Barbenheimer, the cinematic spectacle of the summer, marked the debut of Christopher Nolan’s ‘Oppenheimer’ and Greta Gerwig’s ‘Barbie.’ In this review, I delve into these two seemingly distinct films, exploring their profound comments on a shared theme – the cruelty of humanity.

Review

By Max Nokes / Matthew staff || Edited by Michaela Salzman 

The most significant movie debut this past summer was the release of Barbenheimer. July 21^st saw the unveiling of two major blockbusters: Christopher Nolan’s “Oppenheimer,” starring Cillian Murphy as the infamous scientist, and Greta Gerwig’s “Barbie,” starring Margot Robbie as the popular doll come to life.

The movies’ same-day release started the Barbenheimer phenomenon. These two movies, one a biopic of the man who created the atomic bomb, the other about the life, hijinks, and struggles of a popular toy,  made for an unlikely subject for a double feature. With so many people waiting for the July 21 date, it became a social media craze.  

Apps like X (formally Twitter), Letterboxd, and Instagram intensified the hype with memes, custom-made posters, posts, articles, and interviews with both films’ cast and crew. Debates ensued on which of the two would be the most successful on the big release date, with viewers across the world dressed in pink and glitter, or dark suits. For many, this was a collective cinematic experience; something forgotten since the COVID-19 pandemic.  

Unfortunately, I was not able to watch both movies on the release day, but many of my friends did. These friends shared that while they were both great films, watching back-to-back was difficult. I wondered why.  

So, the next day, on July 22, I went to watch Oppenheimer. As a History major with a fascination for this time period, as well as for the work of Christopher Nolan and his brand of mind-boggling films, I was originally more interested in watching this film. I saw the film with my sister at a night screening.

We were both excited, smiling with curiosity. But, as we left the theater, our smiles faded and the drive home was deadly silent. Nolan’s newest film isn’t just a great biopic with amazing performances, but an overall devastating experience. Within the span of three hours, you witness this character navigate the complex emotions of discovery and regret. 

Cillian Murphy’s performance as J. Robert Oppenheimer is something very unique in recent biopic films. The decisions he makes in this movie are heavy; the idea of creating a technology that not only expands and revolutionizes quantum physics and science, but also creates the possibility of mankind’s demise changes him mentally and physically. The supporting cast, which includes Matt Damon, Robert Downey Jr., Florence Pugh, and Emily Blunt, to name a few, helps bring to life the complex and somber life of Oppenheimer.

For me, Blunt’s and Pugh’s performances stood out, portraying raw, broken characters that add additional pressure and complexity to Oppenheimer’s life. Oppenheimer becomes more and more distraught as he realizes that, through the continuation of his nuclear development, he is continuously targeted and taken advantage of by both the U.S. government and his friends.   

Oppenheimer received widespread criticism. While some have voiced concerns about occasional inaction and Nolan’s distinct perplexing, storytelling style, overall the film effectively captures the intricate interplay between human creativity and devastation. Further, it vividly illustrates the isolation and betrayal that arise from innovation and achievement. Greed, pressures from society, and a thirst for power can make humanity cruel. Oppenheimer is more than just a historical film. The film’s underlying message, that the same greed driving innovation can ultimately lead to destruction, serves as a cautionary tale. 

After unpacking the film’s intensity, I thought Barbie would serve as a much-needed palette cleanser. I soon realized that the film diverted from expectations. 

I went to see Barbie a week after seeing Oppenheimer, in good spirits and excited about its star-studded cast and promising comedic elements. Barbie is a classic figure in popular culture, and while the movie honors the brand’s history, it also comments on deeper themes. I found the cast truly exceptional, especially with  Ryan Gosling as Ken, bringing undeniable comedy to the seemingly serious topic of patriarchy.  

On the surface, the movie is simply funny, charming, bright, and a fun adventure. But under the surface, it carries a very deep, and somewhat depressing, message. The main character of the movie, Barbie, played by the energetic and dedicated Margot Robbie, attempts to find herself after her previous understanding falls apart after venturing into the “real world.” Here she discovers the truth of misogyny and prejudice faced by women. Meanwhile, Ken, who tagged along with Barbie on the journey, learns about the role men have, notably loving the patriarchy for his newfound importance and power. Gerwig uses Ken to comment on the inequitable power men hold, contrary to his role in Barbie Land.  

Barbie Land is an alternative universe in which women hold the most power. When Barbie, accustomed to the power she holds in her world, learns the truth of the other side, she is broken. In contrast, when Ken learns about the real world, he takes this advantage to gain control of his own world. Both Barbie and Ken are trapped under the pressures and norms of society and quickly discover the cruel truths of humanity.  

Both Oppenheimer and Barbie are great films in their own right. No matter how different the two seem, they both share relevant themes, showcasing the cruelty of humanity. Both main characters go through a journey of realization. At first, they believe that they are destined for a greater good, then quickly realize that the people and situations surrounding them are not what they expected. Both movies’ main characters go through betrayal, heartbreak, and often the cruelness of the world. Both directors crafted important films that will go down in history for their cinematic impact, important underlying messages, and the global responses they ignited.