“Oppenheimer,” the highly acclaimed film directed by Christopher Nolan, has recently made headlines for winning Best Picture and nearly reaching the $1 billion mark at the box office. However, despite its success, the film is not immune to criticism, especially from the real-life people who were harmed by the atomic testing depicted in the movie.
One of those individuals is Wesley Burris, a victim of the July 1945 nuclear bomb test in New Mexico. Wesley, who has suffered from skin cancer as a result of the radiation exposure, reflects on the devastating impact the test had on his family and friends. He acknowledges that the filmmakers may not have been aware of the victims’ backstories, but he believes it is important for people to know the truth about the long-lasting effects of the atomic testing.
Tina Cordova, co-founder of the Tularosa Basin Downwinders Consortium, also shares her perspective on the film, criticizing its omission of the literal and figurative fallout from the nuclear testing. She believes that the film intentionally left out the stories of New Mexico residents who were affected by the testing, highlighting the government’s failure to compensate those impacted by the radiation exposure.
While “Oppenheimer” has been praised for its acting, directing, and storytelling, Wesley and Tina are calling attention to the ongoing struggles faced by those living near nuclear testing sites. They, along with thousands of others in New Mexico, are still waiting for the U.S. government to recognize their plight and provide the support they deserve.
As the film continues to receive accolades and recognition, it is important to remember the real-life consequences of the events depicted on screen. Wesley and Tina’s stories serve as a reminder that the impact of nuclear testing continues to affect individuals and communities to this day, and it is crucial to acknowledge and address these issues moving forward.
