A Reel Preview: BARBENHEIMER

This week, two of the most anticipated films of the year are releasing on the same weekend: Greta Gerwig’s BARBIE, and Christopher Nolan’s OPPENHEIMER. The two films, which could not be more drastically different, will be in a box office showdown that has captivated social media, with users literally combining the films into BARBENHEIMER (all in good fun). The enthusiasm for both films has resulted in strong tracking numbers for both films, with reports of many people opting into a double-feature. Here now is a preview for both films: 

 

BARBIE

Based on the classic fashion dolls by Mattel, BARBIE is directed by Greta Gerwig from a screenplay she penned with Noah Baumbach. It is the first live-action film based on the toy after decades of animation. Gerwig, who started her career as an actress, has had a string of successful films as a director, including Oscar-nominees LADY BIRD (2017), and LITTLE WOMEN (2019). Noah Baumbach’s writing credits include the Oscar-nominated MARRIAGE STORY (2019), and has collaborated with Wes Anderson on FANTASTIC MR. FOX (2009), and THE LIFE AQUATIC WITH STEVE ZISSOU (2004). The cast of BARBIE is as strong as it’s filmmakers, with Oscar-nominated actors Margot Robbie (I, TONYA) as Barbie, and Ryan Gosling (BLUE VALENTINE) as Ken. The cast also includes America Ferrera, Rhea Perlman, Will Ferrell, Michael Cera, Helen Mirren, and Kate McKinnon. The running time is 114 minutes and is rated PG-13.

 

OPPENHEIMER

Based on the life of Robert J. Oppenheimer, the scientist who invented the atomic bomb, and the novel American Prometheus by Kai Bird and Martin J. Sherwin, OPPENHEIMER tracks the main character’s trials, successes, and failures in bringing the bomb to life. The film is directed by Christopher Nolan, who has helmed some of the most acclaimed films of the last 20 years, including INCEPTION (2010), DUNKIRK (2017), and his three Batman films known as THE DARK KNIGHT TRILOGY (2005-2012). The ensemble cast includes Cillian Murphy as Oppenheimer, and he is joined by Emily Blunt, Matt Damon, Robert Downey Jr., Florence Pugh, Josh Hartnett, Casey Affleck, Rami Malek, Kenneth Branagh, Matthew Modine, Dane DeHaan, Alden Ehrenreich, Gary Oldman…and much more. The running time is 180 minutes and is rated R. 

*

For many reasons, this is one of the most exciting weekends for cinema in years. Even before the mishandled pandemic, studios were very reluctant to open their films against stiff competition, leaving us with movies spread out over weeks and months. It is a call-back to earlier times when big movies would open against each other: In 1995 Pixar’s TOY STORY and Martin Scorsese’s CASINO opened on the same weekend, as did JUMANJI and HEAT that same year. Also, DIE HARD and A FISH CALLED WANDA in 1988, and in 2008 Nolan’s own THE DARK KNIGHT went up against the musical MAMMA MIA!. People who love cinema also love options, and a packed lineup is how it should be. 

BARBIE and OPPENHEIMER could not be more different. One is based on a toy, the other on a real-life icon. One is loaded with CGI, the other none whatsoever. One looks funny and light, the other none whatsoever. However, both boast two excellent directors and casts, and together are in a position to make for one of the most memorable weekends in cinema. 

**

BARBENHEIMER opens with limited showings on July 20th, and a full release on the 21^st.