Barbie Movie Review: No Place for Uncomfortable Questions in This Pastel-and-Plastic Land
The recently released Barbie movie, directed by Greta Gerwig and starring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling, seeks to reinvent the iconic doll for a generation that values asking questions more than finding answers. In this age of either/or choices, the film attempts to explore the complexities of womanhood and feminism through the lens of a seemingly perfect doll. However, despite its ambition, the movie falls short of addressing the uncomfortable questions it raises.
A Doll in a Changing World
As Natasha Walter, author of the book “Living Dolls: The Return of Sexism,” aptly puts it, “In a world in which women are told they can be anything, too often they still have to be dolls as well.” Barbie, created by the toy company Mattel, embodies this notion of perfection and adaptability. The film attempts to turn the gaze inward, examining the phenomenon of the doll’s evolution and its relevance to real women.
A Journey into Reality
The film’s most compelling moments occur when Robbie’s Barbie ventures into the “real world” and confronts the realities of body image and societal expectations. The character’s discovery of cellulite on her thighs and her flat feet serve as a catalyst for her existential crisis. She realizes that the creation of powerful dolls in Barbie Land does not necessarily translate to real-world change, where men still hold most of the power.
The Influence of Mattel
Despite its attempts to question the role of Barbie in shaping societal expectations for women, the film seems hesitant to address the uncomfortable truths. The involvement of the toy company Mattel as the creator of Barbie is evident, as the film shies away from fully grappling with the doll’s impact on real women. Instead, the film focuses on the more palatable, “stereotypical Barbie” – thin, tall, and beautiful.
A Missed Opportunity
The casting of Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling is undoubtedly a smart choice, considering their charismatic presence. However, the characters of Barbie and Ken in the film fail to match the depth and complexity of the actors’ performances. While Robbie’s Barbie possesses beauty and charm, she lacks the depth that would have made her truly relatable. Similarly, Gosling’s Ken, despite his dilemma as the superfluous male figure, falls short of being a fully realized character.
In the end, the Barbie movie’s ambition to explore the complexities of womanhood through the lens of a doll is commendable. However, the film ultimately falls short of addressing the uncomfortable questions it raises. Barbie‘s reinvention for a changing world remains superficial, leaving us yearning for a deeper examination of the doll’s impact on real women.
Editorial: Feminism and the Role of Dolls
The Barbie movie raises important questions about feminism and the expectations placed on women in society. While the film attempts to challenge these expectations, its execution falls short of providing meaningful answers. The ongoing debate about gender roles and the objectification of women requires more nuanced and thought-provoking discussions than the film provides. It is crucial that we continue to engage in these conversations and push for real change in societal norms.
Advice: Questioning Society’s Expectations
As individuals, it is important to question societal expectations and challenge the stereotypes that limit our understanding of gender roles. The Barbie movie serves as a reminder that women should not be confined to being dolls or objects of perfection but should be embraced for their intelligence, capabilities, and complexities. By questioning and challenging societal norms, we can create a more inclusive and equitable society for all.
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