Film Lens

The Bomb is a 2015 documentary that covers the history of nuclear weapons, beginning with theoretical scientific considerations and leading to their first use on August 6, 1945. It examines the political implications of nuclear weapons in the present day. The film was written and directed by Rushmore DeNooyer for PBS and took a year and a half to complete, utilizing recently declassified footage and images from the United States Department of Defense.
The film addresses significant events such as the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, the Cold War, the arms race, and the Cuban Missile Crisis. It includes commentary from various historians and journalists, emphasizing the ongoing threat posed by nuclear weapons. Richard Rhodes describes the invention of the bomb as a pivotal change in human history, marking humanity's capability for self-destruction.
Why Watch
- •See the impact of Hiroshima and Nagasaki on modern politics.
- •Meet key figures in the nuclear arms race.
- •Find out about the anti-nuke movement's history.
Did You Know
•The Bomb was completed in a year and a half using declassified footage.
•The first use of nuclear weapons occurred on August 6, 1945.
•The film covers events like the Cuban Missile Crisis and the Red Scare.
•Richard Rhodes stated the bomb marked a millennial change in human history.
Perfect For
Nuclear history enthusiastsCold War studiesPolitical science students