Let’s get this right out there: Barbie is one of the more impressive and creative works to come out of Hollywood in decades. Yes, it really is that good. I was surprised at how much I liked this movie.
Warner Brothers and Mattel could have made a stupid, popcorn movie and it would have made zillions of dollars. Instead, they took a massive gamble on a wildly creative concept that is tonally and visually innovative. Barbie is not merely a movie, it is a 90-minute therapy session for anybody struggling with identity, purpose, and self-confidence.
Moreover, they did not need to hire A-list actors, like Margot Robbie, America Ferrera, or Ryan Gosling. In doing so, they massively increased their risk. However, the payoff is genre-busting. Robbie absolutely zings in every zingable way that can be zinged. Gosling and Farrera are equally perfect in symbolizing people struggling with identity issues. Will Farrel largely repeats his President Business role from Lego Movie, but that is not a bad thing. In fact, he builds upon it in the zaniest ways possible. And you got to love Kate McKinnon as Weird Barbie.
These are not easy roles. They are emotionally and physically demanding. The actors execute each performance with a delicious effortlessness. None of them phoned in a single line or movement. They were completely invested in the vision.
Speaking of vision, director Greta Gerwig has created a career-defining movie. It is obvious that she too put her whole self into this movie. Moreover, she commanded a team of artists who not only took her vision seriously, but they also built upon it. It is inspiring to watch a director’s vision come to life in such a creative way.
It would be easy to portray Barbie as only targeted toward women. However, I saw the movie as being about identity. It does not matter what gender you identify as; identity is something we all struggle with. Ferrara’s powerful speech about the struggle of being a woman may speak directly to women, but it has equal potency for … everybody.
Naturally, any movie in 2023 that addresses anything about gender roles is going to attract the infantile bile of Trump-suckling, alt-right assclowns. However, the charm and positivity of the movie disarms all of that bile. It also explains why the movie has been so successful. It simply flicks its wrist and waves as it glides past the book-burning fascists and tells a story that is funny, positive, and hopeful, while simultaneously being true to the core identity of its creator.
The movie reminds me a little bit of Inside Out, Pixar’s movie about emotions from a few years back. It abstracts a complex existential issue into a brightly colored metaphor. That is an impressive feat for any artist, let alone one working under the oppressive leer of corporate and cultural fascists.
Barbie the toy redefined herself with each year and accessory package. The Barbie movie drives a similar message. You can redefine yourself and be something new. You do not have to accept what or who you are. That is a supremely healthy message for a post-COVID rage riddled world that is permanently glued to their anxiety rectangles.
