Einstein and the Bomb
By Jennifer Green,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Docudrama about Einstein's life ponders WWII violence.
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Einstein and the Bomb
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What's the Story?
EINSTEIN AND THE BOMB combines documentary footage and staged dramatizations of Einstein's life, based on his own words from speeches, letters, and interviews, to draw a portrait of the scientist in exile during Hitler's rise to power and eventual fall. During a little-known period of exile in the British countryside, where Einstein (played in the reenactments by Irish actor Aidan McArdle) was guarded by two rifle-wielding young women, the scientist considered his own role as a public figure, a Jew, and a militant pacifist. Concluding that organized force can only be opposed by organized force, Einstein begins speaking out publicly against Nazism and rising antisemitism, and he eventually plays a role in encouraging the US to pursue the creation of an atom bomb before Hitler does. The US, of course, did create the bomb and dropped it on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japan to put a definitive end to the war, an event that haunted Einstein, for his role in it, until his final days.
Is It Any Good?
This docudrama is effective in bringing the last century's preeminent scientist to life, but the staged dramatizations take some getting used to. For starters, EINSTEIN AND THE BOMB lead actor McArdle's accent doesn't sound very authentic (was there no German actor available?). But he does capture the innovator's look (and, in fact, McArdle has played Einstein before, in 2005 docudrama Einstein's Big Idea.) He does play the part well, and Einstein comes across as a plucky but troubled and conscientious thinker grappling with his own role in history and the best ways to combat fascism. Viewers can certainly find relevance in current events. It provides a very personal companion piece to last summer's blockbuster Oppenheimer. But it isn't likely to find a broad audience beyond history buffs and viewers with a special interest in the figure of Einstein.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Einstein's letter to Roosevelt, a key artifact in Einstein and the Bomb. Einstein regrets writing the letter. Do you think he was right to regret it? Why or why not?
What do you know about Hitler and the rise of antisemitism last century in Europe? Does antisemitism still exist? Where can you go for more information?
The film combines archive documentary footage and acted dramatizations. What did you think of this combination? For you, was it more or less effective in bringing Einstein to life than a straight documentary might have been?
What happened in Japan where the atomic bombs were dropped? What lessons did the world learn from this? Where could you find out more?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming: February 19, 2024
- Cast: Aidan McArdle , Andrew Havill , Rachel Barry
- Director: Anthony Philipson
- Inclusion Information: Female actors
- Studio: Netflix
- Genre: Documentary
- Topics: Activism , STEM , Great Boy Role Models , History , Science and Nature
- Character Strengths: Courage
- Run time: 76 minutes
- MPAA rating: NR
- Last updated: April 3, 2024
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