Christopher Nolan's Oppenheimer and Greta Gerwig's Barbie are being released on the same day, an event fans call the "Barbenheimer" phenomenon. As the date of the release approaches for both films, rave reviews from critics are exploding their way to upcoming audiences. For Oppenheimer, the density of the subject matter and the genius of Nolan has been constantly noted, more recently, by another acclaimed filmmaker.Oppenheimer explores the life of American Physicist Julius Robert Oppenheimer, the "father of the atomic bomb," as he embarks on The Manhattan Project. The official Oppenheimer synopsis notes how the scientist's brilliance ultimately changed the course of humanity and the nature of war, leading to hundreds of thousands of deaths and mass hysteria. The movie, which Nolan recommends to watch on IMAX 70mm, is considered to be one of the year's biggest and most-anticipated theatrical events.RELATED: Christopher Nolan's Oppenheimer Was Inspired By An Unlikely Source As the premiere date approaches, filmmakers, critics, and fans who caught early Oppenheimer screenings have expressed appreciation for the film. The latest to join the "Barbenheimer" mania was writer-director Paul Schrader. The Taxi Driver, Raging Bull, and Last Temptation of Christ screenwriter highlighted on a Facebook post that Nolan's epic is "the best, most important film of the century." Schrader also recommended to audiences that if they are to see one film in theaters this year, then let it be Oppenheimer.

Schrader is not the only member of the industry to note his excitement for the film. Tom Cruise, a big proponent of watching films in theaters, encouraged fans via Twitter to attend the double feature event this summer. He posed with tickets for Oppenheimer, Barbie, and Harrison Ford's Indiana Jones 5. "I love a double feature, and it doesn't get more explosive (or more pink) than one with Oppenheimer and Barbie," Cruise wrote.

Since early screenings began, critics have published outstanding Oppenheimer reviews. As for the box office, Oppenheimer is expected to be a financial success, with projections pointing to a $40 to $49 million on its opening weekend, while Barbie is anticipated to achieve $90 to $110 million.

Oppenheimer will hit theaters on July 21, 2023.

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Source: Paul Schrader