Grossing $337 million opening weekend, it’s fair to say that theBarbiemovie got something right—actually, a lot of things.
Directed by Greta Gerwig, who co-wrote with Noah Baumbach,Barbieis the much-anticipated and widely supported live-action movie based on Mattel’s iconic doll created by Ruth Handler. It is the journey of “Stereotypical Barbie’s” quest for an identity and a purpose outside her “perfect” existence in Barbieland.
Though die-hard Barbie connoisseurs may have hoped to see The Heart Family, that absence may be the only thing missing for fans. As if the producers had a verified checklist in anticipation of the watchful eyes of Barbie loyalists, they ensured that everything else was there.
Plot Pleasantries
The Barbie brand has evolved to be synonymous with women’s empowerment, inclusiveness, beauty in all shapes and shades, and confidence. From Ken to Skipper to Midge to endless blatant and—if you chewed your popcorn too loud, you might even miss it—subliminal and/or quirky popular culture references,Barbiedelivered heaping doses of nostalgia while serving audiences an ultimate reminder that girls areinnatelycapable of being awesome.
There are nod-backs toGreaseandThe Matrixand even an opening visual of Barbie in a black and white swimsuit, cat-eyed white sunglasses, and impeccable pin curls, just like the original Barbie when she was invented in 1959. There is a historical ode to the memory of Ruth Handler, tenderly portrayed by Rhea Perlman (CheersTV series), who sheds light on her daughter, Barbara, being the inspiration and also the reason for Barbie’s name.
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All of these moments are woven together via a plot that requires an essential touch of authenticity seasoned with care. Barbie is the pinnacle of childhood memories for generations of women, especially, and a plot full of slapstick shenanigans would not have digested well with fans. Wisely, the plot is, instead, presented in a quirky and witty satirical tone that is as equally cool as the delightful and deliciously pink set design.
Sure, there are silly moments—Ken failing to soar on a cardboard surfboard—but it’s not the kind of comedy that evokes eye rolls and groans from adults while younger audiences double over in laughter. It’s a well-placed reminder that we are, in fact, watching a movie about the world of plastic dolls. Suspension of belief is essential, and smartly-written comedy is always there to remind us.
Cool Casting
Barbiedoesn’t set out to do much more than send a message that equals the one that the Mattel doll has always represented.Girls can do and be anything and look fashionable while doing so. Still, even that message could have been lost if not for such a remarkable cast.
Foremost, Margo Robbie(Bombshell) is perfect and magnetically charming as the main “stereotypical” Barbie. Robbie’s is such a great and smartperformance that it is impossible to imagine anyone else in the role. To be respected and embraced and not viewed as a sexy bimbo, the character development required intentional choices. Ultimately, we’re talking about a beautiful plastic doll, and yet, due to Robbie’s talent, Barbie is presented with embraceable depth.
This was perhaps best displayed when Barbie was faced with rejection from pre-teens at a middle school. Robbie stands there pure and confused, and, just like that, Barbie’s pain of isolation–because who doesn’t want to be accepted in life–is relatable and empathetic.
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The same goes, nearly exactly,for Ryan Gosling(La La Land), who is heartwarming and effective in his performance as a version of Ken who, in a less capable actor’s portrayal, could have easily been revered for his well-intended digression into male patriarchy and narrow-mindedness.
Both actors, Robbie and Gosling, who have lovely chemistry, made it easy to cheer for BarbieandKen’s parallel self-awareness journeys.
Among many greats, the cast of incredible talent also most notably includes Helen Mirren (The QueenTV series), America Ferrera (Ugly BettyTV series), Will Ferrel (Anchorman),and Issa Rae(The Photograph), and by far the casting is one of the greatest successes ofBarbie.
Feminist Foundation
Barbieis anunapologetically feminist film. Some sectors of society won’t be comfortable with that or the fact that–unlike what fans may have imagined it would be–the goal ofBarbieisn’t to delivera romance moviewith a happily ever after for Barbie and Ken’s relationship together. The intention of the film doesn’t at all appear to be to get anyone toagreewith the female-empowering theme, however.
WhatBarbiealso gets right is knowing its target audience. Call it “woke” if you’d like, but they are the ones who will embraceBarbie’smessage.
The movie’s success is knowing that it doesn’t have to intentionally please–though they are, of course, welcome to love it–any moviegoers who are unwaveringly rooted in traditional values and roles and definitions of happiness and success for women.
Barbiedoesn’t flinch at the brazen intention of the message, not even with the ending, which would have lost effectiveness had its tone teetered. Barbie is awesome and doesn’tneedKen to be so. Message accomplished. Period.
