The real hit of the summer? “Oppenheimer.”
In one week, the three hour movie about scientist talking through how to build a bomb has made $117 in the US and another $124 million abroad.
Everyone’s going to see it, not just art house audiences.. Even celebrities are plunking down their 20 bucks. Paul McCartney and Steven Spielberg were each spotted in East Hampton. Blythe Danner went to the Sag Harbor Cinema. I’m sure there are many more instances.
Of course, “Oppenheimer” is an A plus movie. It deserves all the accolades and attention. But without the Barbenheimer marketing, it would not have been so much. “Oppenheimer” smartly piggy backed on “Barbie,” making the experience of seeing them in one sitting an event. It’s kind of a once in a lifetime thing in cross-referencing two very different movies.
“Oppenheimer” will play well through Labor Day, ease off, and come back in the late fall for awards season. Christopher Nolan’s film could pick up nominations in every Oscar category easily. Winning isn’t the issue right now. But it’s a helluva story for future schedules.
