Greta Gerwig‘s “Barbie,” a summer blockbuster, stands out as a remarkable achievement, showcasing both technical brilliance and a captivating tone. The film offers a visual spectacle that serves as both an enjoyable escape and a rallying cry. Packed with meticulous attention to detail, “Barbie” demands multiple viewings to fully appreciate its splendor, including the intricacies of accessories, costume design, and production.
The movie’s costume design, led by Jacqueline Durran, a two-time Oscar winner, and the production design, led by six-time Oscar nominee Sarah Greenwood, demonstrate constant ingenuity and vibrancy, perfectly befitting Barbie’s evolving character. Rodrigo Prieto, a three-time Oscar nominee, and the cinematographer, gives the film a glossy sheen, enhancing its allure. Gerwig and her team have managed to bring the various incarnations of Barbie to life, instilling them with infectious energy and a wink of knowing humor.
“Barbie” manages to be hysterically funny, boasting numerous laugh-out-loud moments that are a result of both the idyllic, pink-hued realm’s insularity and the comical situations that arise when the outside world encroaches upon it. However, due to a clever and ubiquitous marketing campaign, some of the film’s inspired moments may have been revealed beforehand, leading to heightened anticipation.
The central plot follows Barbie, portrayed by the perfectly cast Margot Robbie, as she experiences an existential crisis and embarks on a journey to the human world to discover her true purpose. Ryan Gosling plays her companion, Ken, who is desperately seeking Barbie’s acknowledgment to validate his own existence. Throughout the film, both characters encounter harsh truths and new friends, blurring the lines between engineered fantasy and stark reality.
“Barbie” skillfully tackles the unrealistic physical proportions associated with the doll and the real body issues they can cause in young girls. While it acknowledges this aspect, the movie also celebrates Barbie as a feminist icon. The film even takes clever jabs at the doll’s manufacturer, Mattel, and the film’s distributor, Warner Bros., suggesting a subtle self-awareness.
Robbie’s performance as Barbie is a perfect blend of satire and sincerity, radiating optimism that complements the candy-coated world she inhabits. Gosling, on the other hand, steals scenes with his portrayal of Ken’s humorous and insecure nature, embodying the character with charm and humor.
The film boasts an impressive ensemble cast, with standouts including Kate McKinnon, Issa Rae, Alexandra Shipp, Simu Liu, and America Ferrera, each delivering memorable performances in their respective Barbie and Ken roles.
While “Barbie” impresses with its ambitious ideas and themes, it does suffer from occasional unevenness. After a strong start filled with zippy hilarity, the film slows down in the middle to delve into its more serious themes. Gerwig takes on weighty notions during the blockbuster season, but the film occasionally falters when it becomes too explanatory and heavy-handed, detracting from its satirical edge.
One of the characters delivers a lengthy, third-act speech about the challenges of being a woman and societal double standards, which resonates with some viewers but may come across as preachy and redundant to others.
In conclusion, “Barbie” is an ambitious and visually stunning film that effectively balances humor, satire, and poignant themes. While it may stumble in parts, the movie’s captivating performances, particularly Margot Robbie’s, and Gerwig’s directorial prowess make it a joyful and empowering cinematic experience.
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