Cillian Murphy on Intimate Scenes With Florence Pugh in Oppenheimer: “Awkward But Essential”

When Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer hit theaters in 2023, it marked a departure from the director’s usual style—not only in its weighty biographical subject matter but also in its inclusion of sex scenes, a first for Nolan’s body of work. Central to those moments was the relationship between J. Robert Oppenheimer, portrayed by Cillian Murphy, and Jean Tatlock, his mistress, played by Florence Pugh.

In a candid conversation with GQ, Murphy, 48, reflected on the intimate sequences and their significance. Asked whether they were necessary to tell the story, he replied firmly:

“I think they were vital in this movie. I think the relationship that he has with [Jean Tatlock] is one of the most crucial emotional parts of the film. I think if they’re key to the story then they’re worthwhile.”

Yet, Murphy was quick to acknowledge the discomfort of filming such scenes. “Listen, no one likes doing them, they’re the most awkward possible part of our job. But sometimes you have to get on with it.”

Not Gratuitous, But Deliberate

In a separate interview with The Sydney Morning Herald, Murphy explained that the scenes were “written deliberately” by Nolan, not for shock value but to illuminate Oppenheimer’s complicated personal life.

“[Christopher] knew that those scenes would get the movie the rating that it got,” Murphy noted. “And I think when you see it, it’s so f—ing powerful. And they’re not gratuitous. They’re perfect. And Florence is just amazing.”

Pugh’s portrayal of Tatlock, a psychiatrist and communist party member whose relationship with Oppenheimer was both passionate and politically fraught, added emotional weight to the film. The intimacy between the two characters underscores Tatlock’s significance in Oppenheimer’s life, making the scenes pivotal rather than peripheral.

Nolan on Taking Creative Risks

Nolan, typically known for cerebral blockbusters like Inception, Dunkirk, and Interstellar, addressed the unusual inclusion of intimacy in his historical epic. Speaking with Insider, the director said:

“Any time you’re challenging yourself to work in areas you haven’t worked in before, you should be appropriately nervous and appropriately careful and planned and prepared.”

He added that Oppenheimer’s sexuality, his “way with women” and the “charm that he exuded,” was an essential aspect of his story—one that couldn’t be ignored in an authentic portrayal of the man behind the atomic bomb.

A Bold Shift in Nolan’s Filmmaking

Rated R for “some sexuality, nudity, and language,” Oppenheimer broke new ground for Nolan. While the director has long been recognized for crafting large-scale, visually stunning spectacles, his decision to delve into Oppenheimer’s private life revealed a willingness to explore more intimate, human dimensions of his characters.

For Murphy, the challenge was balancing the discomfort of the role with the responsibility of telling a truthful story. With Florence Pugh’s performance anchoring the emotional depth of Tatlock, the intimate scenes became not only justifiable but necessary—an uncomfortable yet vital piece of cinematic storytelling.

Would you like me to frame this piece more as an entertainment news article (snappier, magazine-style) or as a serious film feature (analytical, reflective on Nolan’s creative choices and Murphy’s craft)?