When word got out that a movie version of Barbie, the multi-generational iconic doll, was being produced my first thought was indifference. Just another quick cash grab in the nostalgia based entertainment industry. However, when Indi directing darling Gretta Gerwig became attached to direct, and the adventurous Margot Robbie became attached to play the title character indifference turned to intrigue. That intrigue was validated with this amazingly creative and entertaining film that is an anthem to female empowerment, a hilarious examination of the gender politics of the last 50 years, and one of the funniest films in a long, long time.
The film kicks off in Barbie world. An explosion of bright colors, particularly pink, where there are all kinds of Barbies and they rule the world. Supreme court Barbie, Mayor Barbie, athletic Barbie, etc. Robbie is stereotypical Barbie. They rule the world with smiles, boundless energy, optimism and end each day with a dance party. There are also several Kens. Kens only exist to get approval from Barbie. Robbie’s Ken is played with hilariously eager ignorance by a toned up Ryan Gosling. He is having a ball.
Barbie’s positive outlook starts to get dented when she starts thinking of things like “death”. When she mentions it at the dance party everybody freezes in stunned silence. She learns from “Weird Barbie” (played marvelously by Kate Mckininon. Who else would play that part?) that the person who owns the doll is having problems and she must cross over into the world to find her and fix it.
Barbie sets off to the real world and Ken stows away with her. As she leaves, the rest of the Barbies are excited for her as they are sure all the woman in the world will greet her as a hero for the wonderful world she has created for them. Of course, when they arrive in Venice Beach she quickly finds that the world is not what she thought and woman are struggling. A fact that becomes immaculately clear when she gets to Matel, her maker, and discovers that the leadership team is all men, and lead by an appropriately over the top Will Farrel. Ken, however, learns a new word. Patriarchy. He loves the new world and the respect he gets for being a man. “Somebody actually asked me for the time!” He takes the news back to Barbie Land and turns it into masculine cartoon dystopia where the barbies are happily serving bear to the Ken’s while they play video games and explain the brilliance of “The Godfather”.
The cast is littered with wonderful performances. Too many to call out each and every one, and Robbie plays Barbie so confidently but understated which allows those around her shine. America Ferrera is wonderful as the single mother in the real world who works for Matel and is the owner of the Robbie’s Barbie. It is her negative and depressing thoughts and feelings that Barbie is feeling. She has a show stopping speech speaking for the plight of woman everywhere that she delivers perfectly. Simu Lu is wonderfully funny and cocky competing Ken. And how wonderful to see Reah Pearlman after all these years. What a wonderful warm performance as the creator of Barbie.
Sarah Greenwood’s production design in Barbie world is the most imaginative and delightful place on screen since Tim Burton in his glory years. Jacqueline Durran’s costumes are delightfully exaggerated and unique. Gerwig and Noel Baumbach, who have long lists of cynical humorous screenplays in the independent world and they hit it out of the park with this silly but serious and heartwarming story.
Gerwig, who has made two fabulous low budget features in “lady Bird” and “Little Woman” is completely in control with this big budget mainstream comedy. “Barbie” is a wonderful time that makes you think while you’re laughing and then yanks at your heart. Gerwig’s career, which was strong, has just got vaulted straight up to the A list. She will have her choice of projects and I can’t wait to see what is next.