Warning: This post contains spoilers for Oppenheimer.

Josh Hartnett's portrayal of Ernest Lawrence in Oppenheimer showcases his versatility and range as an actor, allowing him to authentically depict the character's moral conflicts and dilemmas. Compared to his role in Pearl Harbor, where his character's arc primarily focused on romantic and nationalist conventions, Hartnett's performance in Oppenheimer benefits from the moral complexities and real-life undertones of Lawrence's characterization. Hartnett's experience and growth as an actor over the years make him better equipped to delve into a broader range of emotions and deliver a compelling performance in Oppenheimer, marking a significant improvement from his previous World War II film.

Christopher Nolan's Oppenheimer brings a full circle to Josh Hartnett's acting career after 22 years - here's how. In Oppenheimer, Josh Hartnett plays nuclear physicist Ernest Lawrence, who is not only J. Robert Oppenheimer's associate at the Manhattan Project but also a close friend.