Did Bowie inspire Oppenheimer?

Well, the answer to the question is no, David Bowie did not inspire the actual Robert Oppenheimer. The physicist died in 1967 and thus did not live long enough to hear “Space Oddity.” Alas. But, Bowie did inspire actor Cillian Murphy’s portrayal of Oppenheimer in the new movie of the same name.

Murphy recently explained that director Christopher Nolan gave him pictures of Bowie as a point of reference in developing the desired look. I’ve included an image of the movie picture as well as some pictures of Bowie that Nolan might have given to Murphy (I’m just guessing here).

Nolan, Murphy and Bowie have additional connections. Nolan is a big fan of Bowie and convinced Bowie to portray Nikola Tesla in the movie, The Prestige. He’d also cast Murphy as the Scarecrow in his Batman trilogy. Bowie was a fan of Murphy in the show, Peaky Blinders. Bowie wrote Murphy what amounted to fan letters about the show and Murphy gave Bowie his cap from the show (I’ve included a picture comparing Bowie and Murphy wearing similar caps— maybe the same cap). Bowie’s song “Lazarus” was used in the show’s third season.

So, it all comes full circle.

I have to admit that I have not seen Peaky Blinders or Oppenheimer. I especially do want to see Oppenheimer, but it doesn’t seem like the kind of movie to come to drive-ins, so I will probably have to wait.