The rivalry between Greta Gerwig’s Barbie and Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer is not just limited to their release dates. With both films scheduled to premiere on July 21, social media has coined the term “Barbieheimer” to describe the phenomenon surrounding the two movies. Despite their contrasting themes, there are some interesting similarities between the two.
In a recent interview with the Associated Press, Gerwig discussed her decision to reference Marcel Proust in Barbie. She explained that in Proust’s novel “Remembrance of Things Past,” there is a scene in “Swann’s Way” where the protagonist is transported back to his childhood through the taste of a madeleine. Gerwig saw this as a perfect opportunity to include a subtle Easter egg in the film.
The specific scene Gerwig refers to in Barbie is when Margot Robbie’s character steps inside her plastic packaging and comments on the familiar smell triggering a Proustian memory. Will Ferrell’s character, the CEO of Mattel, then mentions Proust Barbie, joking that it did not sell well. This clever reference adds depth to the film and showcases Gerwig’s attention to detail.
Interestingly, Gerwig was unaware that Nolan’s Oppenheimer also had a connection to Proust. Oppenheimer, the American scientist responsible for the development of the atomic bomb, reportedly had an appreciation for the author. When Gerwig learned about this connection, she playfully remarked, “So he would have loved Proust Barbie!”
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Barbie, highly anticipated by fans, follows the journey of Margot Robbie’s character and Ryan Gosling’s Ken in Barbie Land, a colorful and perfect world. When Barbie is given the opportunity to go to the real human world, she embarks on a quest to discover her true purpose and understand herself better. The film promises to be a heartfelt exploration of identity and self-discovery.
During the interview, Gerwig was also asked whether she reads movie reviews once her films are released. She admitted that she likes to read them, as film criticism matters to her as a person and she appreciates being in conversation with people who think deeply about cinema. However, she acknowledged that it can be overwhelming to read reviews when a movie has just been released, as the emotional intensity of the moment can make it difficult to take in feedback.
Gerwig shared that she often waits a few weeks before revisiting the reviews, allowing herself time to process the feedback more objectively. She emphasized the importance of critics’ perspectives and the impact they have on the reception of a film. She expressed her pleasure at the initial response to Barbie, noting that it seems to have been received in the spirit in which she intended.
In conclusion, the rivalry between Greta Gerwig’s Barbie and Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer continues to captivate audiences and generate buzz on social media. Despite their different themes, both films incorporate references to Marcel Proust, adding an unexpected connection between the two projects. Gerwig’s Barbie explores identity and self-discovery in a colorful world, while Nolan’s Oppenheimer delves into the historical events surrounding the development of the atomic bomb. As the release date approaches, fans eagerly await the debut of these highly-anticipated films and the critical reception that will follow.
