February 2, 2024
The Iranian government only rarely allows American films to be shown in Iran and then tends to pick films that present the United States in a bad light. For unknown reasons, the regime has now allowed the film “Oppenheimer,” about the development of the first US atomic bomb, to be screened in Iran.
The cinema of the Azadi Tower Cultural and Artistic Complex in Tehran was inaugurated January 3 with the showing of the 2023 biographical film “Oppenheimer,” written and directed by Christopher Nolan.
Based on the 2005 biography “American Prometheus” by Kai Bird and Martin J. Sherwin, the film chronicles the career of American scientist J. Robert Oppenheimer and his role in the development of the atomic bomb, with the story predominantly focusing on his studies, his direction of the Manhattan Project during World War II, and his eventual fall from grace during to his 1954 hearing on his alleged disloyalty.
The first American film authorized for screening in Iran about three decades ago was “Dances With Wolves,” which depicts the hero trying to save Indian tribes from mistreatment by the US Army.
“Oppenheimer” may have been approved for screening because it shows Oppenheimer being unfairly treated by the US government after his huge contribution to the US nuclear bomb program, which is in keeping with the regime’s assertion that the United States cannot be trusted.
The film has received critical acclaim and grossed over $950 million worldwide, becoming the third-highest-grossing film of 2023, the highest-grossing World War II-related film, and the highest-grossing biographical film.
The Azadi Tower, on Azadi Square in Tehran, is part of the Azadi Cultural and Artistic Complex, which also includes a museum underground.