The 96th edition of the Oscars, held on March 10, 2024, spotlighted two monumental films that, while not personally captivating for me in terms of entertainment, showcased undeniable directorial prowess. Yorgos Lanthimos’s ‘Poor Things’ and Christopher Nolan’s ‘Oppenheimer’ emerged as the evening’s highlights, each securing significant accolades and affirming the directors’ reputations as masters of their craft. This post is not about the subjective entertainment value but rather an acknowledgment of the exceptional skill and artistic vision that propelled these films to Oscar glory.

Narrative Ingenuity

Yorgos Lanthimos and Christopher Nolan approach narrative construction from distinctly different angles, yet both achieve a level of complexity and depth that merits acclaim. Lanthimos’s ‘Poor Things’ embodies his trademark surrealism and dark humor, presenting a narrative that defies conventional structures and engages audiences in a deeply interpretative experience. Conversely, Nolan’s ‘Oppenheimer’ is a labyrinth of time, memory, and identity, demanding active engagement from viewers as they navigate through the intricately woven plot.

Visual Mastery

The visual styles of Lanthimos and Nolan are as contrasting as their storytelling methods. Lanthimos employs a minimalist approach in ‘Poor Things,’ with static shots and a controlled color palette creating an atmosphere of detachment and unease. Nolan, on the other hand, opts for visual grandeur in ‘Oppenheimer,’ utilizing practical effects and IMAX technology to immerse viewers in a spectacle that’s both vast and minutely detailed.

Character Exploration

In ‘Poor Things,’ Lanthimos presents characters that navigate bizarre and absurdist scenarios, offering a reflection on the human condition that eschews traditional development in favor of situational absurdity. Nolan’s ‘Oppenheimer’ explores its characters’ complexities against a backdrop of extraordinary circumstances, focusing on their psychological depth and the moral dilemmas they face.

Thematic Depth

Both directors use their films as mediums to explore profound themes. Lanthimos’s work questions societal norms and the nature of existence with a satirical edge, while Nolan delves into themes of time, reality, and human consciousness, packing his narrative with intellectual and philosophical depth.

Audience Engagement

‘Poor Things’ and ‘Oppenheimer’ stand out not just for their narrative and visual innovation but also for how they engage the audience. Lanthimos invites viewers to piece together the puzzle of his narrative, a task that requires an active interpretation of the film’s symbolism and thematic questions. Nolan’s film is a cerebral journey that rewards viewers’ attentiveness and their willingness to engage with the film’s complex ideas and narrative structure.

While my personal entertainment threshold was not met by either ‘Poor Things’ or ‘Oppenheimer,’ there is no denying the exceptional artistry and directorial skill behind these films. Their victories at the 96th Oscars speak to the craftsmanship of Yorgos Lanthimos and Christopher Nolan, directors who continue to push the boundaries of cinematic expression and storytelling, reminding us of the power of cinema to challenge, captivate, and transform.