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Film & TV

‘Barbie’ Film Explores Existential Crises and Mattel’s Control Over Barbie Land

  • Craig Miller
  • |
  • May 1, 2023
  • |
  • 3 minute read
  • |
‘Barbie’ Film Explores Existential Crises and Mattel’s Control Over Barbie Land
Key Takeaways
  • Greta Gerwig's upcoming film 'Barbie' stars Margot Robbie as the iconic doll, and the movie presents a fresh take on the character with a vivid technicolor palette and dance sequences.
  • The film explores complex themes, including existential malaise, aggressive policing, and the lack of worker's rights in Barbie Land.
  • Ryan Gosling portrays Ken, and the movie features an ensemble cast including Kate McKinnon, John Cena, and Will Ferrell.
  • Gerwig was influenced by Technicolor musicals while directing the movie, and the production's vibrant colors attracted the attention of people from nearby film sets.
  • The release of 'Barbie' is highly anticipated by fans, and the movie promises to deliver both visually stunning spectacle and thought-provoking exploration of the challenges faced by the dolls in Barbie Land.

This summer, Greta Gerwig’s highly anticipated film ‘Barbie’ is set to captivate audiences with Margot Robbie starring as the iconic doll.

The movie, featuring a vivid technicolor palette and numerous dance sequences, offers a fresh take on the classic character. In a new teaser premiered at CinemaCon, viewers get a glimpse of Robbie’s Barbie struggling with the concept of death, taking a cold shower, and even suffering the flattening of her permanently arched feet.

A Unique Interpretation of Barbie Land

Gerwig’s ‘Barbie’ presents a world filled with color and whimsy while still tackling complex themes. Barbie Land, a fantastical realm where toys come to life, is explored in depth, revealing the challenges faced by its inhabitants.

The film delves into the complex emotions and decisions that the dolls confront, giving audiences a fresh perspective on the iconic characters.

Weird Barbie Offers Spiritual Guidance

Kate McKinnon portrays Weird Barbie, an ’80s-inspired version of the doll who lives in a peculiar house and “smells like basement.” Initially chaotic, Weird Barbie becomes a guru for Robbie’s Barbie, presenting her with a choice: continue on the path of the high heel or embrace the way of the Birkenstock, which ultimately sends her into the real world.

A Journey of Self-Discovery

Robbie’s Barbie embarks on a journey of self-discovery, challenging the norms of Barbie Land and finding her own path.

As she navigates the real world, she encounters various obstacles and forms new connections, ultimately learning about herself and what it means to be alive.

Mattel’s Opposition to Barbie’s Real-World Adventure

The new teaser provides more context for Barbie’s real-world escapades, revealing that Mattel, led by Will Ferrell, wants to prevent all toys from leaving Barbie Land.

The toy company demonstrates its seriousness by arresting Barbie shortly after she enters the real world.

The film touches on themes of existential malaise, aggressive policing, and the lack of worker’s rights in Barbie Land.

The movie, featuring a vivid technicolor palette and numerous dance sequences, offers a fresh take on the classic character. In a new teaser premiered at CinemaCon, viewers get a glimpse of Robbie’s Barbie struggling with the concept of death, taking a cold shower, and even suffering the flattening of her permanently arched feet.

Ryan Gosling as Ken: Finding his ‘Kenergy’

Ryan Gosling plays Ken in the movie, and he spoke about discovering his ‘Kenergy’ during a CinemaCon panel.

He admitted to initially doubting his ability to portray Ken but credited Robbie and Gerwig for helping him find the character within himself.

Gosling described the transformative experience of preparing for the role, which included bleaching his hair, shaving his legs, and wearing custom pink outfits.

Technicolor Musicals Influence ‘Barbie’

Director Greta Gerwig revealed that Technicolor musicals significantly influenced her vision for ‘Barbie.’

The production’s vibrant colors attracted the attention of people from nearby film sets who wanted to see what was happening.

Margot Robbie mentioned that walking onto the ‘Barbie’ set was like receiving a “dopamine hit.”

A Star-Studded Cast and Crew

In addition to Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling, the film features an ensemble cast including Kate McKinnon, John Cena, and Will Ferrell.

Greta Gerwig, known for her critically acclaimed films ‘Lady Bird’ and ‘Little Women,’ directs the movie, infusing it with her unique vision and distinctive storytelling style.

Anticipation Builds for the Summer Release

As the release date of ‘Barbie’ approaches, fans eagerly await the opportunity to experience this fresh take on the iconic characters.

The film promises to deliver not only a visually stunning spectacle but also a thought-provoking exploration of the challenges faced by the dolls in Barbie Land.

Craig Miller

Craig Miller

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