Unless you have been living under a rock for the previous year or so, chances are that you have heard about the two blockbuster films that took the entire entertainment industry by storm. Yes! We’re talking about none other than Barbie and Oppenheimer, or rather Barbenheimer.
These highly anticipated films have become somewhat of an internet sensation, with #barbenheimer being in the trending spot on all social media apps for the past week.
However popular or highly-rated a movie might be it can't escape the wrath of the online meme community. These movies are not an exception as countless barbenheimer memes have flooded the internet, mainly due to the night and day difference between the two films.
The difference is so vast in fact between the two movies that multiple users on TikTok and similar apps have made videos on the matter with a humorous twist. Personally, our feed is filled with these and we’re not complaining, as we laugh at their hilarity.
Although, this disparity doesn't stop the fans from enjoying both cinematic masterpieces on airing day, as they swarmed towards the cinemas adorned in shocking pink clothing, obviously to show their support for the movie filled with the color pink (so much so that production caused an actual shortage in pink paint), and a porkpie hat- which is the iconic hat worn by Mr. Oppenheimer throughout the movie.
Another fun fact about the Oppenhiemer movie is that the atomic bomb explosion wasn’t filmed with CGI. “Does this mean they actually dropped an atomic bomb?!” Well… the answer is NO - Rather they used the magic of cinematography to trick us into believing that the small explosion they filmed was of an actual atomic bomb!
After finally having its moment in the spotlight, Barbenhiemer faced its fair share of criticism upon their highly anticipated releases. As expected with all media, a large uproar of disdain came alongside many positive reviews.
For Barbie, it got labeled as ‘anti-men’ and ‘too woke’ mostly by men, a demographic not particularly aimed at, for this movie, as they complained that Barbie villainized the male population showing them as either misogynists or airheads, and didn’t give them any substantial character traits.
Although, even before its premiere, it did not have any easy time in the media. Riddled with constant criticism based on the choice of actors and predictions of the plot, it seemed like everyone had a complaint. “Ryan Gosling is too old” or “The movie will be immature” were constant comments displayed. Days before the release, while Gen Z was selecting their pink ensembles, entire countries were banning the movie in the Middle East such as Saudis Arabia and Vietnam. Even Punjab had it banned for a few days! This is namely due to a controversial world map featuring a line reinforcing China’s claim on the South China sea which Vietnam found attacking their sovereignty. Furthermore, their open LGBTQ stance made for many countries to be concerned with showings.
This does not mean Oppenheimer was saved from the critics’ pitchforks. There is a widely discussed scene featuring Bhagavad Gita, a book of Hindu scripture considered holy to the religion that had been portrayed in a less than ideal light.
Viewers also had questions on the accuracy of the biopic and large debate spread on whether or not Robert J. Oppenheimer was a misunderstood hero or simply a villain.
Yet of course, in true internet fashion, fans of either movie are reaching massive heights of anger at the negative reviews.
As per the reaction towards the two pieces: Oppenheimer’s box office has surpassed 200 million dollars worldwide in just five days, whilst Barbie has reached $214 million.
Oppenheimer star Cillian Murphy reportedly mentioned in an interview: ‘Some people are devastated, some people are overwhelmed, people want to see it two or three times.’ Many have even claimed Oppenheimer to be the best piece made, by the well-praised director Christopher Nolan.
After watching the film, audiences have described the experience as ‘heart-pounding’, making you question the ‘messy unknowability of humans.’ It gravitates towards a horror film rather than a biography with it’s ‘claustrophobic landscape’ and ‘trembling imagery.’ Reviews have mentioned both Murphy and Downey’s outstanding performances, admitting that both actors now deserve Oscars for their roles.
However, some people have complained about the movie being unnecessarily ‘too long’ and ‘mildly boring.’ International viewers are unhappy with Nolan’s approach to not show the ‘actual destruction of 200,000 Japanese people.’
Barbie is ‘a ken out of ken’ for many fans with it’s ‘vivid imagery’ and ‘entrancing acting performances.’ This movie is said to be multi-generational with deep hidden messages of independence and womanhood. Someone has stated that it ‘felt like a hug from a mother to a daughter.’
Some viewers were disappointed and said that towards the end, the plot of the Barbie ‘just fell apart.’ For some it seemed to be confusing on its own with too many opinions crammed into one piece.
All in all, the viewers have mixed views on the two films, despite the fact that most of the audience has left the theater satisfied. Perhaps, it was the ‘over the top’ barbenheimer marketing that resulted in many getting disappointed with both. Though, it comes as no surprise that both the films have left everyone absolutely ‘shockenheimered.’
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