Greta Gerwig's directorial and co-writing effort, "Barbie," is a vibrant spectacle blending high entertainment with powerful messaging. The film's lush visuals, nuanced in their design, are so engrossing. They demand multiple viewings for full appreciation-considering, for instance, the meticulous detailing of Barbie's accessories. Behind the scenes, the enchanting aesthetics can be credited to a masterful team. This team includes two-time Oscar-winning costume designer Jacqueline Durran, six-time Oscar nominee Sarah Greenwood helming production design, and the lensing prowess of three-time Oscar nominee Rodrigo Prieto. It's not just the vivid reimagination of Barbie's ever-changing avatars that captivate. It is also the sheer vibrancy and the underlying humor that they infuse into the narrative.
See Also: WONKA (2023) - Trailer Review
"Barbie" is a comic delight, using its bubblegum utopia and amusing moments of cultural shock as wellsprings of humor. Unsurprisingly, the promotional campaign has been astute, leading to widespread familiarity with some of its standout scenes, including a brilliant homage to "2001: A Space Odyssey" and Ken’s poignant power ballad.
The narrative centers around Barbie, played by Margot Robbie. Barbie is the favorite resident of Barbieland, as she grapples with an existential crisis. This journey of self-discovery leads her and her loosely defined boyfriend, Ken (Ryan Gosling), to the real world. There they uncover some hard truths and form new friendships. The mixing of real-world issues into this meticulously crafted fantasy is reminiscent of films like "The Truman Show" and "The LEGO Movie.” However, Gerwig's unique sense of humor sets it apart.
"Barbie" is a film that both critiques and celebrates its titular character. The film acknowledges Barbie's unrealistically perfect physique and its impact on body image in young girls. It also highlights her status as a symbol of feminism. The film includes moments that put a playful spin on the criticisms aimed at Mattel (the doll’s manufacturer) and Warner Bros. (the film’s distributor). One of the highlights includes a scene where Will Ferrell’s CEO character lauds his company’s gender-neutral bathrooms as an example of inclusivity.
Robbie, in the lead role, delivers a masterful performance, maintaining an exquisite balance between irony and genuineness. She flawlessly embodies Barbie's ceaseless optimism, transitioning smoothly to more complex dialogues as the narrative evolves. Robbie's performance is delightful to watch.
Gosling, playing Ken, effortlessly steals the show. His portrayal of Ken's evolution from a dependent boyfriend to a parody of toxic masculinity is a joy to watch. He effectively taps into his musical theater roots, becoming a source of constant amusement.
Among the film's extensive cast, Kate McKinnon’s "Weird Barbie," Issa Rae’s President Barbie, Alexandra Shipp’s Doctor Barbie, Simu Liu's trash-talking Ken, and America Ferrera’s Mattel employee stand out. And who can forget Michael Cera’s Allan, the forgotten man amid the sea of perfect Kens?
Despite its ambitious scope, "Barbie" can be uneven in its execution. Its more serious themes can slow the narrative's rapid pacing. Gerwig's daring approach is commendable, although her heavy-handed method of exploring themes like toxic masculinity and female empowerment can feel redundant.
One character's lengthy speech addressing women's societal standards resonates deeply but disrupts the film's momentum. But if a blockbuster can stir thoughtful conversations post-screening, it has truly achieved something special. "Barbie" does just that, subtly weaving in powerful messages like hidden vegetables in a child's treat-in this case, a blondie.
