Barbies are experiencing a resurgence in popularity, all thanks to Greta Gerwig’s soulful and emotionally rich rendition of Barbie in this summer’s blockbuster hit, which also shares the spotlight with an atomic bomb movie. Gerwig’s Barbie, portrayed by the enchanting Margot Robbie, stands out from the rest of the Barbies with her happy heaps of magenta and a subversive twist to the traditional portrayal of the iconic doll. This movie marks a significant milestone in popular film history, as it gives the character of Barbie a grounded coming-of-age journey, breaking away from the antifeminist stereotypes and unrealistic beauty standards that once surrounded the doll.
In this article, we delve into the creative genius of Greta Gerwig and her approach to bringing an indie spirit to the iconic Barbie franchise. We’ll explore how she successfully subverted expectations, embraced maximalism, and used Mattel’s massive intellectual property to realize her dreams and create a memorable cinematic experience.
Greta Gerwig’s Personal Connection with Barbies
Greta Gerwig reflects on her personal attachment to Barbies, recalling how they were somewhat forbidden fruit in her childhood due to her mother’s disapproval of the doll’s perceived negative influence. Nevertheless, she inherited a collection of Barbies from neighborhood girls, leading to a love-hate relationship with the dolls. Gerwig’s journey with Barbies mirrors the dichotomy many girls experience – embracing and then rejecting the “girly” elements in an attempt to fit into societal norms. With this in mind, Gerwig was determined to embrace the maximalist essence of Barbie while also addressing more emotional and intimate themes in her film.
Embracing Maximalism and Emotional Themes
Gerwig draws inspiration from the maximalist aesthetic of Barbie-ism, which exudes brightness, sparkles, and a joyful abundance. She wanted to celebrate this aesthetic without diminishing the feelings of young girls who find joy in such extravagance. The movie manages to find a delicate balance between the theatricality of Barbie’s world and exploring complex emotions in an authentic way.
Gerwig also draws parallels between the theatricality of Barbie and the brilliance of Shakespeare’s comedies. Just as Shakespeare fearlessly explored big ideas amidst anarchy, Gerwig’s Barbie gives her the opportunity to tackle significant themes within a heightened and joyful setting.
A Continuation of Themes in Gerwig’s Work
Greta Gerwig’s filmography showcases her fascination with women and their complex emotions. Her movies often explore the ache of contradictions, the longing for childhood innocence, and the challenges of adulthood. In both Little Women and Barbie, Gerwig touches upon these themes, drawing audiences into the emotional journey of the characters and evoking genuine empathy.
The Impact of Barbie and Emotional Connection
The emotional impact of Barbie surprises audiences, much like the heart-wrenching scenes in Little Women. Gerwig admits that she doesn’t write villains; instead, her characters exist in the messy middle, allowing her to empathize with their complexities. This approach creates a deeper emotional connection between the audience and the characters, even with a doll-like figure like Barbie.
Gerwig as an Actor’s Director
Having experience as an actor herself, Gerwig understands the vulnerability and fear that actors often face. This deep empathy allows her to support and guide her cast during the filmmaking process, fostering an environment of safety and creativity.
Overcoming Reluctance in Pursuing Dreams
Gerwig opens up about her own journey, discussing the reluctance she felt before directing her first solo project. She realized that courage doesn’t magically appear overnight; it’s something that needs to be embraced by taking action. This wisdom also applies to her second big studio project, Barbie, where she faced similar fears and doubts.
Artistic Expression and Unexpected Sources of Creativity
Gerwig reflects on the opportunities for artistic expression and creativity in unexpected places, drawing a parallel to her experiences in a Catholic high school where she found ways to express her creativity even within strict boundaries. She believes that art can emerge anywhere there’s space and time, challenging the notion of “real art” versus “not real art.”
The Future of Gerwig’s Work
As she continues her journey as a filmmaker, Gerwig expresses a desire to explore storytelling across different scales. She aspires to create films of varying sizes, embracing the challenges and opportunities that each project brings. However, the limited number of projects she can undertake remains a constraint.
Conclusion
Greta Gerwig’s creative vision and personal touch have breathed new life into the iconic Barbie franchise, making it more relevant and relatable than ever before. By embracing maximalism and emotions, Gerwig showcases her directorial prowess, leaving audiences with a profound cinematic experience. Her ability to empathize with characters and create intimate connections on screen sets her apart as a director who truly understands the art of storytelling.
