Oppenheimer star Cillian Murphy explains why ‘awkward’ sex scenes with Florence Pugh were ‘important’

Cillian Murphy has defended the inclusion of sex scenes in Christopher Nolan’s new blockbuster, Oppenheimer.

Murphy, 47, stars as nuclear scientist J Robert Oppenheimer in the film, with a major subplot involving his relationship with psychiatrist and doctor Jean Tatlock, played by Florence Pugh, 27.

Tatlock and Oppenheimer were in a relationship and later had an affair while the physicist was married to Katherine “Kitty” Puening (portrayed by Emily Blunt in the film).

*Warning – Minor spoilers ahead Oppenheimer*

One of the sex scenes has caused quite a bit of chatter online and was condemned in India, as Oppenheimer is depicted reading part of the Bhagavad Gita, one of Hinduism’s holiest scriptures, during intercourse.

Talking to British GQ in a recent interview, Murphy said that the sex scenes in the film were “important”.

“I think the relationship he has with Jean Tatlock is one of the most crucial emotional parts of the film,” said the Irish actor.

“I think if they’re key to the story, then they’re worth it. Look, nobody likes doing them, they’re the most awkward part of our job. But sometimes you’ve got to move on. “

In an earlier interview with Insiderdirector Nolan agreed: “When you look at Oppenheimer’s life, and you look at his story, that aspect of his life, the aspect of his sexuality, his dealings with women, the charm that he exuded, that’s an essential part of his story .

“It felt very important to understand their relationship and really look into it and understand what made it tick without being coy or hinting at it – but trying to be intimate, trying to be in there with him and fully out understanding the relationship that was so important to him.”

This week it was revealed that Pugh’s nudity had been censored in certain areas, including the Middle East, India and Indonesia.

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Viewers realized the scene had been edited after a photo of the actor wearing a CGI dress in the film was shared on X (formerly known as Twitter).

This was told by a source close to the film The independent that a “soft base” version of the film without nudity was used in the Middle East, while censor edits were made to secure releases in countries including India.

Oppenheimer has been released as a U/A certified film by India’s Central Board of Film Certification, which means that the film contains moderate adult themes and can be watched by a child under the age of 12 under parental supervision.

In other nations, Christopher Nolan’s films have been released under the R-rated category, meaning viewers under 17 require an accompanying parent or adult guardian.

find The independent‘s review of Oppenheimer here.