Barbie VS Oppenheimer: The Unlikely Duo That Broke the Internet
Films The Arts

Barbie VS Oppenheimer: The Unlikely Duo That Broke the Internet

Barbenheimer takes the internet by storm as Nolan and Gerwig fans clash and unite!

          ‘Barbenheimer’ is a combination of movie titles “Barbie” and “Oppenheimer”. The buzz is all over social media because both of these unrelated movies were released on the same day, July 21, 2023. While such movie clashes are not new, what makes ‘Barbenheimer’ stand out is the completely different storylines of both movies and the immense fan following for both films because of the unique storytelling styles of their directors, Christopher Nolan and Greta Gerwig.

          A lot of the excitement surrounding these two movies has been driven by the audience themselves. They are fascinated by the contrast between the films, prompting many to arrange a day to watch both together. Social media is overflowing with memes, jokes, and discussions as people take sides or schedule a double feature. There are even electoral maps to show where Barbie or Oppenheimer is trending.

Photo: Courtesy of Illustration: CNN/Adobe Stock/Universal Pictures/Warner Bros. Pictures

Completely Different Stories.

          On one hand, “Oppenheimer” narrates the story of J. Robert Oppenheimer, an American theoretical physicist, and his pivotal role in the development of the atomic bomb during WWII through the top-secret Manhattan Project. On the other hand, “Barbie” represents the first-ever live-action adaptation of the iconic doll’s adventures. Directed by Greta Gerwig, the movie delves into themes of social power and touches on feminism and patriarchy while maintaining an entertaining and well-balanced storyline.

Photo: Courtesy of illustration by Salon/Universal Pictures/Warner Bros. Pictures

Things in Common

Men in Power

Both Barbie and Oppenheimer emphasise the immense power wielded by men, revealing the disturbing and frightening aspects of this power. Christopher Nolan’s film about J. Robert Oppenheimer exposes how men can exploit their authority and let the world suffer for their benefit. On the other hand, Barbie sheds light on the control men exert over women and how they exploit it to their advantage. Combining these two films makes for an unexpectedly powerful and thought-provoking double feature.

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A look at the historical figures

Barbie, a popular fashion doll, was created in 1959 by Ruth Handler, co-founder of the toy company Mattel, Inc. The idea for Barbie came to Ruth Handler while she was observing her daughter playing with paper dolls and imagining adult roles. Ruth saw an opportunity to introduce a three-dimensional adult-like doll to the toy market.

While the atomic bomb was invented during the early 1940s. The development and use of the atomic bomb marked a pivotal moment in human history, ushering in the era of nuclear weapons and raising profound ethical and security questions that still resonate to this day. They both are inventions that changed the world irrevocably.

Style

For ages, the lively pink colour that defines Barbie’s identity can be seen everywhere, and many admirers imitate Barbie’s fashion style. Barbie flaunts a variety of stunning feminine outfits, and interestingly, she and Oppenheimer both appreciate fashionable wide-brim hats.

Cinematic Dialogue

          Nolan vs. Gerwig Apart from the clash between movie storylines, another element fuelling the hype is the directorial styles of Christopher Nolan and Greta Gerwig. Nolan, known for his mind-bending narratives and visually stunning films, has already built a massive following around the world. His ability to craft intricate plots has earned him both critical acclaim and a dedicated fan base. On the other hand, Greta Gerwig has made a name for herself with her distinctive approach to storytelling. Her focus on female characters and exploration of societal themes has resonated with audiences and critics alike. The prospect of seeing two directors with such diverse visions releasing their movies on the same day has become a cinematic feast that fans can’t resist.

Photo: Courtesy of JAMES GOURLEY/GETTY IMAGES

photo: Courtesy of REUTERS/Stephane Mahe/File Photo

Impact on societies

          It drives a positive impact on societies because not only do audiences get the opportunity to watch movies from two promising directors, but they also have access to unique trends and activities, something that hasn’t been experienced in a long while because of the pandemic.

Photo: Courtesy of Emmet Sandberg @SandbergEmmet

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