Seth A. Romo
Oppenheimer and Barbie are both great films that unintentionally act as two sides of the same coin: A world that is and a world that could be. While Barbie is the stronger of the two films, they both serve as refreshing experiences for moviegoers.
Because the films were released on the same weekend, an internet phenomenon started that merged Oppenheimer and Barbie into “Barbenheimer.” This trend has resulted in moviegoers flocking to Oppenheimer donning pink wardrobes for a 3-hour dramatic experience before seeing the bright and colorful Barbie. This trend resulted in the films bringing in a combined $244+ million dollars in the box office in the first weekend alone.
On opening weekend of Oppenheimer and Barbie, my wife and I made the journey of experiencing both films back-to-back. It was the longest I have ever spent in a theater, but the experience was worth the multiple prices of admission. As a social trend, there was an energy behind both films, and I recommend anyone wanting to experience both on the same day to take the plunge into a combined 5-hour movie viewing unlike any other.
IN THE BEGINNING, THERE WAS THE BIG BANG…
Oppenheimer is arguably Christopher Nolan’s most ambitious project to date. Where the director has brought Batman back to being a serious character in The Dark Knight Trilogy, taken audiences on an epic journey through space in Interstellar, he has now made a condensed version of the book, American Prometheus: The Triumph and Tragedy of J. Robert Oppenheimer, into a tense cinematic experience.
The film follows Oppenheimer from student to the study of a McCarthy era Communist investigation with the testing of the first atomic bomb sandwiched in between. Cillian Murphy plays Oppenheimer and is surrounded by a star-studded cast of actors—too many to list in this review. Matt Damon plays Leslie Groves, a military leader bringing together scientific minds to create a weapon to help the United States win and end World War II, and Robert Downey Jr. Plays the role of Lewis Strauss, a politician bent on tainting the image of Oppenheimer after the event of the dropping the atomic bombs in Japan.
Emily Blunt plays Kitty Oppenheimer and Florence Pugh plays Jean Tatlock—and unfortunately for both talented actors, their skills are minimized to serve as plot devices or background elements in Oppenheimer’s journey. A move that I think personally hindered the film.
On a production level, everything is top notch. The costume designs, the set pieces, and even the nuclear explosion is mimicked through movie magic and not CGI. As a story, there is a lot to tell, and the pacing is well done as audiences watch Oppenheimer experience several critical moments in his life. The acting is believable, and the overall polish of this film cannot be understated as it checks so many boxes of what makes a good film.
When watching a historical film, it is paramount to consider what exactly is the purpose of it. Why are audiences needing to learn about the birth of the atomic bomb, and are there any lessons that should be taken away? In the case of Oppenheimer, the message feels lost, and the subject matter is biased to the point that it leaves viewers with unanswered questions.
For those who do not know, Oppenheimer was tasked by the US government to facilitate the creation of a weapon so deadly it was unfathomable to humanity at the time. After years, the development of a small town known as Los Alamos, and billions of dollars, they did in fact create the first atomic bomb.
The film covers a lot of ground but intentionally removes any mention or major discussion of Indigenous and Hispanic Americans who were essentially poisoned in the creation of the weapon, and it does little to no justice to the atrocity of the Japanese civilians who experienced the weapons being used against them.
This review is not to talk about United States policy; however, it cannot be avoided in a film that spends much of its time talking about policy, government, and morals in the story of Oppenheimer. However, this is almost always done in a way that focuses on how Oppenheimer was mistreated, or his “brilliance” was misunderstood.
This leads to the other problem of the film and that is the use of Blunt and Pugh as their respective characters in Oppenheimer’s life. The story tells viewers that in his brilliance he was a womanizer, and this is almost portrayed in a way that needs to be accepted because of his contribution to the scientific community. However, it is critical to note that while a character can be complex, this does not mean women in the film should be left to serve as plot devices and given nothing more than a one-dimensional design.
Nolan has an ability to take almost any subject and turn it into a film worth experiencing and it is a testament to his directing skills. The movie deserves praise for what it achieved. The music from Ludwig Göransson is moody and the actors make the historical drama feel alive as if it were happening in today’s age. Nolan’s emphasis on practical effects makes for a total package of movie magic and there is not a single unenjoyable performance in the film.
While the design, production value, and score all make the film into a strong contender for best film, several of the problematic elements hold it back. The acceptance in reducing side characters into plot devices is very apparent and could have been maneuvered better considering the 3-hour runtime.
… SINCE THE FIRST LITTLE GIRL EVER EXISTED, THERE HAVE BEEN DOLLS
Barbie is a film that is amazing, creative, and makes uncomfortable topics at the forefront of what could have simply been a comedic movie. Rather than limit itself to humor, there are real and emotional moments that remind audiences of how society can be wrong, but also how it could improve if it just gave itself a chance.
Don’t let the branding and bright pink fool you, it’s very much a human film with elements that are relatable across a wide range of audiences. In an interview, director Greta Gerwig said this film is for men and women and it shows. The original Barbie, played by Margot Robbie, and original Ken, played by Ryan Gosling, serve as the two main Mattel-based characters in which this film revolves around. They are given opportunities to win, fail, and grow and it makes for a journey worth experiencing multiple times.
The movie is centered around Barbie having to look for her human connection, Gloria, who is causing Barbie (Robbie) to have existential internal dialogues. Gloria, played by America Ferrera, and Barbie meet, and the film gives the audience a fun story focused on their journey to stop everything from breaking.
I went into the Barbie film expecting a fun summer movie with lots of color, a dynamic cast, and laughs. I left with all of that and a 2-hour experience of a film with commentary on equality, men and women dynamics, racism, and a host of other social issues. This might all sound heavy handed, but the film takes such a kind and unique approach to putting a mirror up to some important and uncomfortable issues and makes it a point to address it without taking away from the blockbuster experience. Much like a friend who mentors with care, topics are brought up, laughs are had, and there is still a film revolving around character arcs. If it sounds like a lot in a film, worry not as the pacing, storyline, and structure keep audiences engaged throughout its entire runtime.
Robbie, Gosling, and Ferrera are supported by a diverse cast of other Barbies and Kens and it is refreshing to see a host of actors having a good time and putting on great performances for audiences to enjoy. The acting, creative sets, music score, and production are all well done with little to almost no criticisms of the film’s production value. It helps that there are so many visually stunning moments. The creative team really did an excellent job with making Barbieland feel real lived in and the enormous amounts of Easter eggs make viewing the film multiple times totally worth the time and investment.
The layers of themes, the subtle and not-so subtle jokes, and sheer amount of inclusiveness is something that was not expected and so many movie goers will appreciate how the film is such a great movie going experience.
ATOMIC BARBIE
While this is a “Barbie” film, the script makes space for Ken (Gosling) to have his own storyline, and this brings back the connection to Oppenheimer.
Oppenheimer essentially only has male characters at the forefront, and it is glaringly obvious compared to a film as inclusive as Barbie. As mentioned prior, Barbie could have limited Ken to being a side character, however, Ken is given a moment to grow and shine. In Barbieland, it truly is about everyone. Which brings me back to Oppenheimer. The characters of Kitty and Jean are paramount to Oppenheimer’s life and yet the film almost makes it an intended goal of making both characters as negative elements to his life.
I mentioned Oppenheimer and Barbie were two sides of the same coin because ironically, they had similar themes that work so well, making for a fun case study of comparing the two. Where Oppenheimer spends much of its time justifying and minimizing the atrocities of the use of an atomic bomb, Barbie is brave enough to put a mirror up to the ugly elements of society and make a film for humanity that is funny, thought provoking, and will set a high standard for years to come. Oppenheimer created a weapon that threatens the planet today and it’s a somber reality to accept. While Barbie can be seen as a form of escapism, the film does justice to reminding viewers how acceptance truly can bring people together and break down systemic problems.
It’s not completely fair to compare the two films, but as part of the “Barbenheimer” experience, it was fun to see the similarities and how both directors took risks within their respective genre and filmmaking styles. Additionally, there have been posts on social media where the climactic moment in Barbie sometimes aligns with the bomb going off from Oppenheimer, making for a combined epic moment.
Oppenheimer is worth experiencing for anyone interested in the subject matter, however, I cannot help but say that for anyone who wants to know, I highly recommend Barbie. It has been a long time since I laughed, cheered, and even teared up at a film that feels culturally significant. It is now a Barbie world, and I think that is fantastic.