Ryan Gosling Takes on a New Role as the Quintessential Aussie Bloke: Barbie Review

Greta Gerwig’s ‘Barbie’: Demeaning or Empowering?

A Feminist Perspective on the Controversial Film

Director Greta Gerwig’s latest film, ‘Barbie,’ has sparked a debate about whether the iconic dolls are demeaning or empowering to women. Gerwig and co-writer Noah Baumbach take a firm stance on the latter theory, presenting a beamingly affectionate and deliriously pink-themed fantasy comedy-adventure that seeks to redeem Barbie’s image. Produced by Barbie’s corporate manufacturer Mattel, the film stars Margot Robbie as the perfect casting choice for Barbie herself, with her superhuman blond beauty.

Gerwig’s confidence and generosity as a feminist filmmaker are evident as she gives all the best lines to Ryan Gosling, who steals the show playing Barbie’s non-genitaled boyfriend, Ken. However, the film constantly second-guesses and pre-empts the anti-Barbie impulse with a stream of knowing references and self-aware meta-gags. While acknowledging the argument that Barbie’s slim, uber-blond persona can be seen as conformist and oppressive, the film emphasizes Barbie’s ethereal innocence and highlights the range of diverse Barbies now available.

A Quirky Admission of Imperfections

The inclusion of a wheelchair-using Barbie is seen as a step towards inclusivity, but the film argues that the real world that imposed these changes is still imperfect and tokenistic. This admission adds a quirky layer to the movie, highlighting that even though progress has been made, there is still work to be done to overcome societal ideals of beauty and identity.

‘Barbie’ is a good-natured but self-conscious film, using comedy rooted in self-consciousness to navigate its satirical approach. While often funny, the movie occasionally feels demure and inhibited, as if the urge to be funny can only be mean-spirited. Barbie often winds up playing the bland comic foil to characters like the outrageous metrosexual Ken, who is obsessed with his “beach” habitat and longing for the patriarchy, and to Weird Barbie, a disheveled and crayoned-over version of the doll.

A Barbie World of Empowered Women

The film presents Barbie herself as living her best life in her perfect Barbie world. Here, she parties with Barbies who are political leaders, supreme court judges, and Nobel laureates. This portrayal seeks to challenge traditional gender roles and present a vision of empowerment for women. The inclusion of notable names like Dua Lipa and Issa Rae adds a contemporary touch to reinforce Barbie’s relevance in today’s society.

However, Barbie’s perfect world is disrupted when she is assailed by the thought of dying. She embarks on a journey to the real world with Ken, arriving in scuzzy Santa Monica to confront this existential anxiety. The movie introduces Gloria, a former Barbie owner who is now a hardworking single mom and assistant in the Mattel empire. Gloria’s whip-smart and discontented teen daughter, Sasha, starts out fiercely critical of Barbie but undergoes a transformation, which some may see as a dismissal of politics and a missed opportunity for deeper exploration.

Barbie: A Polarizing Movie

‘Barbie’ can be seen as a giant commercial for the well-known doll, although not to the extent of films like ‘The Lego Movie.’ Gerwig’s influences, such as ‘Toy Story,’ ‘Pinocchio,’ and ‘Clueless,’ shape the film’s entertaining and amiable nature. However, the movie does not go for the comedy jugular as gleefully as its predecessors.

As ‘Barbie’ hits theaters, audiences are left to ponder the true impact of the iconic doll on society. Is Barbie a symbol of empowerment, representing the diverse and powerful women of today? Or does the doll perpetuate unrealistic beauty standards and promote conformity? The answers to these questions lie at the intersection of feminism, consumerism, and societal progress.

Release Dates

‘Barbie’ is set to release on July 20 in Australia, and on July 21 in the US and UK.

Keywords: Barbie, Ryan Gosling, Greta Gerwig, Margot Robbie, comedy films, toys, Dua Lipa, reviews