Barbie
When ‘Stereotypical’ Barbie, who lives in “Barbieland” suddenly is plagued with real life emotions. She discovers that she takes on her owners feelings, so she travels to the real world to find her. There she discovers that it was actually the girls mother who played with her – causing her to learn of mortality.
Meanwhile, Ken, who has traveled with Barbie to the real world, discovers that in this world men are not subservient, and goes on a power trip once back in Barbie Land.
Direction
From its 2001: A Space Odyssey intro, right to the final moments of the film – this is a brilliant absurdist comedy from Greta Gerwig (who co-wrote with her husband Noah Baumbach).
With out of this world (literally) set designs, and brilliant choreography during some of the musical numbers – not to mention the hilarious Ken fight, Gerwig gives a tour de force behind the camera.
Cast/Characters
Margot Robbie is perfectly cast as Barbie – who discovers her own mortality, and goes through an existential crisis when she learns she is a doll, and humanity exists. Her growth throughout the film is sweet, and well written. There is also a hilarious moment where the narrator mentions Robbie herself when she doesn’t think herself pretty any more.
Ryan Gosling is the perfect blend of comedy and seriousness as Ken. He starts the film as the ‘background’ player in the life of Barbie – and learns of patriarchy when he enters the real world. He becomes an almost antagonist near the end of the film. He scored an Oscar nod for his work in Best Supporting Actor. His ‘I’m just Ken’ is a highlight of the film.
America Ferrera (fresh off her Superstore run) plays Gloria, the almost middle aged mother, who is losing her relationship with her teenage daughter – who accidentally causes Barbie’s crisis. She is quite good in her role, and has a lovely monologue later in the film. She too earned an Oscar nod for her work (as Best Supporting Actress).
Helen Mirren plays the unseen narrator, Will Ferrell is the Mattel CEO who is aware of Barbieland and how to get there, Rhea Perlman plays Barbie creator Ruth Handler and Michael Cera plays ‘just Allan’.
Screenplay/Setting/Themes
An ultra smart film that blends progressive thinking in forms of feminism – where Barbieland has the notion of women can be anything. It then pokes fun at patriarchy – where Ken (who had only ever been the forgotten/never thought about) person in Barbie’s life – discovers his importance too – and then takes ittoo far.
The Barbieland set is almost cartoon like with its use of colour, the sets and cars which are verbatim what barbie lived in/wore/drove as a doll. Both Production Design and Costume Design deserved their Oscar nods.
There is even quite a good amount of heart within the screenplay – in regards to relationships with parents and children. As children grow, they develop their own personality and want to do their own things. This is the root of how the movie begins with Gloria’s daughter Sasha losing interest in her.
Score/Soundtrack
Brilliant soundtrack with the aforementioned I’m just Ken, and the Oscar winning What was I made for?
Overall
A very clever film that is too clever for some of the younger audience members (with some jokes going way over the head of some kids).
The inclusion of mortality and identity as well as feminism and patriarchy is well written.
Well worthy of all the love and attention it received.
4/5