As James Cameron prepares a screen adaptation of Ghosts of Hiroshima—set for release on the 80th anniversary of the atomic bombing—he is openly critical of Christopher Nolan’s approach in Oppenheimer.
Speaking to Deadline, the 70‑year‑old filmmaker claims Nolan avoided the moral core of the story:
“There’s just one fleeting shot of burned bodies. Beyond that, the real weight of the tragedy is barely felt.”
Cameron argues that whether the restraint came from the studio or Nolan himself, he intends to tackle the controversial subject head‑on. Playfully, he adds:
“I’ll take this one, Chris. You can come to the premiere and say some nice words…”
Although he hasn’t started the script, Cameron says he has “fifteen years of notes” and writes only when the story is fully formed in his mind. He cites Steven Spielberg—whose WWII films conveyed raw realism—as his guiding inspiration.
Cameron’s comments suggest his Hiroshima project will deliver a far more unflinching portrayal of the atomic aftermath than audiences have previously seen.