Christopher Nolan’sOppenheimerand Greta Gerwig’sBarbieare being released on the same day, an event fans call the “Barbenheimer” phenomenon. As the date of the release approaches for both films, rave reviews from critics are exploding their way to upcoming audiences. ForOppenheimer, the density of the subject matter and the genius of Nolan has been constantly noted, more recently, by another acclaimed filmmaker.Oppenheimerexplores the life of American Physicist Julius Robert Oppenheimer, the “father of the atomic bomb,” as he embarks on The Manhattan Project.The officialOppenheimersynopsisnotes how the scientist’s brilliance ultimately changed the course of humanity and the nature of war, leading to hundreds of thousands of deaths and mass hysteria. The movie, which Nolan recommends to watch on IMAX 70mm, is considered to be one of the year’s biggest and most-anticipated theatrical events.RELATED:Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer Was Inspired By An Unlikely SourceAs the premiere date approaches, filmmakers, critics, andfans who caught earlyOppenheimerscreeningshave expressed appreciation for the film. The latest to join the “Barbenheimer” mania was writer-directorPaul Schrader. TheTaxi Driver,Raging Bull,andLast Temptation of Christscreenwriter highlighted on a Facebook post that Nolan’s epic is “the best, most important film of the century.” Schrader also recommended to audiences that if they are to see one film in theaters this year, then let it beOppenheimer.
Schrader is not the only member of the industry to note his excitement for the film. Tom Cruise, a big proponent of watching films in theaters, encouraged fans via Twitter to attend the double feature event this summer. He posed with tickets forOppenheimer, Barbie,andHarrison Ford’sIndiana Jones 5. “I love a double feature, and it doesn’t get more explosive (or more pink) than one with Oppenheimer and Barbie,” Cruise wrote.
Since early screenings began, critics have published outstandingOppenheimerreviews. As for the box office,Oppenheimeris expected to be a financial success, with projections pointing to a $40 to $49 million on its opening weekend, whileBarbieis anticipated to achieve $90 to $110 million.
