If you were to ask anyone who is even remotely attuned to the film calendar of 2023 which day they were looking forward to the most, it’s highly likely they’d tell you the 21st July. After all, this is the day which will see the release of two of the year’s biggest and most anticipated films – Greta Gerwig’s Barbie and Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer. So far, what do we know about these films? And which one will come out on top in this cinematic battle?
Excitement has been building around Barbie ever since it was announced, especially when people believed they had found the Letterboxd account belonging to star Margot Robbie, in which she was watching films such as The Truman Show (1997), perhaps suggesting the film was not going to be what many were expecting. And with such a talented and acclaimed director at the helm in Gerwig, it’s clear that Barbie is likely going to be something special. Despite this only being her third directed film, her two previous ventures, Lady Bird (2017) and Little Women (2019), have been highly praised by both audiences and critics alike. It certainly will be interesting to see how Gerwig’s experience with mumblecore films, as well as the themes present in her earlier work as both a director and actress, such as the experience of young women coming-of-age, will translate into something far more large-scale.
The trailer only managed to increase expectations. With its stunningly designed pink wonderland paired with some truly iconic costumes, it seems safe to say that Barbie is going to be one of the year’s most visually impressive films. The stellar cast, boasting the likes of Margot Robbie, Ryan Gosling, Ncuti Gatwa and America Ferrera, only further solidifies the film as one to watch. As for the plot, not much has been revealed so far – the trailer does a marvellous job of not giving away too much. However, we do know that it will involve Barbie leaving for the real world, and this is where we can expect to see the influence of The Truman Show. With a script penned by Gerwig and her partner Noah Baumbach, it’s likely going to be a remarkably clever, charming and witty script. The trailer hints at this, such as a scene between two of the Kens in which they threaten to ‘beach’ each other off.
Oppenheimer certainly is going to be a rather different viewing experience, although it has also attracted a lot of attention. This is quite impressive for a biopic that is expected to be two-and-a-half hours long and deals with such a heavy and intense subject matter. It is a testament to Nolan’s popularity amongst cinephiles that this film is so highly anticipated. Also, like Gerwig, Nolan has an impressive catalogue of films, with some particular highlights being The Dark Knight, Interstellar and Dunkirk. It will certainly be interesting to see how Nolan approaches this character study of such a pivotal figure of the twentieth century.
Similar to Barbie, the Oppenheimer trailer does not provide us with much information, although our idea of the story is clearer. Unsurprisingly, the film will focus on Oppenheimer’s role in the Manhattan Project and the development of the atomic bomb. Interestingly, the trailer does not show us much (or, in some instances, anything) of the large supporting cast of the film, which includes the likes of Florence Pugh, Matt Damon and Emily Blunt. However, it is clear that this is shaping up to be a vehicle for Cillian Murphy’s talents, who, even in just the brief moments captured in the trailer, is giving what is likely to be a remarkably impressive – if perhaps subtle and introspective – performance. Furthermore, the cinematography and technical aspects are also looking like they will be standouts, which is something many have come to expect from Nolan’s work.
With both films releasing on the same day, many are already beginning to wonder how the box office will shape up. I imagine that both films will be at least moderately financially successful, with the same-day release even encouraging many people to book a Barbie/Oppenheimer ‘double feature’. The shared release date is definitely keeping both films firmly within people’s minds which is a good sign. However, in the battle of the box office, the advantage probably lies with Barbie for a couple of reasons. Firstly, it has the major advantage of being a film attached to a well-known and beloved brand. Moreover, Barbie’s one hour forty minute run time and easier subject matter compared to Oppenheimer are perhaps less likely to put off prospective audiences. This is not to say that I think that Oppenheimer will be a box office bomb (although it’s impossible to say with any certainty how audiences will react to either film), but I don’t expect it to make quite as much as Barbie. Although, for the box office, it is perhaps important to keep an eye on the new Mission Impossible as the one to reign supreme, since a popular franchise film with stars like Tom Cruise and Rebecca Ferguson is always going to be successful.
If you’re anything like me, you might be wondering how both films might fare when it comes to awards season. Both are likely to be particularly big players across the board in different categories. As alluded to before, Barbie’s costuming and production design are shaping up to be strong contenders, although Vanity Fair’s recent first look at Dune: Part Two demonstrates it may be the one to beat. And despite a somewhat frosty reception online to the casting of Gosling as Ken, there could be a surprising amount of buzz for his supporting turn. Especially after Jamie Lee Curtis’ shock win last year for Everything Everywhere All at Once, it’s clear that Oscar voters are willing to award rather more unorthodox performances, if the passion for the film and the actor is there.
Oppenheimer meanwhile should hopefully bring about Murphy’s first Oscar nomination, and perhaps there could be love for some of the supporting performances. Winning Best Actor is always an uphill battle, but biopics do tend to do quite well (sorry Austin Butler). Furthermore, the visual effects, sound design and cinematography of the film are likely to be well-received. Out of the two, I expect Oppenheimer to be better rewarded in categories such as Best Director or Best Picture, although I certainly won’t be counting Barbie out. If it manages to have an impressive run at the box office and remains in people’s minds throughout awards season, I wouldn’t be shocked if we hear both Christopher Nolan and Greta Gerwig’s names on Oscar nomination morning.
Most of this, of course, is just speculation. It’s pretty impossible to judge the success of a film based on a trailer and some on-set photos, and each year there are at least a handful of films that disappoint – take Florian Zeller’s sophomore effort, The Son, which failed to live up to the devastatingly brilliant The Father. Nevertheless, I, like many, am looking forward to turning up to the cinema on July 21st to watch both of these films – although I must admit to being Team Barbie.