Barbie — Review and Commentary
For generations young and old
This movie has been a worldwide sensation even before it was released in cinemas. The anticipation was palpable on social media and in real life; transcending genders, ages and occupations, and because of that the expectations were high. The payoff was inevitably monumental, something that I think has made a mark on film history, women in film but also society. It is no easy feat for a film to not only be entertaining but also bring forward lessons and thoughts on the current state of reality we live in. Barbie, directed by Greta Gerwig, did just that. I will talk about my favourite impactful moments and messages in this film that have made it an iconic film. It is lighthearted in its presentation but deep in meaning.
Stats
As of lately, Barbie has grossed a box office of $1.438 billion worldwide with a budget between $128–145 million. A record-breaking opening weekend, as well as a record-breaking non-sequel, remake or superhero genre. It is also the highest-grossing live-action comedy of all time as well as being the highest-grossing film directed by a solo woman ever. Barbie was co-written by Greta Gerwig and fellow filmmaker and husband Noah Baumbach. The multitalented Greta Gerwig proves that the niche of female-driven films created by female filmmakers can change the landscape of film and culture. Along with Mattel producing the movie, Margot Robbie’s own production company, LuckyChap Entertainment produced the movie too, which I think is amazing. It is reported that Warner Bros. which distributed the film, spent $150 million on marketing for Barbie. Which is more than the potential $145 million budget used to produce the movie itself.
Review + Commentary
Essentially movie is a current viewpoint from a Western perspective on the ever-evolving landscape of gender roles and individualism as well as a story of a group of women trying to find peace of mind in a confusing and complicated world. I like the angle Gerwig took with this movie; there is so much history and storyline she could have taken with Barbie purely based on the intellectual property and previous animations. The movie is very relevant and very now.
Barbie is trapped in the constant and unchanging Barbieland. Everybody knows their role, their job and their routine. There are no hardships, negative emotions, conflicts and development, somewhat representative of the real-life world some people live in; trapped in repetition and the mundane. Once Barbie leaves the seemingly bubbly pink utopia, she faces the truth of life and the good and bad that comes with it; proving that life is exciting when you take risks, when you change and face challenges. It builds character and makes your story very special. Uncertainty is okay and so is failure. Although Barbie was made to believe that she has to be extraordinary, which is how we are brought up to be due to social media, she realises that to be human is to be flawed and not perfect. To live a happy and fulfilling life you do not have to be exceptionally good at everything. And this message along with the others is very inspiring and healthy. Every person’s life journey depends on them. Don’t let anyone tell you what to do and what to be. You decide.
Barbie brings back the innocence and playfulness of girlhood and juxtaposes it with direct humanistic messages that are relatable and mature.
Womanhood is a journey, a continuation of girlhood. Just like Gerwig’s previous successful films like Ladybird and Little Women, in Barbie, the central plot is about self-discovery full of ups and downs. In all three films, the central character is on a mission to find her true calling and also escape the shackles of her oppressive reality, often formed by patriarchy.
This film is not an attack on men but rather overtly brings to attention that patriarchy is made by men to serve men. There is no contempt behind the message. It is rather sympathetic. The Kens (the men) of Barbieland too find peace within themselves to not only live in peace with the ladies but also find confidence and comfort to be themselves as individuals. Patriarchy is destructive to all genders.
A moment that stood out to me was the monologue by Gloria, a human woman, played by America Ferreira where she lists off all of the qualities a woman should and should not be. It starts like this, “We have to always be extraordinary, but somehow we’re always doing it wrong. You have to be thin, but not too thin. And you can never say you want to be thin. You have to say you want to be healthy, but also you have to be thin. You have to have money, but you can’t ask for money because that’s crass. You have to be a boss, but you can’t be mean. You have to lead, but you can’t squash other people’s ideas.” It goes on even further but you get the picture.
However I do think this film has an expiration date for a few reasons; one Barbie is still nostalgia for the typically millennial generation, so the effect and history of this toy will no longer be relevant and of course, with the ever-changing socio-political and gender climate in the world, the messages and characters journeys will not stand the test of time and be interesting for the future. This Barbie movie is made for here and now. The meaning is relevant only now for us. Who knows what the world will be like in 10 years or even 5 years? The landscape of gender, jobs, lifestyle, and childhood is ever-evolving. So I can certainly see this Barbie world developing further with more movies.
The comedic elements bring a steady charm and playfulness to the movie. The musical numbers, transitions and animations also add a childlike quality.
I adore the attention to detail of the aesthetics of the movie, the hair and makeup, costume design and set design are masterful and so atmospheric. Jaqueline Durran was the head of costume and Ivana Primorac was head of hair and makeup. They truly gave a nod to all of the style examples Barbie has transformed into. Even incorporating some vintage Chanel. The representation of all the Barbie’s is so fun and the inclusion of all types of actresses for the role of Barbie is amazing. Margot Robbie truly showed her range of acting to the highest quality. I found the last third of the movie very emotional and touching. Especially her run-in with the creator of the original Barbie and co-founder of Mattel Ruth Handler played by Rhea Perlman and the montage at the end of the film. I think we can all agree Ryan Gosling may not be the perfect Ken aesthetically and he is on the older side but that may be a conscious decision, like Barbie has to always be perfect and Ken does not have to be. But because of Gosling’s heartthrob status and his comedic skills, he worked well in this movie. I also think this pairing of Robbie and Gosling is not a perfect match, I could never picture them having any romantic chemistry on screen, but that works in the favour of the movie since Barbie and Ken are not meant to be, in a romantic sense.
Overall Barbie is quite a spiritual film that leaves a heartwarming feeling but it can certainly be examined even further. It has a lot of layers and messages that can interpreted based on each person viewing it. But ultimately it forces us, especially women to introspect our existence as women in this world; regardless of our age, upbringing and origins and notice how wonderful we are. No popular toy, trend, movie or man should dictate what we should and should not do or feel about ourselves. And that is already a good reminder.
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