YEAR OF THE BIOPIC

what do the “father of the atomic bomb,” a proponent of nonviolent resistance, the composer of West Side Story, the “Iron Lady of Israel” and Barbie have in common? All are the subjects of highly anticipated movies in 2023. Christopher Nolan’s blockbuster Oppenheimer (July 21) is based on the Manhattan Project scientist’s autobiography. Rustin (TBA), about gay civil rights activist Bayard Rustin, who organized the 1963 March on Washington, stars Colman Domingo and Chris Rock and is produced by Michelle and Barack Obama’s Higher Ground. Bradley Cooper directs and stars in Maestro (TBA), a film about legendary conductor and composer Leonard Bernstein, that is co-produced by Martin Scorcese and Steven Spielberg. Golda (August 25) stars Helen Mirren as Israel’s first female prime minister, and the plastic life of the fictional Barbara Millicent Roberts is featured in feminist director Greta Gerwig’s Barbie (July 21). Other non-bio must-see flicks for 2023 include Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret (April 28), adapted from Judy Blume’s iconic novel; Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny (June 30); the musical version of Alice Walker’s novel The Color Purple (December 20); and Legally Blonde 3 (TBA).