One of the most stereotypical parts of a young girl’s childhood is an undying passion for a good old fashioned Barbie doll. Barbie, something designed especially for creativity and self-expression, has had the ability to impact thousands of basement playrooms, while her extravagant dream houses became a permanent stature in bedroom corners. 

On July 21, 2023, “Barbie,” directed by Greta Gerwig, was something nobody expected, but instead was something nobody expected we’d need. “Barbie” was able to give a glimpse into the sexism and discrimination women face constantly, while maintaining a balance of clever humor and overall appreciation for everyone who’s still trying to discover who they truly are. 

The movie starts with an introduction to “Barbie Land,” a place where all the different Barbies and Kens reside, but the overall power within their world is centered around women. Barbie soon discovers that the fabric of her reality is faltering, so she has to take a visit to the real world, just to realize that it’s nowhere close to being as peaceful as life in her world. When Barbie learns that the real world is more fit for a man and less for a woman, she begins the journey through self discovery and faces the reality of sexism and gender roles. 

The genuine impact “Barbie” had on not only myself, but almost every woman who saw the movie, created a feeling that doesn’t come around often. The ability the movie had to make every female in the theater feel seen and listened to is something that can not be talked about enough. While the casting was near-perfect, with Margot Robbie starring as Barbie beside Ryan Gosling co-starring as Ken, the film not only serves great visual aspects, but the story remains strong the entire way through.

However, the thing that’s almost poetic about the whole film and the internet chaos it created, was how equally represented all women were despite their ages, races or sexualities. It was a beautiful homage to the evolution of womanhood and the transition from a young girl to a young woman. Barbieland stood as a symbol for the naivete of a young girls’ mind, while the real world is where the jump into womanhood begins⸺resulting in a lot of challenges and unrealistic expectations. As we grow older, we begin to see the sacrifices our mothers and grandmothers made; they walked so we could run. “Barbie” portrayed this throughout the movie in almost a seamless and effortless way. Ruth Handler, played by Rhea Perlman, had an outstanding piece of dialogue: “We mothers stand still, so our daughters can look back to see how far they’ve come.” It stood as a full circle moment for all the mothers in the audience watching with their children sitting beside them, knowing they loved their Barbie dolls as much as their daughters do now. 

One of the most standout scenes of the entire movie was Gloria’s (America Ferrera) monologue towards the end of the film:

“It is literally impossible to be a woman. You are so beautiful, and so smart, and it kills me that you don’t think you’re good enough. Like, we have to always be extraordinary, but somehow we’re always doing it wrong.”

As the monologue goes on, the genius of Gerwig’s mind shapes the film into everything that it has become. One of the biggest takeaways is that it felt almost special to know the movie wasn’t designed for men to understand⸺or possibly never understand even if they tried. The movie so accurately displayed what it’s like growing up and slowly realizing that men don’t see you as a friend but as a body to objectify. When the words we say don’t hold value in a room, when the things we believe in aren’t upheld to the same importance⸺there is no way to understand these feelings unless you’ve been experiencing them since you were born. 

The magnitude and appreciation of “Barbie” shared by all the women who had the opportunity to see the movie is something I’m happy I got to experience. The movie itself is truly a gift, and Gerwig’s directing and writing skills made it everything that it is since it came out. 

“I’m just so tired of watching myself and every single other woman tie herself into knots so that people will like us. And if all of that is also true for a doll just representing women, then I don’t even know.” – “Barbie” 2023.

Christopher Nolan, a visionary filmmaker renowned for his unique storytelling techniques and ability to craft cinematic experiences that challenge and captivate audiences, has left an indelible mark on the world of cinema. With an impressive body of work, including films like “Inception,” “The Dark Knight Trilogy” and “Interstellar” Nolan has consistently pushed the boundaries of cinematic storytelling. His penchant for nonlinear narratives, intricate character development and thought-provoking themes has earned him a reputation as one of the most influential directors of our time. In “Oppenheimer” Nolan continues to demonstrate his prowess in bringing historical narratives to life while inviting viewers to explore the depths of the human condition.

In Christopher Nolan’s film “Oppenheimer,” the acclaimed director delves deep into the complex psyche of J. Robert Oppenheimer, a brilliant but troubled scientist whose work on the Manhattan Project played a pivotal role in shaping the course of history. This cinematic exploration offers viewers a unique opportunity to gain insight into the mind of this enigmatic figure who grappled with the moral and ethical dilemmas surrounding the creation of the atomic bomb. Drawing from historical accounts and Nolan’s cinematic vision, “Oppenheimer” is a thought-provoking masterpiece that invites audiences to contemplate the human dimensions of scientific innovation.

“Oppenheimer” presents J. Robert Oppenheimer as a multifaceted character, portrayed by a stellar cast. The film opens with his early life, academic pursuits and the development of his extraordinary intellect. Through Nolan’s lens, viewers witnessed Oppenheimer’s insatiable curiosity and drive for knowledge. The use of flashbacks and nonlinear storytelling, a hallmark of Nolan’s filmmaking, allowed the audience to immerse itself in the depths of Oppenheimer’s intellectual prowess. With every scientific breakthrough, viewers were drawn closer to understanding the relentless ambition that drove him.

One of the central themes explored in “Oppenheimer” was the moral and ethical dilemma faced by J. Robert Oppenheimer and his colleagues during the Manhattan Project. The film scrutinized the internal struggle Oppenheimer faced as he grappled with the consequences of his work. Nolan’s directorial finesse brought to life the tension between the necessity of developing the atomic bomb to end World War II and the overwhelming guilt that accompanied unleashing such devastating power upon humanity. The film presented Oppenheimer as a man tormented by the knowledge that his scientific achievements had the potential to obliterate entire cities.

The film also delved into the personal life of J. Robert Oppenheimer. Nolan’s portrayal highlighted the strained relationships with his colleagues and the isolation he experienced due to the secrecy surrounding the Manhattan Project. The film explored Oppenheimer’s interactions with fellow scientists, including notable figures like Enrico Fermi, Richard Feynman and Albert Einstein, shedding light on the complex dynamics among these brilliant minds. The film explored his complicated relationship with his wife, Katherine “Kitty” Oppenheimer, and his extramarital affair with Jean Tatlock, a fellow scientist. Nolan’s portrayal emphasized the emotional toll this triangular relationship took on Oppenheimer, as he navigated the challenging terrain of love, loyalty, and professional commitments. Additionally, it delved into his strained relationship with his brother, Frank Oppenheimer, adding an emotional layer to the character.

Christopher Nolan also delved into the tumultuous relationship between J. Robert Oppenheimer and Admiral Lewis Lichtenstein Strauss, a rivalry that played a significant role in Oppenheimer’s life. Strauss, a key figure in the United States Navy and the Atomic Energy Commission, held opposing views to Oppenheimer regarding the development and use of atomic weapons. The film portrayed their interactions as marked by intense disagreements, political maneuvering and personal animosity.

Nolan’s direction and storytelling skillfully portrayed the ideological chasm that separated Oppenheimer and Strauss. While Oppenheimer was deeply troubled by the moral implications of the atomic bomb, Strauss viewed it as a necessary tool of national security. The clash between their worldviews and their struggle for influence within the corridors of power added layers of complexity to the narrative.

Christopher Nolan’s “Oppenheimer” offered a captivating cinematic journey into the mind of J. Robert Oppenheimer, providing viewers with a nuanced portrayal of this iconic scientist. By skillfully blending historical accuracy with his distinctive storytelling style, Nolan painted a complex portrait of a man whose brilliance was matched only by the weight of his moral burden. The film explored Oppenheimer’s ambition, the ethical dilemmas he faced, and the personal relationships that shaped his life. “Oppenheimer” proved to be a cinematic masterpiece that not only educated but also challenged us to contemplate the profound implications of scientific innovation on the human condition. Through this lens, viewers were invited to reflect on the enduring legacy of J. Robert Oppenheimer and the enduring moral questions surrounding the atomic age. In the hands of Christopher Nolan, “Oppenheimer” was indeed a landmark film that resonated with audiences for years to come, serving as a testament to the enduring power of cinema to explore the depths of the human experience.