Barbie, the beloved doll that has captivated generations, finally took center stage at the world premiere of her eponymous film in Los Angeles.
The event was a spectacle in itself, with a pink carpet transformed into a real-life Barbie Land. Greta Gerwig, the director and co-writer of the film, shared insights into its creation, while Margot Robbie, the film’s star, revealed her initial doubts about the project. Gerwig also weighed in on the unexpected viral response to Robbie’s arched foot, which is symbolic in the Barbie universe. The premiere brought together excitement, camaraderie, and the anticipation of a double-feature with Christopher Nolan’s “Oppenheimer.”
Greta Gerwig reflected on the origin of the Barbie film, highlighting the unique circumstances under which it was created. The script was developed during the lockdown period, leading Gerwig and her partner Noah Baumbach to imagine and write the most outrageous, anarchic, and hilarious story. At that time, uncertainty loomed over the future of movies, but Gerwig was determined to bring this imaginative vision to life. She made the decision to direct the film herself, as it held a special place in her heart. The project faced uncertainty, but Gerwig hoped for the opportunity to realize their creative vision.
Margot Robbie‘s Barbie foot, which maintains its arched position when stepping out of heels and goes flat when something is amiss in Barbie Land, became a viral sensation. Greta Gerwig shared that she had always viewed the arched foot as a bat signal, a symbol that has resonated with audiences. The unexpected response from fans surprised Gerwig, who hadn’t anticipated such a strong reaction. However, the positive reception reflected the audience’s connection to the symbolism embedded in the film.
Greta Gerwig and her film “Barbie” found themselves in good company, as Christopher Nolan’s “Oppenheimer” premiered alongside it. Gerwig and her team welcomed the competition and saw it as a source of amusement. The director expressed her delight in the solidarity that emerged from attempts to pit the films against each other, transforming it into a playful double-feature experience. Gerwig jokingly suggested that audiences should see “Oppenheimer” first, a serious film about the atomic bomb, and then cleanse their palate with the light-heartedness of “Barbie.” This playful banter showcased the camaraderie among the filmmakers.
Simu Liu, one of the actors portraying Kens in the film, shared his excitement about the perpetual golden hour and the abundance of pink in Barbie Land. He compared the visual aesthetic to a Chloe Zhao movie, where the sun always hits at the right angle. Liu also revealed that his character faces off against Ryan Gosling’s Ken, teasing a delicious dynamic between the two characters. Despite their Canadian roots and natural politeness, Liu explained that they had to tap into their inner Americans to bring an engaging conflict to the screen. He eagerly awaits the audience’s response to the evolving relationship.
The world premiere of the Barbie film brought the iconic doll to life on the pink carpet in a spectacle of glamour and excitement. Greta Gerwig’s reflections on the film’s origin highlighted its creation during extraordinary times, while Margot Robbie’s arched foot garnered unexpected attention and became a symbol recognized by fans worldwide. The premiere also celebrated the camaraderie between “Barbie” and “Oppenheimer,” turning the supposed rivalry into a playful double-feature suggestion. With exciting dynamics and an abundance of pink in Barbie Land, audiences can look forward to a visually stunning and entertaining experience.