In the fantasy adventure ‘Barbie,’ directed by Greta Gerwig, Barbie and Ken venture into the real world to save Barbieland, a parallel universe populated by various versions of the iconic Mattel doll. Gerwig’s creativity shines as she weaves a clever narrative that playfully satirizes Barbie dolls and their complex legacy. While the film delivers on fun and laughter, it falls short in fully exploring its underlying political themes.
Gerwig’s Barbieland is a vibrant pink paradise, a phantasmagorical dreamscape brought to life by Sarah Greenwood’s impressive production design and Jacqueline Durran’s fabulous costumes. The world is soundtracked by funky compositions from Mark Ronson and Andrew Wyatt, accompanied by bubblegum anthems from artists like Dua Lipa, Nicki Minaj, and Ice Spice. Amidst this idyllic landscape, identical two-story Barbie dream houses line the streets, and engineless vehicles are overshadowed by flying transport, adding to the whimsy of the setting.
In this parallel world, an army of Kens patrols pristine beaches, though their contribution is more decorative than practical. The real work is done by Barbies, who hold positions such as the President, members of the Supreme Court, doctors, and physicists. Gerwig cleverly portrays Barbieland as a feminist utopia, a stark contrast to our patriarchal reality.
The film boasts an impressive cast, with Margot Robbie brilliantly portraying Stereotypical Barbie and Ryan Gosling providing heart and humor as her Ken counterpart. Together, they embody a modern-day Eve and Adam, navigating existential dilemmas that test their idealized lives. Kate McKinnon shines as Weird Barbie, offering sage advice to Stereotypical Barbie as she embarks on a journey to the real world to reconnect with her owner.
However, as Barbie explores the real world, her perception of herself is shattered, and she confronts the impact of patriarchal society on human lives. Gerwig sprinkles au courant commentary through encounters with real people, including a satirical portrayal of the all-male executive suite of Mattel, adding depth to the narrative.
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While the film succeeds in satirical humor and witty commentary, its foray into long, important monologues sometimes overshadows its message. Gerwig’s screenplay, co-written with Noah Baumbach, occasionally struggles to balance the film’s entertainment value with its underlying political theme. Despite cleverly exploring themes of self-definition and the complex relationships between mothers and daughters, ‘Barbie’ can feel muddled and slightly disjointed.
The film’s political commentary and emotional impact are often overshadowed by its status as a corporate product. Despite Gerwig’s attempt to infuse her signature style and depth into the film, the overarching objective of serving the Barbie brand somewhat dilutes the story’s effectiveness.
‘Barbie’ is a zany and entertaining comedy that skillfully pokes fun at the beloved doll’s legacy while offering moments of insightful political commentary. Gerwig’s direction, coupled with a talented cast, creates a unique cinematic experience. However, the film’s struggle to strike the right balance between entertainment and politics leaves it with a slightly hollow feeling. Nevertheless, ‘Barbie’ is a delightful watch that celebrates the iconic toy while inviting the audience to contemplate societal issues through a playful lens.
