Unrealistic beauty standards, forever arched heel, never tiring gleeful smile – yet the most favorite doll of many generations of women (the real-life Barbies). So, the iconic doll making a movie appearance naturally raised questions. Is it going to make a statement? Is it going to earn cultural criticism like the plastic Barbie?
Barbie is 64 years old. But only on 21st July 2023, Barbie made her grand debut on the big screen. And unlike the speculations of the movie turning out to be an all-pink (which is 100%), all-cute, and all-no-sense plot, Barbie made an effort to be diverse, inclusive, and relatable for the large part.
There is no one right way to be a Barbie. To date, the dolls have 35 skin tones, 97 hairstyles, and 9 different body types (source- mattel.com). Recently, the company also designed its first doll with Down Syndrome in partnership with the National Down Syndrome Society. Today, the power of representation is at the core of the Barbie world, that changed over the years to become more inclusive.
In the Barbie movie, Diversity is celebrated! Directed by Greta Gerwig, it showcased an ensemble of diverse cast exploring Barbie’s cultural impact – good, bad, and in-between. Barbie dives head-first into dealing with patriarchy, toxic masculinity, catcalling, objectification, gendered challenges, what it means to grow up as a woman, etc. The movie’s standout moments were the conversations that authentically portrayed women’s experiences, shining a light on many topics that remain largely unspoken today. A visual feast, the movie skillfully blended satire and sincerity inspiring viewers as a way to say that you can be whatever you want to be no matter who you are.
And to answer the question, “Did ‘Barbie’ redefine herself?” Partially yes and a no. No, because the makers centered the plot around the stereotypical image of Barbie as the tall, thin, blonde icon (more palatable to the audience). Yes, because it’s a movie by women, about women, and for women. Barbie movie didn’t do anything extraordinary but made enough noise to leave room for thoughtful conversations.
