“She was pretty ruthless in so many ways”: Emily Blunt Opens Up About the Challenges of Playing a ‘Bad Mother and Wife’ in Oppenheimer
In the glimmering world of Hollywood’s brightest stars, one name shines with undeniable talent and charm: Emily Blunt. In her relatively brief 22-year career, Emily Blunt has risen to prominence as one of Hollywood’s leading actresses. A true luminary, the 40-year-old star has graced the screen with numerous pivotal roles in blockbuster movies and multi-billionaire franchises, solidifying her position among the highest-paid actresses globally in 2022. Notably, her latest venture, Oppenheimer, cements her status as a burgeoning actress on the rise, displaying no signs of slowing down in her pursuit of excellence.
As time marches on, Emily Blunt continues to dazzle and captivate, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of those who witness her artistry. In Christopher Nolan’s grand and enthralling new drama, the audience is taken on a mesmerizing journey that delves deep into the intricate dynamics of the relationship between Kitty and Robert. Emily Blunt plays the role of Kitty Oppenheimer, who is the wife of Cillian Murphy‘s male protagonist and scientist J. Robert Oppenheimer. Differing from the typical depiction of a supportive spouse, Kitty’s character is far from ordinary.
Emily Blunt’s Impact As Kitty in Oppenheimer
In her latest film, she takes on the role of another early achiever. Kitty Puening, a botanist and former activist of the US Communist Party, had already experienced four marriages before reaching the age of 30, with the final one being to none other than J. Robert Oppenheimer, renowned as the father of the atomic bomb. Emily Blunt, who portrays Kitty, describes her as a woman who exuded an air of flightiness, untamed wildness, and nonconformity. Blunt acknowledges that during that era, societal pressures forced women into contorted roles as they tried to fit the mold of perfect housewives. However, Kitty defied these expectations as she proved to be an unconventional and unapologetic figure.
In Oppenheimer’s biography, Kitty’s lack of understanding of children is evident from her distant interactions with distressed kids during filming. In a challenging scene with their two-year-old, Peter, Emily Blunt, playing Kitty, sang him to sleep to ease tensions. Director Christopher Nolan chose this take, portraying Kitty as a flawed mother. Blunt’s dedication highlighted Kitty’s complexities and the challenges of motherhood amidst historical events.
Blunt finds Kitty’s ruthless demeanor horrifying, but also empathizes, suggesting some are averse to vulnerability. She defends Kitty’s coping mechanisms with cigarettes and martinis at Los Alamos and questions labeling her as an alcoholic. Blunt acknowledges Robert’s privilege due to gender bias and wonders how Kitty’s role as the bomb’s creator would be perceived.
Also Read: Oppenheimer Star Emily Blunt Pulled a Hilarious Prank on Christopher Nolan After He Hated Her Shoes
Emily Blunt’s Role Through Christopher Nolan’s Lens in Oppenheimer
Filmmaker Christopher Nolan expressed how he perceived Emily Blunt as the perfect fit for portraying the complex character of Kitty Oppenheimer, wife to Cillian Murphy’s male protagonist and scientist J. Robert Oppenheimer, in the movie Oppenheimer. Having met Emily Blunt on several occasions, Nolan believed she could genuinely connect with this intricate character.
He praised her as one of the great actors of her generation, capable of delving into the multifaceted aspects of Kitty and her relationship with Oppenheimer. Nolan’s intention to cast Emily Blunt in the film was evident from the start, as he had initially shared the news with John Krasinski, her husband, solidifying her role in the project.
The Devil Wears Prada actress, Emily Blunt, further shared the amusing encounter when the director bumped into her husband, John Krasinski, in their building’s elevator. Nolan expressed that he had considered approaching Krasinski for the role but refrained to avoid any offense. Instead, he handed a script to Krasinski, saying, “While you’re here, give this to your wife.” Christopher Nolan had always aspired to collaborate with Emily Blunt and had been eagerly searching for the perfect opportunity for quite some time.
Source: The Irish Times
