Explore how Hollywood redefined storytelling in 2023 with ‘great man’ movies, from subverting tropes to celebrating female triumphs. Christopher Nolan’s “Oppenheimer,” Bradley Cooper’s “Maestro,” and Greta Gerwig’s historic “Barbie” – a cinematic evolution at its best!
Contents
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Introduction
- In the cinematic landscape of 2023, Hollywood showcased a remarkable array of films centered around iconic male figures.
- Christopher Nolan’s “Oppenheimer,” Ridley Scott’s “Napoleon,” Bradley Cooper’s “Maestro,” and the intriguing “Ferrari” biopic delved into the lives of historical giants.
- But how did these films contribute to or challenge the traditional narrative structure of ‘great man’ movies?
Unveiling Tropes: What Defines a ‘Great Man’ Movie?
Understanding the Formula
- Breaking down the typical biopic structure
- The highs, the lows, and the triumphant endings
Exemplary Great Man Movies
- Analyzing classics like “Amadeus” and “Malcolm X”
- Unraveling the complexities beyond greatness
2023’s Cinematic Landscape: A Critical Overview
Esther Zuckerman’s Perspective
- Vox’s insights into the standout nature of 2023’s films
- Interview with Esther Zuckerman on the allure of ‘great man’ narratives
Deconstructing the Trailers
- A closer look at “Oppenheimer,” “Maestro,” “Napoleon,” and “Ferrari”
- Assessing whether the films glorify or challenge their protagonists
Subversion and Critique: Unraveling the Narratives
Christopher Nolan’s “Oppenheimer”
- A radical exploration of J. Robert Oppenheimer’s genius and guilt
- Structurally groundbreaking elements that challenge conventions
Women in ‘Great Man’ Movies
- The trope of aggrieved wives: A critical analysis
- Bradley Cooper’s “Maestro” and the portrayal of Felicia Montealegre
The Most Subversive Film
- Declaring the standout among the narratives
- Why “Oppenheimer” emerges as the pinnacle of subversion
Hollywood’s Approach to Historical Figures: A Directorial Balance
Universal’s Triumph in 2023
- Universal’s $4.91 billion global box office victory
- Donna Langley’s strategy and the diverse Universal slate
Impact of Directorial Choices
- Christopher Nolan’s influence on Universal’s success
- Illumination’s “Super Mario Bros. Movie” and its record-breaking impact
The Shift in Power: Disney’s Reflection and Redemption
Disney’s Difficult Year
- Disney’s $4.82 billion global box office compared to Universal
- Bob Iger’s acknowledgment of missteps and commitment to quality
Disney’s Highlights and Ranking
- Disney’s top-grossing films in 2023
- Maintaining a stronghold despite relinquishing the global market share crown
J.J. Abrams’ TCM Picks: A Glimpse into Hollywood’s Classics
Abrams’ Choices for January 2024
- Warren Beatty’s “Bonnie and Clyde” and the era-defining “Shampoo”
- The timeless charm of “You Can’t Take It With You”
Abrams’ Insights into Classic Hollywood
- The impact of “Bonnie and Clyde” on graphic storytelling
- The realism and hilarity of Rob Reiner’s “This is Spinal Tap”
Greta Gerwig’s Triumph Amidst Hollywood’s Gender Disparity
Barbie’s Record-Breaking Success
- Greta Gerwig’s historic achievement with “Barbie”
- Breaking barriers and challenging gender norms in Hollywood
The Ongoing Struggle for Female Representation
- Martha Lauzen’s report on the declining participation of women behind the scenes
- Hollywood’s persistent gender inequality and the need for change
FAQs
Are these movies based on real historical events?
- Yes, all the movies discussed are based on the lives of historical figures and events.
Which film stood out the most in subverting traditional ‘great man’ movie narratives?
- “Oppenheimer,” directed by Christopher Nolan, is considered the most subversive among the films discussed.
What contributed to Universal’s triumph in the global box office in 2023?
- Universal’s success was attributed to a balanced slate of films, including blockbusters, animation, horror, and more, strategically marketed and distributed.
How did Disney respond to its challenging year in 2023?
- Disney acknowledged its missteps and expressed a commitment to focusing on quality over quantity.
What is the significance of Greta Gerwig’s achievement with “Barbie”?
- Greta Gerwig’s “Barbie” became the highest-grossing film ever directed by a woman, highlighting the need for increased female representation in Hollywood.
Conclusion
- In 2023, Hollywood’s exploration of ‘great man’ narratives took a bold turn, challenging established tropes and subverting expectations.
- Directors like Christopher Nolan and Bradley Cooper brought depth to their portrayals, while Greta Gerwig’s “Barbie” shattered records, emphasizing the need for more female directors in the industry.
- As we reflect on the cinematic achievements of the year, the industry stands at a crossroads, with the potential to redefine storytelling and representation.