Barbie: The Movie proves that Hollywood can still think Outside The Box
2023 has been a frustrating summer at movie theatres. As successful franchises and spinoffs promised greatness, and then preceded to crumble at the hands of viewer disinterest, my faith in the summer blockbuster was lost. That is until the release of Greta Gerwig’s superb Barbie: The Movie. Barbie: The Movie uses playfulness to exhilarate a script that is both intelligent and purposeful.
When Margot Robbie began attending movie premieres dressed as Solo in the Spotlight Barbie, Enchanted Evening Barbie and Totally Hair Barbie (all popular dolls in Mattel history) I was mystified. I will admit it worried me that Robbie’s commitment to a real life Barbie makeover was merely to bolster a terrible movie, but I was wrong. As the the movie begins Barbie Land is portrayed as if through the eyes of a child. The sets are spot on from Barbie’s dream house to her pink corvette, while the plywood beach waves and waterless pools create a masterful simplicity. My only criticism would be Barbie wearing Chanel throughout the movie. Although the fashion doll has collaborated with the likes of Burberry and Oscar de la Renta on collector editions, seeing the interlocking C’s on “stereotypical” Barbie’s purse and necklace was excessive. Nevertheless, the pink infused world thrives on it’s ability to capture how we engage with Barbie and the role accessories have on the experience.
Greta Gerwig as both Co-Writer and Director expertly uses vibrant imagery to convey dual meanings. Robbie looks exactly like a Barbie doll regardless of her new found flat feet and cute cellulite. Moreover, Robbie moves like a Barbie as she floats in the air, runs stiffly from Mattel executives and flings herself uncomfortably onto the grass. Such rigidity serves as an antithesis to future impassioned revelations. Ryan Gosling’s portrayal of Ken is the perfect counterpart as he suffers his own crisis. Gosling looks amazing and must be praised for his plastic Ken physique, which is showcased in an array of bold outfits. Moreover, Gosling’s acting is exceptional. Ken’s simple and cheerful face carefully conceals his pain and confusion. As Gosling’s Ken navigates the real world trying to get a job we laugh at the delivery of his one liners but understand his demoralization. The Ken War and Ken Dance scenes are equally important as they depict a clear transformation. The Ken War showcases slow and unsteady movements from all the men as they attack each other with silly weapons. Meanwhile, the Ken Dance allows all the Kens of Barbie Land the opportunity to cavort (a la west side story,) bend and jump free from restrictions. Consequently, each inflexible gesture is carefully crafted and executed by Robbie and Gosling to perfection.
Barbie: The Movie is a must watch regardless of age or gender. With a plot line heavily steeped in secrecy I was unsure what to expect as I sat down in the cinema. As a lifelong Barbie fan I played with her long after my friends had lost interest. With her own car, house, extensive wardrobe and can-do spirit, Barbie exemplified accomplishment to me. Like Barbie herself, this live action movie is fresh and unlike anything you have ever seen. The entire cast must be praised for their ability to breathe life into an inanimate toy while touching a variety of people both visually and emotionally. A great example of this is a scene when Barbie enters a box and feels the grip of the plastic twist ties on her wrists. A child watching this will see the all too familiar Mattel packaging while an adult viewer knows the existential dilemma that Barbie is facing. Moreover, America Ferrera as Gloria gives a wonderfully impassioned pep talk. In it she discusses what it means to be a modern woman and it is an unfiltered representation of the reality we live in. Lastly, through Ken’s macho transformation both women and men alike can relate, whether it be a needy ex-boyfriend or the pressures placed on perceived manliness. Never preachy, Greata Gerwig uses creativity and wit to guide us through poignant messages and an unexpected ending. I’m a perpetual Barbie Girl and this movie has only heightened my love for this ambitious doll.