Nilanjan
This summer, moviegoers were treated to a rare and unexpected phenomenon: a double feature of two wildly different but equally captivating blockbusters that set new records and sparked a cultural conversation. We’re talking about Barbie and Oppenheimer, or as they’re affectionately known by their fans, Barbenheimer.
Barbie, directed by Greta Gerwig and starring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling, is a neon-coated fantasy comedy that brings the world’s most famous doll to life in a whimsical adventure that celebrates her legacy, diversity and empowerment. Oppenheimer, directed by Christopher Nolan and starring Cillian Murphy, Robert Downey Jr., Florence Pugh and Matt Damon, is a harrowing biopic that chronicles the life and work of J. Robert Oppenheimer, the physicist who led the development of the atomic bomb during World War II.
Both films were released on July 21, 2023, by Warner Bros. and Universal Pictures respectively, and both exceeded even the most optimistic expectations at the box office. According to Deadline, Barbie raked in about $155 million domestically and another $182 million internationally, making it the biggest opening weekend ever for a female director and a movie based on a toy. Oppenheimer earned about $80.5 million domestic and $93.7 million internationally, making it the biggest global opening for a biopic.
Together, Barbenheimer made about $511 million worldwide, $235.5 million of which was earned domestically, enough to make this the fourth-highest grossing weekend in American history, and the only one of those four weekends not driven by a Disney-released sequel. (The openings of Avengers: Infinity War, Avengers: Endgame, and Star Wars: The Force Awakens occupy the no. 1, 2, and 3 slots, respectively.)
But what makes Barbenheimer so special is not just the numbers, but the buzz. Both films have received rave reviews from critics and audiences alike, earning an A Cinemascore each. Both films have also generated a lot of social media engagement, with fans dressing up in midcentury hats and suits as well as their Barbie best to watch them back-to-back. Some theaters even offered special Barbenheimer packages that included tickets to both films, popcorn, drinks and merchandise.
The term Barbenheimer itself became a viral sensation, with celebrities like Tom Cruise, Nicole Kidman and Dwayne Johnson tweeting about it. Even former President Barack Obama joined in on the fun, posting a selfie with his daughters Sasha and Malia after watching both films at a local theater.
Why Barbenheimer Works
So how did two seemingly incompatible films manage to create such a synergy? One possible explanation is that they both tap into some universal themes that resonate with today’s audiences. Both films explore questions of identity, legacy and responsibility in a world that is constantly changing and challenging. Both films also feature strong female characters who defy stereotypes and expectations. Barbie is not just a pretty face, but a smart, creative and adventurous woman who inspires others to follow their dreams. Oppenheimer is not just a brilliant scientist, but a conflicted human being who grapples with the moral implications of his invention.
Another possible explanation is that they both offer an escape from the present by immersing viewers in different historical periods that are richly detailed and visually stunning. Barbie transports us to the glamorous 1950s and 1960s, where everything is bright, colorful and fun. Oppenheimer takes us to the dark and tense 1940s and 1950s, where everything is gritty, realistic and suspenseful. Both films use impressive cinematography, production design, costumes and music to create immersive worlds that captivate our senses.
A third possible explanation is that they both showcase the power of cinema as an art form that can entertain, educate and inspire us. Both films are examples of original storytelling that are driven by visionary directors who have their own distinctive styles and voices. Both films are also examples of technical excellence that use state-of-the-art technology to create dazzling effects and scenes. Both films are also examples of collaborative excellence that feature stellar performances from talented actors who bring their characters to life.
What is Barbie About?
Barbie is a film adaptation of the iconic toy line that has been around since 1959. The film follows Barbie (Margot Robbie), a doll who lives in an idyllic world called Dreamtopia with her boyfriend Ken (Ryan Gosling) and her friends. She is happy and content with her life until she discovers that she is not real, but a product of a corporation called Mattel.
She learns that she was created by Ruth Handler (Meryl Streep), an ambitious entrepreneur who wanted to make a doll that could inspire girls to pursue their dreams. However, Ruth also imposed strict rules on Barbie’s appearance and behavior, limiting her potential and freedom.
Barbie decides to escape from Dreamtopia and explore the real world with Ken. Along the way, she meets new friends who help her discover her true self and her purpose. She also faces challenges from Mattel’s CEO (Emma Stone), who wants to stop her from exposing the truth about Dreamtopia and Mattel.
Barbie is a film that celebrates diversity, empowerment and creativity. It shows that Barbie is not just a pretty face, but a smart, adventurous and inspiring woman who can do anything she sets her mind to. It also shows that beauty comes in all shapes, sizes and colors, and that everyone deserves to be loved for who they are.
What is Oppenheimer About?
Oppenheimer is a film based on the life of J. Robert Oppenheimer (Cillian Murphy), the brilliant physicist who is widely regarded as the father of the atomic bomb. The film covers his career from his early days as a professor at Berkeley to his involvement in the Manhattan Project during World War II.
The film shows how Oppenheimer was recruited by General Leslie Groves (Robert Downey Jr.) to lead a team of scientists in developing a weapon that could end the war with Japan. It also shows how he collaborated with other famous physicists like Albert Einstein (Matt Damon), Enrico Fermi (Rami Malek) and Niels Bohr (Benedict Cumberbatch).
The film also depicts the personal and moral dilemmas that Oppenheimer faced during the project. He had to balance his loyalty to his country with his conscience and his love for his wife Kitty (Florence Pugh), who was a Communist sympathizer. He also had to deal with the pressure and secrecy of the project, which took a toll on his health and sanity.
Oppenheimer is a film that explores the ethical and philosophical implications of scientific discovery. It shows how Oppenheimer’s genius led to both a great achievement and a great tragedy. It also shows how he was haunted by the consequences of his invention, which he famously described as “death, the destroyer of worlds”.
What Barbenheimer Means for the Future
The success of Barbenheimer is not only a win for the filmmakers and studios involved, but also for the movie industry as a whole. It proves that there is still a huge demand for theatrical experiences that can offer something different from what we can get at home or online. It also proves that there is still room for originality, diversity and creativity in a market that is often dominated by franchises, sequels and remakes.
Barbenheimer also challenges some of the conventional wisdom and assumptions that have shaped the movie business in recent years. It shows that female directors can helm big-budget blockbusters and attract mass audiences. It shows that movies based on toys can be more than just cash grabs and appeal to adults as well as children. It shows that biopics can be more than just Oscar bait and appeal to mainstream viewers as well as critics. It shows that movies that are longer than two hours can still hold our attention and keep us engaged.
Of course, Barbenheimer is a unique phenomenon that may not be easy to replicate. But it does offer some valuable lessons and inspiration for the future of filmmaking and moviegoing. It shows that movie lovers are hungry for stories that can surprise, delight and challenge them. It shows that movie makers are capable of delivering stories that can exceed our expectations and expand our horizons. It shows that movie magic is still alive and well, and that we can still share it with each other in a darkened theater.
So if you haven’t seen Barbenheimer yet, what are you waiting for? Grab your tickets, your popcorn, your friends and family, and join the fun. You won’t regret it.
