IMDb RATING
6.5/10
9.2K
YOUR RATING
This film reenacts the Manhattan Project, the secret WWII project, and the first atomic bombs designed, built, and tested in Los Alamos.This film reenacts the Manhattan Project, the secret WWII project, and the first atomic bombs designed, built, and tested in Los Alamos.This film reenacts the Manhattan Project, the secret WWII project, and the first atomic bombs designed, built, and tested in Los Alamos.
- Awards
- 2 nominations
Allan Corduner
- Franz Goethe
- (as Alan Corduner)
Joe D'Angerio
- Seth Neddermeyer
- (as Joseph D'Angerio)
Jon DeVries
- Johnny Mount
- (as Jon De Vries)
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaThe code names for the weapons - "Fat Man" and "Little Boy" - stem from characters in the written stories of writer Dashiell Hammett. Originally the names "Fat Man" and "Thin Man" were lifted directly from the stories, but the Thin Man weapon design (a Plutonium gun-type weapon) had to be abandoned. The relatively small Uranium gun-type weapon that followed was then named "Little Boy" as a contrast to "Fat Man".
- GoofsIt was actually Seth Neddermeyer who originally conceived the implosion theory, and John von Neumann who refined it to usability.
- Quotes
Richard Schoenfield: Hey Oppenheimer! Oppenheimer! You oughta stop playing God, 'cause you're no good at it, and the position's taken!
- SoundtracksThe Sorcerer's Apprentice
Written by Paul Dukas
Performed by the Wiener Symphoniker (as The Vienna Symphony)
Edouard Van Remoortel, Conductor
Courtesy of The Moss Music Group
By Arrangement with Warner Special Products
Featured review
A Haunting Vision...
I certainly disagree with the last user comment. I can't speak to the complete accuracy of the events but I do know there was debate at the time over whether the project should be used or even completed. The film is beautiful directed with some truly haunting moments, showing both the external and internal stuggle of the characters. It also tackles the morality of the issue without beating the viewer over the head. You will be moved by the end of the film. It illustrates humankind's almost fanatical need for progress and domination, no matter the cost.
helpful•74
- earth_diver
- Jan 12, 2003
- How long is Fat Man and Little Boy?Powered by Alexa
Details
Box office
- Budget
- $30,000,000 (estimated)
- Gross US & Canada
- $3,563,162
- Opening weekend US & Canada
- $1,476,994
- Oct 22, 1989
- Gross worldwide
- $3,563,162
- Runtime2 hours 7 minutes
- Color
- Aspect ratio
- 2.35 : 1
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![Paul Newman in Fat Man and Little Boy (1989)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BMmUzNjY5NTAtODExZi00MDM5LWE0OGQtOWI0NGI3OTYzNmI3XkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyNjQzNDI3NzY@._V1_QL75_UY133_CR0,0,90,133_.jpg)