A conversation with Kathryn Bigelow, director of A House of Dynamite, and screenwriter Noah Oppenheim
Posted: 24th October 2025
Presented in partnership with
October 23, 2025
Noah Oppenheim and Kathryn Bigelow attend an A House Of Dynamite screening during the 63rd New York Film Festival on September 28, 2025 in New York City. (Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for FLC)
A conversation with Kathryn Bigelow, director of A House of Dynamite, and screenwriter Noah Oppenheim
By John Mecklin
Tomorrow, A House of Dynamite releases on Netflix. The movie’s director and screenwriter recently spoke with Bulletin editor-in-chief John Mecklin to give an insider’s look at what is likely to be the biggest nuclear film of the year. (Contains spoilers). Read more.
Sébastien Philippe on winning the MacArthur ‘genius’ grant, nuclear war and academic freedom
By François Diaz-Maurin
Nuclear security specialist Sébastien Philippe, one of the 22 recipients of this year’s prestigious MacArthur fellowship, explains the importance of bridging science, engineering, policy analysis, and journalism in the field of arms control. Read more.
Autocracy and the university in America today
By Dan Drollette Jr
The president of Bard College, Leon Botstein, examines what the Trump administration could mean for the future of scientific research, educational standards, democracy, and the US—and calls for a renewed and reformed university and college system. This Bulletin magazine article is available to all readers for a limited time.
Advertisement
EMAIL SERIES
Atomic Cinema: Unpack the power and impact of nuclear films
Dive into the Bulletin’s new email course exploring nuclear movies—from A House of Dynamite to Oppenheimer and The Day After. Discover curated collections of Bulletin articles that unpack how nuclear films shaped public perception, political discourse, and the cultural imagination of the atomic age. Sign up today.
VIRTUAL EVENT RECORDING
Your Data and Your Truth in the AI Era
There are countless ways that AI could help us better understand the world and benefit individuals and society. But it also introduces new and powerful tools for financial, partisan, or geopolitical misuse.
Yesterday, the Bulletin held an expert virtual panel on the future of artificial intelligence. Watch the full recording here.
UPCOMING VIRTUAL EVENT
Experts React: Netflix’s A House of Dynamite
A nuclear missile is headed towards the United States in A House of Dynamite, Netflix’s new movie from director Kathryn Bigelow.
How accurately does the movie depict the initial reactions of a known launch? What is America’s capacity to defend against a direct nuclear strike? Join the Bulletin to hear expert answers on these questions and on how the movie can spark more conversation about arms control and deterrence.
This virtual discussion will take place on Thursday, November 6, 2025 at 11:30 A.M. Central / 12:30 P.M. Eastern. Register to attend here.
Recent articles
Washington’s neglect of South Korea’s security concerns is a proliferation problem
From spark to inferno: New model inspired by forest fires could explain why some ideas go viral
Despite what’s happening in the USA, renewables are winning globally
- A House of Dynamite: Bigelow’s latest thriller shows why nuclear bombs are only part of the danger
QUOTE OF THE DAY
“People are not always persuaded by doomsday outlooks. They’re persuaded by economics, like putting solar panels on your roof that save you money. But when it comes to their kid’s future or the family home, then they definitely do listen.”
— Matt Kean, chair of Australia’s Climate Change Authority, “Australia is rethinking its climate doomsday,” Financial Times