2023-07-20 Barbenheimer
2023-07-20 Barbenheimer

I’ve been anticipating Nolan’s Oppenheimer film since trailers popped up a year ago and bought opening night tickets on the biggest screen near me over a week ago. Then I heard this Barbenheimer meme because the new Barbie movie was being released on the same night as Oppenheimer. Some thought that the studios screwed up releasing two “big” movies on the same night. But then some movie fans were like, why not watch both movies as an impromptu double feature on the same night. That idea sounded just crazy enough that it might be fun. I was in. 

Given the three-hour run time and seriousness of the story I decided to see Oppenheimer first. I kind’a wish that I had more time to reflect on what I saw tonight (damn Barbenheimer!). The imagery, the score, the silence… Nolan delivers an experience that one has to see in a theater with a giant screen, hopefully with a full crowd. I knew a little bit about the history of the development of the atom bomb but not so much that I could be detached from the drama unfolding onscreen. Nolan used a couple government hearings that took place several years after the war to frame the biography of this brilliant, but flawed man. 

Watching the horrific detonation of the first atom bomb for the Trinity test reminded me of sitting in a Saturday matinee 40-years ago watching the map of the United States in the film War Games as the bombs landed across the country. The theater was virtually empty except for some kids who were oblivious to the devastation being portrayed onscreen. The power and horror of that moment gave me pause, as did the pettiness and ambitions of those around Oppenheimer. Wow.

Now for something completely different… or not. I had no idea what to expect, but seeing all of the beautiful women in pink taking selfies after screening Barbie wasn’t something I anticipated.

2023-07-20 Barbie Fans line up at AMC Town Square

Director Greta Gerwig nailed the opening with a very unpink prologue reminiscent of a hugely influential science fiction classic. I’m sorry, it just made me laugh. At the same time, the movie asks some very serious important questions. I really don’t want to say any more than that. Loved it. 

2023-07-20 Oppenhiemer (at AMC Town Square)
2023-07-20 Barbie (at Orleans Century)

Finally, I did find a video that explored this whole Barbenheimer phenomenon. It’s worth watching. Enjoy.

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