It’s called Barbenheimer.
What began as a meme mashing the two films going head-to-head at the box office on July 21 has apparently blossomed into a full-on movement of people refusing to choose between Greta Gerwig’s colorful satire and Christopher Nolan’s monochrome biopic.
Reports suggest that Barbie will easily step over Oppenheimer in opening weekend grosses — but maybe that’s just because Hollywood insiders assume people aren’t willing to see both. However, if it’s a good enough strategy for Tom Cruise, it’s a good enough strategy for Oppenheimer star Cillian Murphy, who recently gave the ambitious double feature his blessing.
In a recent interview with La Vanguardia, Murphy was asked about Barbenheimer and totally leaned in on the proposition:
And for once, the internet seems united behind this idea:
While those supporting Barbenheimer may not see the two films as a literal double feature, it certainly seems like many folks are prepared to catch both on opening weekend. But given the schism in style and content here, what accounts for this tidal wave of enthusiasm for two films that don’t even belong to franchises (yet)?
Our take is that audiences are just plain tired of reheated tentpoles that rely primarily on CG to sell their spectacle. Both The Flash and Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny struggled at the box office following criticisms about their poor effects work and buzz suggesting that both franchises should have stayed dead after Zack Snyder’s superhero universe was shuttered by Warner. Bros and Spielberg elected not to return for Indiana Jones 5.
Now, along come twin movies on opposite ends of the creative spectrum that seem bracingly original and boast standout visuals that (as widely reported) were primarily captured in-camera. It feels a bit like the old days at the cinema, and to a populace that’s thoroughly sick of seeing characters fist-fight in front of green screens, the double bill is a rush of fresh air. Breathe deeply, people — even if that air smells like a mix of Barbie Kiss perfume and nuclear fallout.
