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Barbie (2023 film)
In 2023, Greta Gerwig took the helm of the much-anticipated live-action film, “Barbie,” a groundbreaking departure from the computer-animated films and specials that had dominated the Barbie franchise. Teaming up with co-writer Noah Baumbach, Gerwig crafted a narrative that transcends the superficial world of fashion dolls, exploring themes of self-discovery and existential crisis. Margot Robbie leads the cast as Barbie, with Ryan Gosling portraying the iconic Ken, in a tale that unfolds with a stellar supporting cast including America Ferrera, Kate McKinnon, Issa Rae, Rhea Perlman, and Will Ferrell.
The journey to bring Barbie to the live-action realm was no easy feat. The project was initially announced by Universal Pictures in 2009, with Laurence Mark producing. However, it underwent a series of transformations, including shifts in writers and directors. After rights were transferred to Warner Bros. Pictures in 2018, Robbie stepped into the lead role in 2019, with Gerwig and Baumbach officially on board as director and co-writer in 2020. The remainder of the ensemble cast was revealed in early 2022, and filming took place at Warner Bros. Studios, Leavesden, and the Venice Beach Skatepark from March to July of the same year.
“Barbie” premiered on July 9, 2023, at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, hitting theaters on July 21. Its simultaneous release with Universal’s “Oppenheimer” sparked the “Barbenheimer” cultural phenomenon, encouraging audiences to experience both films as a double feature. The film garnered critical acclaim, breaking records with a gross of $1.44 billion. Not only did it become the highest-grossing film of 2023 and Warner Bros.’ top-grossing film, but it also claimed the title of the highest-grossing comedy film of all time.
The narrative unfolds in Barbieland, a matriarchal society inhabited by various versions of Barbie and Ken dolls, along with a group of discontinued models treated as outcasts. The story centers on Barbie’s existential crisis, prompting a quest for self-discovery. As the narrative unfolds, societal norms, beauty standards, and gender roles are explored in a thought-provoking manner.
Barbie’s journey takes an unexpected turn when she experiences the real world, encountering societal challenges and reflecting on her identity. The film delves into complex topics such as beauty standards, feminism, and societal expectations, using the iconic dolls as a lens to examine broader cultural issues.
The supporting characters, including Ken and a diverse array of Barbies, each bring their unique perspectives to the narrative. Through a mix of adventure, comedy, and fantasy, Gerwig invites audiences to reconsider preconceived notions about the iconic doll and, by extension, societal expectations of women.
The film skillfully addresses societal issues without losing the essence of the Barbie brand’s playfulness. The juxtaposition of Barbie’s idealized world with the real-world challenges she faces serves as a poignant commentary on the complexities of modern womanhood.
In a surprising turn of events, Ken undergoes his own journey of self-discovery, challenging traditional notions of masculinity. The narrative explores themes of autonomy and purpose, adding depth to the characters beyond their plastic exteriors.
“Barbie” concludes with a powerful message of empowerment, as Barbie, now choosing to exist as “Barbara Handler” in the real world, embarks on a new chapter of her ever-evolving story. The film not only entertains but also encourages audiences to question societal norms and embrace individuality.
In the realm of live-action adaptations, “Barbie” stands as a testament to Gerwig’s directorial prowess, Robbie’s captivating performance, and the film’s ability to navigate nuanced societal issues with finesse. As the highest-grossing film of 2023, it cements its place in cinematic history, challenging audiences to see beyond the plastic facade and contemplate the deeper meanings embedded in the iconic Barbie doll.
Episodes Summary
In the vibrant and imaginative world of Barbieland, Stereotypical Barbie and her doll companions inhabit a society shaped by matriarchy, where various versions of Barbies and Kens coexist alongside a group of discontinued models. The latter, marked by unconventional traits, find themselves marginalized in this utopian realm. While the Kens revel in beachside activities, considering it their profession, the Barbies hold esteemed positions such as doctors, lawyers, and politicians. Amidst this, Beach Ken yearns for a closer connection with Barbie, who, in turn, prioritizes other pursuits and female friendships.
The narrative takes an unexpected turn when Barbie, during a dance party, is suddenly gripped by existential worries about mortality. Overnight, she undergoes physical changes such as bad breath, cellulite, and flat feet, disrupting her accustomed routines. Seeking guidance, she turns to Weird Barbie, a disfigured doll, who reveals that she must locate the child playing with her in the real world to cure these afflictions. Ken, intent on joining her, stows away in her convertible, leading to a reluctant alliance.
The journey unfolds at Venice Beach, marked by confrontations, brief arrests, and the revelation of Barbie’s owner, Sasha, a teenager critical of unrealistic beauty standards perpetuated by her doll. Mattel’s CEO orders their recapture, setting off a chain of events that challenge societal norms in both Barbieland and the real world. The story explores themes of identity, societal expectations, and systemic oppression, prompting a transformation in the Barbies’ perspective.
As Barbie grapples with her evolving identity, a cast of diverse characters, including Sasha, Weird Barbie, and discontinued dolls, plays a crucial role in challenging and deprogramming the Barbies from their indoctrination. The narrative culminates in a realization of the flaws in their previous society, leading to a commitment to rectify these faults and promote inclusivity.
The tale weaves together elements of introspection, societal critique, and empowerment, with Barbie ultimately choosing to embrace her humanity and venture back into the real world. The cast, featuring Margot Robbie, Kate McKinnon, Issa Rae, and others, embodies various facets of Barbie’s multifaceted identity, highlighting the character’s ever-evolving history and the timeless nature of her narrative. In a poignant conclusion, Barbie, now known as Barbara Handler, faces the complexities of the real world with her newfound understanding and resilience.
Release Date
“Barbie” made its world premiere at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles on July 9, 2023, followed by the European premiere at Cineworld Leicester Square in London on July 12, 2023. The film hit theatres in the United States and the United Kingdom on July 21, 2023, claiming the original release date of “Coyote vs. Acme.” Notably, the project underwent several release date changes, with initial plans set for June 2, 2017, May 12, 2017, June 29, 2018, August 8, 2018, and May 8, 2020.
On its release day, “Barbie” coincided with the debut of “Oppenheimer,” a biographical film about J. Robert Oppenheimer directed by Christopher Nolan. The contrasting tones and genres led to a social media trend called “Barbenheimer,” where users humorously suggested watching both films as a double feature. Actor Cillian Murphy, star of “Oppenheimer,” endorsed the phenomenon, encouraging viewers to see both movies on the same day.
In August 2023, it was announced that “Barbie” would be re-released in IMAX theaters on September 22, 2023, for a limited one-week run, featuring a new post-credit scene. The IMAX edition included an introduction by Greta Gerwig, extolling the benefits of the IMAX format. The post-credits scene featured Margot Robbie’s Barbie, dressed in her iconic 1959 bathing suit, interacting with a human-sized Ken doll that transformed into Ryan Gosling’s Ken. The scene included humorous outtakes, such as discussions about Barbie marrying Barney the Dinosaur.
The film also saw a Spanish language release in the United States and Puerto Rico through the TheaterEars app. In Pakistan, “Barbie” faced a brief halt in screenings in the Punjab province due to allegations of promoting homosexuality. The film underwent a censorship review in Dubai and received final approval for screening on August 1, 2023.
However, in Algeria, just three weeks after its release on July 19, 2023, screenings of “Barbie” were halted. Officials cited concerns that the film “promotes homosexuality and other Western deviances,” asserting that it did not align with Algeria’s religious and cultural beliefs.
Tv Series Cast
Top Four Cast
- Margot Robbie as by Barbie
- Issa Rae as by President Barbie
- Kate McKinnon as by Weird Barbie
- Alexandra Shipp as by Writer Barbie
- Emma Mackey as by Physicist Barbie
- Hari Nef as by Dr. Barbie
- Sharon Rooney as by Lawyer Barbie
- Ana Cruz Kayne as by Judge Barbie
- Ritu Arya as by Journalist Barbie
- Dua Lipa as by Mermaid Barbie
- Nicola Coughlan as by Diplomat Barbie
- Ryan Gosling as by Ken
- Simu Liu as by Tourist Ken/”Rival Ken”
- Kingsley Ben-Adir as by Basketball Ken
- Ncuti Gatwa as by Artist Ken
- Scott Evans as by Stereotypical Ken
- John Cena as by Kenmaid, a merman Ken
- America Ferrera as by Gloria
- Ariana Greenblatt as by Sasha
- Rhea Perlman as by Ruth Handler
- Helen Mirren as by the narrator
- Will Ferrell as by the CEO of Mattel
- Michael Cera as by Allan
- Connor Swindells as by Aaron Dinkins
- Jamie Demetriou as by the CFO of Mattel
- Emerald Fennell as by Midge
- Asim Chaudhry as aby Mattel warehouse employee
- Ray Fearon as Dan at by the FBI
- Erica Ford as by Skipper
- Hannah Khalique-Brown as by “Growing Up”
- Mette Narrative as by Barbie Video Girl
- Marisa Abela as by Teen Talk Barbie
- Lucy Boynton as by Proust Barbie
- Rob Brydon as by Sugar Daddy Ken
- Tom Stourton as by Earring Magic Ken
- Ann Roth as the by woman on the bench
- Annie Mumolo as by Anxiety Mom
- Lauren Holt as by Time Mom
- Ryan Piers Williams
In the quest for the ideal cast for the Barbie movie, Greta Gerwig and Margot Robbie sought actresses embodying what they termed “Barbie energy”—a unique blend of beauty and exuberance. By October 2021, negotiations with Ryan Gosling to portray Ken reached their final stages. The ensemble expanded in February 2022 with the addition of America Ferrera, Simu Liu, and Kate McKinnon. Liu’s audition was fueled by his agent’s high praise for the script, deeming it among the best ever read. March 2022 brought the revelation of Ariana Greenblatt, Alexandra Shipp, and Emma Mackey joining the cast. April saw a star-studded lineup, featuring Will Ferrell, Issa Rae, Michael Cera, and others. Notably, John Cena, who spontaneously secured a role after picking up Robbie’s tab in London, was unveiled in the April 2023 trailer. Helen Mirren lent her narrative voice to both the trailer and the film. Robbie and Gosling commanded substantial paychecks, each receiving $12.5 million for their roles.
Despite aiming for Gal Gadot as Barbie and considering cameos from Timothée Chalamet and Saoirse Ronan, scheduling conflicts and unavailability intervened. Bowen Yang, Dan Levy, and Ben Platt were in contention for Ken, while Jonathan Groff initially topped the list for Allan (played by Cera) before declining. Matt Bomer, though offered a role, declined due to scheduling constraints.
Tv Series Information
| Name | Info |
|---|---|
| Directed | Greta Gerwig |
| Written |
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| Produced |
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| Cinematography | Rodrigo Prieto |
| Edited | Nick Houy |
| Music |
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| Production |
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| Distributed | Warner Bros. Pictures |
| Box office | $128–145 Million |
| Time | 114 Minutes |
| Country |
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| Languages | English |
| Release | July 21, 2023 |
