I saw "Barbie" today in a theater. Well, "saw" isn't exactly accurate but you know what I mean.
The film is superb and deserves its critical acclaim. It has surprisingly smart content delivered with sharp writing for intellectuals in the audience and pretty actors in lavish song-and-dance routines for the rest of the crowd. The movie hits all bases with exceptional execution.
Many aspects of the film are unexpected such as cameos and philosophical digressions. It'd spoil things to describe them so you'll have to see for yourself. This is a film everyone will be talking about and a cultural reference point.
I'll admit I cried through much of the movie. It was very emotional and hit a lot of notes about being a grown adult in our current society.
ReplyDeleteI've tried to explain to a lot of parents how it's not really a kids movie and it's not just the innuendo that causes me to say so. It's easily one of the best movies of the year.
I agree, Megan, and am not surprised by your emotional response. The film explores the contrast between our (and particularly girls') childhood fantasies about what life will be like and the harsher reality of later experience. Lots of depth to plumb there with lots of psychological pain. Not an accident one major character speaks directly to this. Certainly not a "children's movie."
DeleteMy girlfriends and I are going to see it this week - we are so stoked! I have read a bunch of reviews and am really excited for an entertaining and intelligent movie. Loved Gerwig's previous movies, so I know sort of what to expect.
ReplyDeleteYou will love it. Not just for the entertainment but also for its exploration of women's psyche. Read my response to Megan's comment above for more.
DeleteI DID love it, and like Megan, I had a really powerful emotional reaction to it, as did my friends, and from what I could tell, so did the other (mostly) women in the theatre. It has so many layers, from girls' expectations of life (as pointed out above), to the clever swap of worlds and men's and women's roles in them.
DeleteThe intro actually hit me - I'd seen the whole "2001" homage online previously, but I was so NOT a babydoll little girl and I latched onto Barbie and her clothes really early. In that scene, I felt SEEN in a way I never have, as a child-free woman by choice. I've known my entire life that I never wanted to be a mother - like Barbie.
I laughed, I cried, my heart broke and then was made whole again. It's an amazing movie and it's a cultural juggernaut. How are women going to react and act in the world post-Barbie? Will this be a Pink Wave of feminism? Will women - finally - take over the world? (Hey, a girl can hope - Barbie taught me that too).
XO
Sheila
I hope to see this soon. I've heard so many people raving about it. I'm delighted you were still able to get out and enjoy it.
ReplyDeleteSuzanne
Thanks, Suzanne. You'll enjoy the film. And thanks also for continuing to visit my blog.
DeleteAs as vintage Barbie collector, I've no excuse not to go and see the movie. But perhaps I'll wait until the hype is over ... xxx
ReplyDeleteYou definitely should see it -- and remember to wear pink!
DeleteI haven't seen it...mainly because I was getting a bit annoyed with all the merch and stuff it was sending people into a frenzy over. Maybe I'll see it at some point!
ReplyDeleteI completely understand your negative reaction to the commercial tie-ins but that monetizing was done by different people than the ones who made the movie. Greta Gerwig and Margot Robbie tried for years to get financing for the film and male execs turned them down repeatedly, saying they didn't see an audience for a feminist take on the doll. Only after reality proved them wrong did the studio exploit the film's popularity. Please see the film and don't let the commercialization keep you away. You'll enjoy the actual movie.
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