26th July 2023, Mumbai: Elon Musk Mocks Barbie on Twitter
Elon Musk stirred controversy on Twitter by mocking the box office hit Barbie, now named X. He accused the film of overusing the term ‘patriarchy,’ prompting a response from fans comparing his new social network name to Oppenheimer. Musk’s comment, “You’ll pass out before the movie ends if you take a shot every time Barbie says ‘patriarchy,’” sparked mixed reactions on X.
Debates Over Barbie’s Message
Many on X debated Barbie’s political themes, with some labeling it a feminist movie and others criticizing it for being too anti-male. Musk’s remark triggered both support and opposition, igniting humorous and serious responses alike. Critics challenged Musk’s perspective, claiming Ken said the word more than Barbie. Nonetheless, the conversation surrounding Barbie continued to gain traction on social media.
Elon Musk’s Take on Oppenheimer
Elon also shared his opinion on Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer, concurring with Samuel Harris Altman, OpenAI’s CEO, that the movie was lengthy. Altman hoped the film would inspire young physicists, but Elon felt it missed that mark. He humorously posted a picture of a packed theatre with people glued to their phones during the movie, stating that Oppenheimer was “way too long.”
Oppenheimer’s Success and Competition with Barbie
Despite Elon’s critique, Oppenheimer, starring Margot Robbie, became the year’s highest-grossing film in the US and Canada, earning $337 million globally during its opening weekend, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter. Released on the same day as Barbie, the competition between the two films, dubbed “Barbenheimer,” became a subject of discussion on social media. Oppenheimer, directed by Christopher Nolan, focuses on the development of the atomic bomb and features Cillian Murphy in the lead role.
Barbie’s Journey of Self-Discovery
The movie Barbie revolves around the character’s journey of self-discovery, departing from her stereotypical persona, along with her companion Ken, played by Ryan Gosling. As they encounter an existential crisis, they venture into the real world from Barbieland. The film aims to explore Barbie’s identity and inspire Ken to embrace his individuality, making it a thought-provoking coming-of-age story.
Controversy Surrounding Political Themes
Barbie’s incorporation of political themes such as ‘patriarchy’ sparked debates about its underlying message. Some praised the film’s feminist perspective, hailing it as a positive step forward. However, others criticized its approach, deeming it overly critical of masculinity. This polarity of opinions created heated discussions on social media, with Elon Musk’s tweet adding fuel to the fire.
Oppenheimer’s Global Impact
Despite Elon’s playful criticism, Oppenheimer’s depiction of the historical development of the atomic bomb resonated with audiences worldwide. The film’s success underscored the enduring interest in significant historical events portrayed on the big screen. It also served as a testament to the storytelling abilities of Christopher Nolan and the compelling performance by Margot Robbie, who played a pivotal role in the movie.
Elon Musk’s Twitter antics ignited a heated discussion about the films Barbie and Oppenheimer. While some praised Barbie for its feminist themes and Oppenheimer for its historical significance, others found fault with both movies. Nonetheless, the movies’ success at the box office demonstrated their ability to engage audiences and create conversations that extended beyond the silver screen. As the movie industry continued to evolve, it was clear that thought-provoking storytelling remained the heart of cinematic success.
-by Kashvi Gala