With the Oscars just around the corner, I thought I’d take a look back on one of the most talked-about films of 2023 — “Barbie”. Nominated for eight Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Supporting Actress, and Best Original Song, this buoyantly pink movie is a delightful blend of nostalgia, imagination, and advertising.
From the outset, “Barbie” is vivid, immersive and comedic. The movie showcases a vibrant world filled with remembrance, artistry and best of all, my favourite colour pink. Greta Gerwig’s visionary direction takes viewers on a journey through the dreamworld of Barbie Land, where the iconic doll takes centre stage alongside a diverse cast of characters. Margot Robbie shines in the role of stereotypical Barbie with both humour and depth as she navigates her way through the reality of the real world. Supported by a stellar cast, including America Ferrera, Ryan Gosling and Issa Rae, Margot Robbie’s portrayal of Barbie is superb, which is why I find her Oscar snub quite surprising.
Despite the overwhelming success of the movie, Margot Robbie’s exclusion from the Best Actress category has sparked many discussions. As the star of the top-grossing film of 2023, I am among the movie’s many fans who were puzzled by the news. Robbie’s graceful response emphasised the film’s broader impact on culture and during a SAG-AFTRA discussion, she highlighted the significance of its mission to challenge stereotypes and provoke thought.
One of the film’s standout features is its ability to tackle complex themes with wit and charm. Greta Gerwig and co-writer Noah Baumbach deftly weave together a story that explores gender norms, consumerism, and the quest for self-discovery. Through Barbie’s journey of self-realisation, the film challenges notions of femininity, masculinity and empowerment.
More than just a cutesy “girly” film, “Barbie” is an approachable commentary on the pervasive expectations imposed on women. Like the toy itself, widely considered just for girls, this movie navigates beyond its initial perception, offering a nuanced exploration of themes that are accessible to all audiences. One of the most impactful moments in the film comes from America Ferrera’s character, Gloria, whose impassioned monologue sheds light on the exhausting and contradictory demands many women face. Through Gloria’s words, the film confronts issues of body image, financial independence, and societal pressures with honesty. Her speech resonates deeply, highlighting the things women encounter in a world that often undermines their worth and agency. By giving voice to these struggles, “Barbie” transcends its superficiality and becomes a beautiful depiction of versatility and autonomy. I think many imagined the film would emerge not just as a cinematic delight, but as a powerful catalyst for social change. However, its permanence and enduring impact will ultimately depend on how effectively it resonates for years to to come.
I believe the movie’s impact hinges on several factors, including societal trends and the film’s reception among both male and female audiences. On one hand, societal shifts towards gender equality and increasing awareness of gendered experiences and double standards, amplify the film’s message. If male audiences, in particular, embrace the film’s themes of empowerment and challenging traditional notions of masculinity, it could broaden its longevity. However, entrenched gender norms persist in our current society and even after the initial release, some perceived the film as preachy or solely made for women and girls. So it’s hard to say if the film’s success in sparking conversations will drive tangible change and a lasting influence in society.
I think the Oscars thing is pretty ironic! “Barbie” (both the movie and the Mattel doll), trivialised as bimboesque, “girly” or frivolous, is for many a meaningful representation that resonates and echoes all you can be. So in a way, this Oscars’ snub reflects the very issues the film addresses — the devaluing of women’s worth and work in a society that often fails to recognise their contributions. Life imitates art, or is it the other way around… The film’s moral isn’t only evident within its narrative but also in the response it elicits.
Margot, not only the lead actress but also a producer of “Barbie”, exemplifies the diverse talents and capabilities that women possess, challenging the notion that they should be pigeonholed. This parallels the film’s exploration of the minimising of women’s voices and experiences, echoing the portrayal of Barbie as a plastic object, devoid of depth or agency. The film’s message resonates beyond the screen, highlighting the pervasive influence of patriarchy in diminishing women’s multifacetedness, relegating both men and women to superficialities. Just like the doll, women are often reduced to narrow stereotypes, and overlooked for their intelligence, creativity, and leadership. I did enjoy this film’s social critique despite noticing contradictions in its messaging.
The portrayal of Barbies as beautiful but lacking confidence still reinforces stereotypes about women needing to conform to certain physical ideals to feel valued. Barbie ultimately serves as a vehicle for Mattel’s profit-driven agenda. The extensive marketing, merchandising and tie-ins with the toy company suggest that the film’s primary goal is to sell, sell, sell. This commercialisation trend in the film industry often shapes creative decisions, leading to the prioritisation of box office success over artistic integrity. So I didn’t go into this film with high expectations on the feminist messaging; my goal was to consume a product that offered levity and escape.
LOOOOOL
I’m someone who’s always enjoyed and connected to American and British comedy alike. I’ve found the only major difference between the two is sincerity. In America, straight talking is a norm, whereas in the UK a lot more nuance and double entendre is used in speech. That direct or less-than-direct way of speaking manifests in comedy. With the Barbie movie being a joint American-British production, the comedy has a diverse cultural perspective, broadening its appeal to global audiences. By blending American and British comedic sensibilities, the movie leverages a wide range of styles, from quick-witted jokes to dry, sarcastic humour.
“Barbie’s” delightful blend of wit, satire, and irony is charming as it tackles its serious themes while maintaining an entertaining tone. Whether it’s Barbie grappling with existential crises or Ken’s endearing cluelessness, each character brings a unique comedic flavour to the story. Another source of comedy in “Barbie” is its meta-commentary on pop culture and tropes. By poking fun at its own premise and the cultural significance of Barbie, the film invites audiences to laugh at the absurdities of modern society. Through sharp dialogue, gags, and comedic timing, “Barbie” definitely delivers on laughs.
Nostalgia
I was actually lucky enough to attend the European Premiere of the “Barbie” movie outside Leicester Square’s Cineworld. It was a last-minute decision influenced by social media, as I saw they were giving out wristbands to eager Barbie fans, to be a part of the media circus. Admittedly, I’m not a die-hard fan of the doll, but I, like many girls, played with Barbies as a child and even through adolescence, watched quite a few of the Barbie animated films. The Barbie premiere experience was one I relished back in summer, and one thing it highlighted to me was the significance of nostalgia in drawing crowds.
Amidst all the Barbie doll collectors and people adorned in sequins and multi-colour, I felt the buzz of excitement and an air of fellowship. As I looked around, surrounded by these enthusiasts and reminiscing adults, it struck me that movies steeped in nostalgia will oftentimes get people out of their homes and into cinema seats. One classic example of this is “Spider-Man: No Way Home” (2021), a film that not only shattered box office records but also reignited the passion of Marvel fans like myself worldwide. Grossing over $1.8 billion globally, the movie’s success emphasises the powerful draw of nostalgia in cinema. The film’s inclusion of characters from previous Spider-Man iterations, coupled with nods to iconic moments from the franchise’s history, created a sense of familiarity and excitement. Seeing beloved characters return on the big screen evoked memories of earlier Spider-Man films, which made spending however much on a cinema ticket worthwhile.
The significance of “Barbie”, is that it taps into the collective memories and sentiment associated with the doll and its cultural impact over the years. For many, Barbie evoked childhood memories of playing with the doll and engaging with the world of imagination. The incorporation of references to Barbie’s rich history, including her outfits and other Mattel dolls, pays homage and immerses viewers in a world of warmth, familiarity, and sentimentality.
Of course, no review of “Barbie” would be complete without mentioning its stunning visuals and soundtrack. From the colourful landscapes of Barbie Land to the catchy melody of “I’m Just Ken”, every aspect of the film is a delight to the senses.
“Barbie” is a delightful film that’s still receiving recognition for its bold storytelling and imaginative world-building. While it may not be perfect, its impact on popular culture cannot be denied. As I eagerly await the results of the Oscars on March 10th, “Barbie” stands as a testament to the power of cinema to inspire and entertain — while indeed being an advert for a toy.
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