A House of Dynamite’s Nuclear War Crisis Scenario is Chilling
As a peace and disarmament activist for over forty years, I was uncertain about watching “A House of Dynamite,” a new fictional film by director Katherine Bigelow and screenwriter Noah Oppenheim, portraying a strikingly realistic nuclear crisis. Normally, I avoid entertainment that reignites concerns about war and peace in my free time.
I have not read Annie Jacobson’s book Nuclear War: A Scenario, which is highly praised, nor have I watched Oppenheimer. Since I have read extensively about the Father of the Bomb and the Manhattan Project, and my profession demands a deep knowledge of nuclear weapons history and status, I didn’t feel the need to see it.
Initially, I planned to stay home, but my son wanted to watch A House of Dynamite, so we went together to the theater on Monday. I am very glad I did.
The film is currently in limited release and will be available on Netflix starting October 24. I will avoid spoilers, but I believe the movie deserves the widest possible audience.
“It’s closer to The Day After than to Dr. Strangelove.”
Author’s summary: This gripping film sharply depicts the terrifying reality of nuclear war, urging awareness and dialogue on global disarmament.