A summer spectacular! Greta Gerwig’s vibrant interpretation of the Barbie franchise, brought the industry to real life through a film that tackles both the positive and negative connotations associated with the widely beloved doll. Margot Robbie portrays the stereotypical Barbie, supported by an entourage of diverse characters who each provide their own sense to the Barbie narrative, with intentional acting and costumes that exemplify the original and modern Barbie themes. The set designs were grand, colorful, and so playful. With old school filming techniques being blended with contemporary technology, certain scenes gave a sense of nostalgia while also telling a new adaption of the story.
Ryan Gosling as Ken was a standout performance, where he and the other Kens are able to represent what it is like to be a man in Barbie Land, helping to address and tackle some of the issues associated with Barbie and Ken throughout generations. For fans of Matilda, be ready for an incredible treat. Rhea Perlman portrays the creator of Barbie, who concludes the story with Margot in a tone so powerful it leaves audiences feeling ready to discover themselves by exploring one’s own chosen path in life. Seeing her face on the big screen in such a moving role was such a full circle moment, and really allowed me to revisit the joy I felt seeing her again.
It goes without saying that the marketing campaign for this film was arguably unlike anything I have seen in a long time. This movie really brings back what it means to just have fun, dress up, and not care so much about smaller things in life. All of the campaigning, trends with pink, conversations about ‘barbienheimer’ really gave this film a sense of anticipation that people became excited about. Going into the theater and seeing everyone (Grandmothers, mothers, daughters, husbands, boyfriends, friends) dressed up and just having a good time was almost healing considering the climate of the world these days. It suggests to me the power film has to culture and our society, with its ability to bring people together in ways that not only educate us, but allow us to connect with one another.
I did not expect going into Barbie that there would be as many powerful scenes. There were at least two montages of real moments with no dialogue, just showing people living life through the perspective of Barbie, and it was so moving and emotional. The representation of Ken in Barbie Land and his experience addresses the realities in real life that women oftentimes live through environments that are male oriented, and in Barbie we see Ken experience what it’s like to be a man living in a woman’s world. So it is important to approach the film with that perspective, as it intentionally makes these representations with the purpose to suggest how these themes play into both Barbie Land and real life.
The film was an overall incredible joy, and was so much more than I had anticipated going in. The movie had moments that made you think, laugh, cry, and reflect. Greta Gerwig, Margot, Ryan, and the Barbie team really made an impactful piece of art that reflects the issues of society throughout generations, while leaving the discussion open for a new path in society to be developed on. For anyone who loves Barbie, beautiful movie sets, and powerful messages, this is the movie for you! So put on some pink, get a popcorn, and grab your tickets for Greta Gerwigs 2023, Barbie — Fandango.com