Cinema enthusiasts around the world are celebrating in 2023 the return of “Real cinema” with a lineup of remarkable films from Hollywood’s biggest names. The year has been nothing short of monumental, with both box office hits and highly anticipated releases captivating audiences.
Barbeniehimer, reviving post-pandemic box office:
Greta Gerwig, known for her exceptional work in coming-of-age movies such as “Lady Bird” and “Little Women”, brought a fresh perspective to the beloved character Barbie in her film titled simply “Barbie.”
Released alongside Christopher Nolan’s epic historical drama “Oppenheimer,” the two films made a grand entrance on July 21, drawing massive incomes for their respective studios.
While “Barbie” stood out with an unprecedented budget and a marketing campaign that painted the world in pink, “Oppenheimer” was met with critical acclaim for its powerful storytelling and an impressive cast consisting of Cillian Murphy, Robert Downey Jr.
Gerwig’s “Barbie” delved into women’s issues and intricate life relationships, giving the iconic doll a new dimension that fans didn’t expect. The film’s IMDb rating of 7.5/10 reflects its impact on audiences, sparking childhood memories and resonating with viewers worldwide.
In contrast, Nolan’s “Oppenheimer” took a historical approach, captivating audiences with its well-crafted soundtrack, stunning visuals, and an unmatched ensemble of actors. Though not as commercially successful as “Barbie,” the film brought back a sense of real cinema, reaffirming Nolan’s position as a master filmmaker.
Fincher’s “The Killer” to debut at Venice film festival:
David Fincher, renowned for his gripping thrillers, is soon returning to the scene with “The Killer,” featuring the talents of Michael Fassbender and Tilda Swinton.
The film’s planned debut at the prestigious Venice Film Festival has already sparked discussions about its potential involvement in the Oscar race, given Fincher’s history of creating award-winning works.
But the excitement doesn’t stop there; the Venice Film Festival is brimming with promising films from top-tier directors like Ava DuVernay, Wes Anderson, Sofia Coppola, Michael Mann, Bradley Cooper, Lucas Besson, Harmony Korine, and more. The lineup promises a diverse array of stories and genres, guaranteeing a thrilling experience for film enthusiasts.
Fincher worked on some of the biggest Netflix projects over the past ten years, including “Mank,” a film about Herman Mankiewicz’s struggle to write “Citizen Kane,” “Love Death & Robots,” “House of Cards,” and “Mindhunter,” enhancing the value of the streaming service and posing the question of whether theatrical releases are the only viable option for movies to become successful.
Is “Killers of the flower moon” Scorseses’ last film?
Amidst all the excitement, there’s a tinge of sadness as legendary filmmaker Martin Scorsese contemplates whether “Killers of the Flower Moon” will be his final contribution to the world of cinema.
At 80 years old, Scorsese is unsure if he will have more time to tell stories on the big screen. As the most nominated living filmmaker, his potential farewell leaves many fans yearning for more, cherishing the cinematic legacy he leaves behind.
Set to release in October this year, making it the first film that Scorsese has released since the gangster movie “The Irishman” in 2019, the film unites Robert De Niro and Leonardo Di Caprio.
A great year for Moroccan cinema
Moroccan cinema has also had a remarkable couple of months, with several participations in international festivals and tearful wins of prestigious accolades.
“The Mother of All Lies”, directed by Moroccan Asmae El Moudir, a film addressing the mysteries behind Morocco’s 1981 Bread Riots, received the top award for best picture at the Sydney Film Festival on Sunday.
It also won the best direction award at the Cannes film festival, alongside Kamal Lazraq’s “Les Meutes” which was awarded the jury prize.
Zineb Wakrim’s short film “AYYUR” took third place in Cannes “La Cinef” category.
As 2023 still has a couple of months before ending, it proves to be a great year for cinema, showcasing a return to the art of storytelling and captivating audiences with extraordinary films.