Cinema enthusiasts in Los Angeles flocked to early viewings of the lighthearted comedy “Barbie” and the profound nuclear biopic “Oppenheimer” – a unique double feature affectionately known as “Barbenheimer.”
At the iconic TCL Chinese Theater on Hollywood Boulevard, several spectators were wholly immersed in the global “Barbenheimer” frenzy, intending to watch both films in a single day.
“I secured my tickets as soon as they were up for grabs,” expressed 25-year-old Joey Litvak on his way to an “Oppenheimer” show.
“I’ll be catching Barbie immediately after. It’s a ‘Barbenheimer’ day.”
Set to be released on the same day, Friday, the two films could not present more contrasting narratives, hence their shared moniker, “Barbenheimer.”
“Barbie” features Margot Robbie portraying the beloved Mattel doll, who leads an ideal existence in Barbie World until she begins experiencing ominous thoughts and physical changes.
“Oppenheimer,” a Christopher Nolan directorial, sees Cillian Murphy in the role of U.S. physicist J. Robert Oppenheimer, who spearheaded the development of the atomic bomb during World War Two.
“Despite these two movies appearing drastically different on the surface, they are essentially drawing in similar crowds,” commented Jackie Brenneman, the executive vice president of the National Association of Theatre Owners.
She further emphasized, “To truly relish these films, you need to enjoy them in the company of others.”
Earlier in the week, the association announced that approximately 200,000 people had purchased tickets to experience both films on their release day.
45-year-old movie enthusiast, Christian Cage, expressed his plans to watch both movies before his late-night work shift.
“I’m certain to be worn out, but considering the scorching LA weather, there’s no better respite than a cool, air-conditioned theatre showing movies all day,” he stated.
Several “Barbie” aficionados adorned in pink were seen posing for photos in a pop-up Barbie toy box.
“It’s marvellous! Barbie was the only toy I played with as a child,” shared Claudia Ripper, 39, who had come to see “Barbie” with her daughter.
“I used to dress up the dolls, do their hair… Barbie was my passion. Now that I have a daughter, I naturally want to share this experience with her. I adore Barbie.”
“Barbie” is projected to amass more than $100 million in the U.S. and Canada in its opening weekend, while “Oppenheimer” is expected to generate over $50 million.
Brenneman anticipated strong box office performance this weekend, a much-needed boost for the U.S. movie theatre industry that has been recovering slower in post-pandemic consumer spending than other events like sports and concerts.
This weekend, cinema halls across the U.S. and beyond will echo with laughter and intense dialogues as the unique cinematic coupling, “Barbenheimer,” takes center stage. With fans already showing immense excitement and enthusiasm, the film industry seems to be gearing up for a strong resurgence after the pandemic slowdown. As the curtains draw on this “Barbenheimer” opening weekend, we can only wait and see if the box office collections mirror this enthusiasm.
