPPENHEIMER
It's been put at between 50 and 100
thousand...
ROBB
220 thousand dead? At least?
I nod.
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 successful.
(CONTINUED)
WHITE Revision - 1-3-22 171.
270 CONTINUED: (2) 270
ROBB
Oh, technically.
OPPENHEIMER
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?
271 INT. SENATE OFFICE - DAY (B&W) 271
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...
272 INT. ROOM 2022, ATOMIC ENERGY COMMISSION - DAY (COLOUR) 272
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 which I
was confronted.
ROBB
I'm confronting you with it now,
sir. Would you have opposed the
dropping of a thermonuclear weapon
on Japan because of moral scruples?
(CONTINUED)
WHITE Revision - 1-3-22 172.
272 CONTINUED: 272
OPPENHEIMER
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
I'm asking you about it, not 'we'.
OPPENHEIMER
I set forth arguments against dropping
it. But I did not endorse them.
273 INT. SENATE OFFICE - DAY (B&W) 273
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. He wanted the glorious
insincere guilt of the self-important
to wear like a fucking crown. And I
gave it to him...
274 INT. ROOM 2022, ATOMIC ENERGY COMMISSION - DAY (COLOUR) 274
Robb gets right in my face, incredulous-
ROBB
You mean having worked night and day
for 3 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
What do you mean 'support'?
ROBB
You helped pick the target, didn't
you?
(CONTINUED)
WHITE Revision - 1-3-22 173.
274 CONTINUED: 274
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
I would have worked on it, yes. But
to run a laboratory is one thing, to
advise a government is another.
THE LIGHT OF A THOUSAND SUNS POURS IN THE WINDOW...
ROBB
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...
(CONTINUED)
WHITE Revision - 1-3-22 174.
274 CONTINUED: (2) 274
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.
275 INT. SENATE OFFICE - DAY (B&W) 275
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. Speaking softly-
STRAUSS
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:
276 INT. ROOM 2022, ATOMIC ENERGY COMMISSION - DAY (COLOUR) 276
I sit with Garrison and listen to Gray pass judgment...
(CONTINUED)
WHITE Revision - 1-25-23 175.
276 CONTINUED: 276
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...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:
277 INT. SENATE OFFICE - DAY (B&W) 277
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.
(CONTINUED)
WHITE Revision - 1-24-23 175A.
277 CONTINUED: 277
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.
(CONTINUED)
PINK Revision - 4-10-22 176.
277 CONTINUED: (2) 277
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:
278 EXT. OLDEN MANOR, BACK GATE OVERLOOKING THE INSTITUTE - DAY 278
(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:
279 INT. SENATE OFFICE - DAY (B&W) 279
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.
(CONTINUED)
PINK Revision - 4-10-22 177.
279 CONTINUED: 279
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 FLASH BULBS
EAT STRAUSS ALIVE as we-
CUT TO:
280 EXT. LAKESIDE, INSTITUTE FOR ADVANCED STUDY, PRINCETON - DAY 280
(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)
Now it's your turn to deal with the
consequences of your achievements.
And one day... when they've punished
you enough...
PINK Revision - 4-10-22 178.
281 INT. CABINET ROOM, WHITE HOUSE - DAY 281
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.) (CONT'D)
Just remember. It won't be for you...
Teller turns to Kitty, offering the same smile and
handshake...
EINSTEIN (V.O.) (CONT'D)
...it'll be for them.
Kitty STARES Teller down, letting his hand hang in the air
like a WILTING PLANT... and we-
CUT TO:
282 EXT. LAKESIDE, INSTITUTE FOR ADVANCED STUDY, PRINCETON - DAY 282
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...
(CONTINUED)
WHITE Revision - 1-3-22 179.
282 CONTINUED: 282
OPPENHEIMER (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.
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