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The Explainer: Do Barbie and Oppenheimer mark the return of the summer blockbuster?

This week, presenter Laura Byrne is joined by journalist and author Aoife Barry, who takes us through the hype machine behind Barbie and how this rubbed off on Oppenheimer. Did it translate into box office success? Also, how will the strike by actors and writers in the US impact film and television over the coming months?

SOMETIMES IT FEELS like the future of cinema is uncertain as streaming services become dominant – until you have a weekend like the one just passed.

Thousands flocked to see either Barbie or Oppenheimer, or both in a ‘Barbenheimer’ double-bill.

This is partly the result of toy manufacturer Mattel’s multi-million dollar marketing machine that ensured Barbie was front and centre in the media for weeks before the film’s launch, but it has also sparked discussion around the role of cinema in 2023.

And after a dry spell of summer blockbusters, a concept that stretches back to Jaws in the 1970s, could this mark their return?

This week, presenter Laura Byrne is joined by journalist and author Aoife Barry, who talks us through the hype machine behind Barbie and how this rubbed off on Oppenheimer.

Did it translate into box office success? Does it mark the return of big summer blockbuster films and maybe a brighter future for the cinema business?

Also, how will the strike by actors and writers in the US impact film and television over the coming months?

https://soundcloud.com/the-explainer-podcast/2023-week-30-barbenheimer-export-1/s-F5RPjtLvqbb?si=20756e42d58343009a00a8b57e515805&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing

This episode was put together by presenter Laura Byrne, senior producer Nicky Ryan and executive producer Sinéad O’Carroll.

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    Mute Chett Richards
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    Jun 21st 2023, 5:46 PM

    Unthinkable situation to be in. Hope they’re saved!

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    Mute Keith Lenihan
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    Jun 21st 2023, 5:49 PM

    We’ve come to the point where it’s acceptable to count down possibly peoples last hours. How did we get to this level of voyeurism?

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    Mute Chett Richards
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    Jun 21st 2023, 5:52 PM

    @Keith Lenihan: Sadly, true. There are people out there joking about this situation. Namely on those toxic Social Media Apps. Deplorable.

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    Mute mixterz
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    Jun 21st 2023, 5:57 PM

    @Chett Richards: They’ll be in jail soon. Then you will be in a safe place.

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    Mute Chett Richards
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    Jun 21st 2023, 5:59 PM

    @mixterz: Who will be in jail??

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    Mute Roy Dowling
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    Jun 21st 2023, 6:37 PM

    @Keith Lenihan: I’m genuinely surprised there isn’t a live countdown timer to when they run out of oxygen

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    Mute Kenmark
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    Jun 21st 2023, 6:05 PM

    It’s a very difficult time for all concerned, particularly the families and the unfortunate passengers on board. I do hope for a miracle and that all will be reunited.

    Above said, we need to leave the Titanic and her lost souls alone to rest. Money/greed and an insatiable appetite to interfere with a final resting place has come back to bite 5 unfortunate people in that sub.

    Leave well enough alone!

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    Mute Sean O'Dhubhghaill
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    Jun 21st 2023, 6:11 PM

    @Kenmark: People died on Titanic. People died in the Coliseum. Can both be tourist attractions?

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    Mute Johnny Angler
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    Jun 21st 2023, 6:02 PM

    Unfortunately their survival chances are zero at this stage, even if they are discovered now. The time taken to get a vessel capable of lifting them to the surface, along with the slow ascend to the surface to allow their bodies to adjust to surface pressure will take more time than the available oxygen. I really hope I’m proven wrong.

    56
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    Mute Roj Blake
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    Jun 21st 2023, 6:10 PM

    @Johnny Angler: the vessel is kept at 1 atmosphere, so there is no need to decompression

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    Mute Brian
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    Jun 21st 2023, 6:00 PM

    @Chett Richards: You’re right about that. Social media is an absolute sewer. It amazes me how low people can sink these days.

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    Mute Chett Richards
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    Jun 21st 2023, 6:34 PM

    @Brian: I like to think I have a very agreeable opinion Brian. One based on logic and critical thinking rather than blind emotions.

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    Mute Brian MacCarthaigh
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    Jun 21st 2023, 7:43 PM

    @Brian: 3000 meters apparently : (

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    Mute Eddie Garvey
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    Jun 21st 2023, 6:09 PM

    This is tasteless to be posting headlines like this to gain readership on the back of what’s happened to those poor people. We know they are in a dire situation or worse, it’s been reported here already, thanks for informing us, please stop this “countdown to people’s death” voyeurism as already commented on for no other purpose but to get readers and generate advertising revenue, it’s frankly disgusting. If there is more news or a genuine need for an article on the topic that’s journalism, this isn’t that.

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    Mute JamRag
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    Jun 21st 2023, 6:14 PM

    Way more money than sense

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    Mute Barry Lehane
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    Jun 21st 2023, 6:42 PM

    @JamRag: You know them personally you do? So anyone that’s ever died adventuring or exploring has been lacking sense have they? Educate yourself about the people in that sub and have a bit of respect.

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    Mute offside again
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    Jun 21st 2023, 10:07 PM

    It’s a dreadful situation. Reality is boats sink and people drown. What seems to be the case here; is that the boat was not suitable.
    If they ever got to see the Titanic ; well … that must make for some moments of reflection if they’re still alive. No disrespect intended

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    Mute Anna Carr (Morrigan_Dubh)
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    Jun 21st 2023, 9:46 PM

    The sea should be respected for the powerful force it is. Every now and again, she likes to remind those with no respect. Again I say, leave the dead to rest, leave Titanic alone. Those 5 people are now learning the hard way. I’m sorry, but greed begets greed begets karma

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    Mute Barry Lehane
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    Jun 21st 2023, 10:07 PM

    @Anna Carr (Morrigan_Dubh): Era for flip sake! Is everyone meant to just stop living and being adventurous now? It was an accident. If we lived by that nonsense the world would be dreadfully boring! Nobody would take risks to invent, explore, adventure and look to the future. Just put it down as an accident and get a grip.

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    Mute Anna Carr (Morrigan_Dubh)
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    Jun 22nd 2023, 12:13 AM

    @Barry Lehane: I don’t feel that way. I feel the arrogance of human nature, thinking it can override mother nature is a big mistake, as has been proven by many deaths over the centuries of your version of exploration and adventure.

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    Mute david finglas
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    Jun 21st 2023, 8:13 PM

    This is what happens when you’ve more money than sense ,,

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    Mute Barry Lehane
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    Jun 21st 2023, 9:29 PM

    @david finglas: Wow. You’re only the 700th person on here to say that senseless comment. Well done.

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    Mute david finglas
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    Jun 21st 2023, 6:56 PM

    Hope one of them brought a spliff might as well go out on a high

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    Mute smatrix mantra
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    Jun 22nd 2023, 4:47 PM

    If they’d produce “SOS” in Morse code I’d agree there is still a chance. And I’d think this to be the standard beacon to use also in subs. But producing just “banging”, I’m not so sure.

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