The Day After Trinity

The Day After Trinity is a 1981 documentary that explores the life and work of J. Robert Oppenheimer, the father of the atomic bomb. The film includes interviews with Oppenheimer's colleagues, friends, and family, as well as archival footage from the Manhattan Project and other sources.

The movie begins with a brief overview of Oppenheimer's background and education, including his studies at Harvard and his time in Europe. It then focuses on his role in the Manhattan Project, the top-secret government program to develop the first atomic bomb during World War II.

The documentary details the science behind the bomb, including the theories of nuclear fission and the challenges faced by the scientists working on the project. It also examines the ethical implications of the bomb, including the decision to use it against Japan.

One of the most powerful aspects of the film is its depiction of Oppenheimer's gradual realization of the immense power of the bomb he helped to create. As the project progressed, Oppenheimer became increasingly concerned about the destructive potential of the weapon, and he famously quoted the Bhagavad Gita, saying, "Now I am become Death, the destroyer of worlds."

The film also touches on the political climate of the time, including the rise of McCarthyism and the investigation into Oppenheimer's alleged communist sympathies.

Throughout the documentary, there are interviews with several prominent scientists and scholars, including Hans Bethe, I.I. Rabi, and Richard Feynman. These interviews provide valuable insight into the mindset of the scientists working on the bomb, as well as the broader cultural and political context of the time.

Overall, The Day After Trinity is a powerful and thought-provoking documentary that raises important questions about the role of science in society and the ethical implications of technological progress. It is a must-see for anyone interested in the history of science, politics, and war.