Barbie-2023
Director Greta Gerwig
Starring Margot Robbie
Top 250 Films #226
Scott’s Review #1,381
Reviewed July 23, 2023
Grade: A
Greta Gerwig is a tremendously talented director shaping Hollywood films. She crafted Lady Bird in 2017 to critical acclaim and then moved on to another feminist, progressive project.
In Barbie (2023), she takes a traditional and iconic ‘Barbie doll’ product by Mattel and explores the positives and negatives of the doll throughout its existence.
An incredible opening sequence, harkening back to Stanley Kubrick’s 1968 masterpiece 2001: A Space Odyssey, explains the doll’s evolution.
Barbie blends gender balance, creativity, thought, satire, and slapstick comedy, all rich with meaning.
It doesn’t forget heart and humanity, and it offers a look at how much progress women have made over the years, and how much more is still needed.
As if that’s not enough, Barbie deserves praise for its direction, production design, costumes, music, and cast performances.
Well done.
The film stars Margot Robbie as Barbie and Ryan Gosling as Ken, who embark on a journey of self-discovery after Barbie faces an existential crisis.
As the ‘stereotypical’ Barbie, she begins having peculiar, ‘un-Barbie’ thoughts about death and analytics, and must return to the real world to find her doll’s owner.
She soon longs to return to Barbie Land, which is a perfect place. Unless you’re a Ken who exists merely to pine after Barbie, but do they secretly resent this?
There are numerous positives to explore regarding Barbie, but one slight drawback is its proximity to silly comedy and goofiness. The film’s meaning mostly offsets this, but I fear some audiences may be overwhelmed by gag jokes and miss the story’s point.
Let’s take a deep dive. The production design and art direction are dazzling and immediately noticeable.
In particular, I’m referring to Barbie Land and its pink, pretty sets. Luxurious pools, streets, houses, and cars are rich with color and ooze a fun vibe.
I can’t imagine these teams being overlooked during the year-end awards season.
Robbie and Gosling, blonde, buff, and tanned, are wonderfully cast and not only look the part but also switch quickly from physical comedy to heavy drama without looking foolish.
Robbie, for example, is the classic Barbie type, with layers of emotion that she channels. And Gosling could have looked like a buffoon with over-the-top sequences if not for a startlingly good dramatic scene towards the film’s climax.
The supporting cast is brilliant, including Kate McKinnon as ‘weird Barbie,’ a perfect role for her to unleash her comedic prowess.
How lovely to see Rhea Perlman again in the small but powerful role of Ruth Handler, co-founder of Mattel and creator of the Barbie doll.
Finally, America Ferrera and Will Ferrell bring both comedy and heart to their roles. And how could the inclusion of British stalwart Helen Mirren as the narrator not create credibility?
The main attraction, though, is the writing. Isn’t it always the case when it’s done intelligently?
The dynamic duo of Gerwig and Noah Baumbach (famous, among other works, for the 2019 film Marriage Story) pair well, giving both Barbie and Ken equal weight.
While it is easy to dismiss Ken, his role is valued and respected within the overall context of showing that everyone deserves a seat at the table.
The film touched me in more ways than I expected.
Ruth and Gloria (Ferrera) powerfully convey wonderful sentiments about being a mother in various scenes and messages, such as that everyone deserves respect and a chance to serve a purpose, which are hard not to get choked up over.
Barbie wins points for diversity and inclusion with nearly every ethnic group represented and a transgender character, Dr. Barbie (Hari Nef), featured prominently.
Providing roaring entertainment, bubble gum sets and design, and a message that will break your heart while exuding intelligence, Barbie (2023) is a win.
It’s a story about the wills of plastic and humanity, making for a perfect, harmonious blend. Who would have thought a film about Barbie would be so important?
Oscar Nominations: 1 win-Best Picture, Best Supporting Actor-Ryan Gosling, Best Supporting Actress-America Ferrera, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Costume Design, Best Production Design, Best Original Song-“I’m Just Ken”, “What Was I Made For?” (won)
