Christopher Nolan’s movie “Oppenheimer” depicts the life of J. Robert Oppenheimer, the physicist credited with the development of the atomic bomb in the Manhattan Project during World War II.
While Oppenheimer is the movie’s focal point, it features other characters based on real people, like Oppenheimer’s brother and the women in his life.
One of his lovers, Jean Tatlock remains a mysterious figure in Oppenheimer, with speculation surrounding her death.
Jean Tatlock, portrayed by Florence Pugh, stands out for her association with the Communist Party USA and her relationship with J. Robert Oppenheimer.
While her role in the movie is limited, Tatlock’s impact on Oppenheimer’s personal life, particularly his marriage to Kitty, is significant.
Several questions have been raised about the circumstances of her death.
How did Jean Tatlock Die ?
Tatlock was found dead in her San Francisco apartment on January 5, 1944.
Her father discovered her with her head submerged in the bathtub and an unsigned note detailing how she felt like a “paralyzed soul,” (according to The Curious Death of Oppenheimer’s Mistress).
She had clinical depression and the cause of death was ruled as a suicide.
Tatlock had chloral hydrate in her stomach, a sedative she could easily obtain due to her profession as a psychiatrist.
It was assumed that she used this substance before drowning herself.
Yet, some have speculated that there’s more to her death.
Was Jean Tatlock’s Death Murder or Suicide?
Tatlock’s death was officially ruled as suicide, but some suspected foul play.
In American Prometheus, her brother, Hugh, strongly supported the murder theory.
Subsequent historians also examined this notion, especially considering Tatlock’s FBI surveillance due to her Communist Party ties.
The fact that she was under constant FBI scrutiny adds weight to the murder theory.
While her death could have been staged as a suicide, the unsigned suicide note and FBI surveillance raise doubts about the official ruling.
If indeed a murder occurred, the perpetrator managed to evade justice.
Despite these speculations, the prevailing belief remains that Tatlock’s death was a suicide in 1944, as noted in American Prometheus.
How Oppenheimer explored conspiracy theories surrounding Jean Tatlock’s Death
Christopher Nolan skillfully presents both perspectives on Jean Tatlock’s death in Oppenheimer.
When the movie reveals Tatlock’s death, Oppenheimer imagines different scenarios, including her suicide and a potential murder.
Nolan’s inclusion of the black-gloved hand subtly acknowledges the murder theory without confirming it, leaving room for interpretation.
This approach by Nolan reflects the complexity of historical details and the uncertainties surrounding Tatlock’s death.
Olekanma Favour is a resourceful, self-motivated, and result-driven writer with a passion for crafting compelling narratives and insightful content. She loves tackling complex topics and weaving engaging stories.
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