Barbie
New No. 1 on the iTunes Top Video Rentals chart: Barbie by Greta Gerwig.
A Journey of Self-Discovery and Empowerment
Greta Gerwig's "Barbie" is a 2023 fantasy comedy film that has taken the world by storm. Based on the eponymous fashion dolls by Mattel, the film stars Margot Robbie as Barbie and Ryan Gosling as Ken, following their journey of self-discovery after an existential crisis [en.wikipedia.org].
A New Spin on an Iconic Doll
Gerwig's "Barbie" is not just a film about a doll; it's a film about femininity, self-worth, and the impossibility of perfection. Gerwig was influenced by her childhood experiences with Barbie and chose to create a film that both celebrates the feminism behind Barbie and acknowledges the controversial beauty standards associated with it [en.wikipedia.org]. The film is a dazzling achievement, both technically and in tone, and is filled with laugh-out-loud moments and pop culture references [rogerebert.com].
A Stellar Cast
The film's success is also attributed to its brilliant cast. Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling, who play Barbie and Ken, embody the classic good looks inspired by the famous toys, but they're also incredibly skilled actors who have delivered some fantastic performances during their careers [collider.com]. The supporting cast includes a variety of Barbies from different professions, played by Emma Mackey, Alexandra Shipp, Dua Lipa, and Issa Rae, among others [radiotimes.com].
Breaking Records and Stereotypes
"Barbie" smashed box-office records with a $162 million debut, the biggest of the year, and the highest-grossing opening weekend ever for a film directed by a woman [nytimes.com]. The film tackles issues like sexism and self-determination with aplomb, while never forgetting to supply its stars with surprisingly witty jokes [nytimes.com]. It also invites women to reimagine feminism so that it doesn’t ignore male struggles, a radical message that has resonated with many viewers [latimes.com].
A Director's Vision
Gerwig's vision for "Barbie" was to create something wild, anarchic, and joyful, filled with fear. She wrote the film with her partner Noah Baumbach during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, which played a big role in their conception of what the movie could be [studiobinder.com]. Gerwig's Barbie is playful and thoughtful at once, a joke-fueled, often surreal spectacle wrapped around an earnest, feminist, and thoroughly Gerwig-ian core [theatlantic.com].
A Cultural Phenomenon
"Barbie" has not only been a box-office success but also a cultural phenomenon. The film has been credited with launching the Barbiecore trend, a fashion trend inspired by the iconic doll [vogue.com]. It has also sparked discussions about femininity, beauty standards, and the role of women in society.
In conclusion, Greta Gerwig's "Barbie" is more than just a film about a doll. It's a film about self-discovery, empowerment, and the reimagining of femininity. It's a film that has broken records, challenged stereotypes, and become a cultural phenomenon.
Written by Perplexity