Mark Kermode interview
The Barbie movie, described as a cinematic gem for all ages, became an instant comedic heartfelt classic as soon as it was released in June. We start the film with a serious and satirical opening narrated by dame Helen Miran ‘Thanks to barbie, all problems of feminism and equal rights have been solved!’ Introduced to Barbie land, an imaginary land where everyone is barbie, or ken, or an Allan! (just Micheal Cera, for that matter). Within barbie land, the barbies do everything, from the government to winning awards, and everything is perfect, and plastic and very pink! That is until, stereotypical barbie (Margot Robbie), while at her party, begins having thoughts of anxiety and death. She wakes up the next morning not quite so plastic and perfect, gaining flat, non barbie style feet and dreaded cellulite. This issue leads to her having to visit ‘weird barbie’ (Kate Mckinnon) and with a matrix style choice she chooses to travel to the real world to help save the girl who is playing with her, whose dark thoughts are the result of barbies own, through their connection. So along with a stowaway ken (Ryan gosling) travels in search of the girl who is playing with her, who she soon discovers to be an angsty gothy teenager called Sasha (Ariana Greenblatt), who (impolitely) informs her that "you’ve been making women feel bad about themselves since you were invented”, adding; “You set the feminist movement back 50 years, you fascist!” a shocking and deflating reality for our innocent happy-go-lucky Barbie to come to. Meanwhile, our ken learns about the patriarchy and how men and horses run everything and travels back to Barbie land to report his findings.
Barbie can only be described as an amazing film all-around. Its varied, unique and women-empowered soundtrack consists of well rebound
artists such as Nicki Minaj, ice spice, Charli xcx, Billie Eilish, Sam smith and even a song titled “I'm just ken” sung by Ryan gosling himself. Its saddest and most memorable hit “what was I made for” has went viral for its relatability. Its overall love for humanity and women empowerment makes this easily one of my favorite films
and it's easy to see why. The direction from great Gerwig is immaculate and if you do not plan to watch this film, I think it is a serious fault on your own part, it is the perfect combination of comedy, love and sadness.