Wonders Are Many

Wonders Are Many is a fascinating 2007 documentary that takes audiences behind the scenes of one of the most significant premieres in the contemporary opera world, "Dr. Atomic." The creation of celebrated American composer John Adams and renowned director Peter Sellars, "Dr. Atomic" dramatizes the Manhattan Project's development of the atomic bomb during World War II. Canadian baritone Gerald Finley takes on the pivotal role of J. Robert Oppenheimer, the conflicted "father of the atomic bomb" figure central to the opera's narrative.

The documentary, directed by Jon Else, expertly interweaves behind-the-scenes footage of the opera production with archival materials and original interviews to provide a multi-layered perspective on a significant moment in history that still resonates in the modern world. The film delves into the creative process and challenges faced by Adams and Sellars, and their drive to create an emotionally compelling narrative from a complex historical event.

Wonders Are Many begins with the early stages of the opera project, giving an insider's view of the drafting process, the painstaking and methodical composition of the score, and the audacious staging decisions. We see the acclaimed composer John Adams grappling with history and artistic license to create evocative, innovative music, and revered director Peter Sellars, known for his challenging and provocative stage productions, poring over historical texts to devise a fitting libretto.

The documentary gives a rich, detailed view of the intense rehearsals. It captures the electric chemistry of the production team, the technical complexities, and the high stakes involved in bringing such an ambitious project to the stage. Gerald Finley, known for his powerful and nuanced performances, imbues the character of Oppenheimer with complexity and humanity, balancing ambition, guilt, and the profound historical consequences his actions have on the world.

The filming of Wonders Are Many coincided with the opera's development from initial conception through its premiere at the San Francisco Opera in 2005, giving the documentary an edge-of-the seat quality. Audiences can see the real-life drama unfolding alongside the on-stage tension, reflecting and echoing that of the opera itself.

However, Wonders Are Many is more than an examination of an opera's creation. The documentary also serves as a sobering historical examination. Interspersed with the behind-the-scenes footage, Else incorporates historical footage from the Manhattan Project era and subsequent atomic bomb tests, heightening the stark reality behind the art. It reveals the chilling implications of the historical events, the overpowering awe and terrifying power of atomic energy, and the moral questions raised by the pursuit of such destructive power.

Wonders Are Many also succeeds in exploring the enduring significance of the Manhattan Project and the atomic bomb. As the film progresses, you gain an understanding of how Adams, Sellars, and their team wanted to go beyond re-enactment. They aimed to engage audiences in thoughtful reflection and provoke conversations about nuclear proliferation, ethical responsibility, science's relentless pursuit of knowledge, and its intersection with morality.

Significantly, the title "Wonders Are Many" is derived from a line from the Bhagavad Gita, a sacred Hindu text. The line — "wonders are many, but none is more wonderful than man" — was quoted by Oppenheimer during a tense scene in the opera, reflecting the film's central themes of human folly, ambition, awe, and tragedy.

Throughout the documentary, John Adams' hauntingly beautiful score underpins the narrative, contrasting with the ominous themes and dark history, adding a sense of tragic beauty, hinting at the extraordinary talent and heavy burden carried by the creators and the real-life characters they represent.

Wonders Are Many offers a unique insight into the world of contemporary opera, the creative process, and the arduous and often emotionally charged journey from idea to stage, paralleled with significant historical commentary. With its engaging narrative, fascinating subject matter, and original concept, it appeals to opera aficionados, history buffs, and anyone interested in the creative process.