"Barbie" is a 2023 fantasy comedy film directed by Greta Gerwig and co-written with Noah Baumbach. The movie is a live-action adaptation of the popular Barbie fashion dolls by Mattel, marking the first live-action Barbie film after numerous computer-animated films and specials. Margot Robbie stars as the titular character, Barbie, alongside Ryan Gosling as Ken, in a story that explores themes of self-discovery, feminism, and societal expectations.
Development and Casting: The journey to bring a live-action Barbie film to the big screen began in September 2009 when Universal Pictures announced the project with Laurence Mark producing. However, it wasn't until April 2014 that Sony Pictures acquired the film rights. Over the years, there were multiple changes in writers, directors, and casting decisions. Amy Schumer and later Anne Hathaway were initially considered for the role of Barbie before Margot Robbie was cast in 2019. Greta Gerwig was announced as director and co-writer with Baumbach in 2020, bringing her unique vision to the project.
Plot: The film is set in Barbieland, a matriarchal society populated by different versions of Barbies and Kens. Barbie, the stereotypical perfectionist, experiences an existential crisis, leading her on a journey of self-discovery through both Barbieland and the real world. Accompanied by Ken, she seeks out the child playing with her in the real world to cure her afflictions. Along the way, they encounter societal norms, patriarchy, and the effects of feminism, all while navigating personal growth and challenges.
Production: Principal photography took place primarily at Warner Bros. Studios in Leavesden, England, and the Venice Beach Skatepark in Los Angeles from March to July 2022. Gerwig aimed to create a period-accurate look for the film, drawing inspiration from filmmaking techniques of the 1950s. The cinematography by Rodrigo Prieto and the musical score by Mark Ronson and Andrew Wyatt contributed to the film's visual and emotional depth.
Marketing and Release: The marketing campaign for "Barbie" was extensive, with Mattel collaborating with various brands and engaging in cross-promotion through Warner Bros. Discovery's TV channels. The film premiered at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles on July 9, 2023, followed by a theatrical release in the United States and the United Kingdom on July 21, 2023. Its simultaneous release with Universal's "Oppenheimer" led to the "Barbenheimer" cultural phenomenon, encouraging audiences to see both films as a double feature.
Reception and Achievements: "Barbie" received critical acclaim and achieved several milestones, including grossing over $1.446 billion worldwide. It became the highest-grossing film of 2023 and the 14th highest-grossing film of all time. The film received eight Academy Award nominations and won two Golden Globe Awards. Its success was attributed to its engaging storyline, stellar performances, and thought-provoking themes.
Conclusion: "Barbie" stands out as a significant milestone in the live-action adaptation of popular toy brands. With its exploration of complex themes and engaging narrative, the film captivated audiences worldwide and left a lasting impact on popular culture. Greta Gerwig's direction, Margot Robbie's portrayal of Barbie, and the ensemble cast's performances contributed to the film's critical and commercial success, solidifying its place as a modern classic in the fantasy comedy genre.