- Barbie mania: Shortage of pink paint and obsession with Margot Robbie’s toes
- Unique universe: Barbie’s on-screen world in Greta Gerwig’s film
- Popularity and evolution: Barbie’s enduring appeal and cultural impact
Barbie mania is in full gear before the film’s release, as evidenced by a reported shortage of pink paint and a fixation on Margot Robbie’s toes. The pink carpet has now been laid out in London, following its previous global appearances.
From the moment we saw photos of Barbie and Ken rollerblading around Venice Beach in matching neon in 2022, the buzz has been enormous, reaching stratospheric levels in recent weeks due to Margot Robbie’s vintage pink red carpet attire and social media’s obsession with a clip of her perfectly arched, tiptoed feet.
The world’s most popular doll has been a fixture in the lives of millions of children since her introduction in 1959. She has already starred in numerous films and television programs, but Greta Gerwig’s new live-action film has taken Barbie’s excitement to a whole new level.
Robbie, who portrays the beloved title character, explained at the European premiere in London why Barbie’s on-screen universe is so unique. “It’s a rare opportunity to do something so unexpected, amusing, clever, and silly on such a large scale,” she said.
“Barbieland feels like a female idyll. After the film, however, you begin to see the error in this – a hierarchy in power is not necessarily the best thing. But it is entertaining and very attractive.”
Barbie is a feminist icon because she lives in a universe ruled by women; see the film’s tagline, “She’s Everything. He’s Just Ken.”
Ryan Gosling, who portrays Barbie’s arm candy, stated that his children inspired him to do the film.
“Barbie the doll and the film both arrived at my home at the same time,” he explained. “It was like a Barbie deluge, and I had to prepare for it.
“I picked up a Ken doll in the backyard one day, and the next thing I knew, I was him.”
I cannot believe they allowed us to make this film.
It’s difficult to recall a recent film with as much anticipation as this new Barbie film; it may even surpass Daniel Craig’s last excursion as James Bond, which was eagerly anticipated after several delays.
There have been stories about the film causing a global shortage of pink paint, the aforementioned headlines about Robbie’s feet, and a comparison between Barbie and Oppenheimer, a historical drama about the invention of the atomic bomb that is also releasing on the same day.
For writer-director Greta Gerwig, whose previous projects include the 2019 adaptation of Little Women and the Oscar-nominated Lady Bird, it has been both “challenging and exciting.”
“It’s so exciting, but I also feel a constant wave of, ‘Oh no, I’m going to cry,’ followed by the thought, ‘Don’t cry, it’s only amazing.'” However, it is a significant amount of energy.”
It is difficult to quantify Barbie’s popularity. Her durability is something that most other dolls can only admire; 64 years after her introduction, she continues to generate massive sales for Mattel.
Gerwig states that working with the toymaker was a pleasure. “I honestly cannot believe they allowed us to make this film, but they were incredibly courageous and gave us complete creative freedom with their beloved brands.”
As with all famous brands, the doll has evolved. She has also inspired others, such as the British artist Emma Gibbons, who is presently exhibiting her “Barbiecore” works in London.
She told, “I’ve been using Barbie shoes, tiaras, and other items in my work for a long time.” “The aesthetic, neon, and sparkle, work perfectly with my work, and she has been a part of my practice since art school.
“When I was a child, Barbie had many cool professions, including pilot, firefighter, and doctor; she was the ultimate feminist back then, which I admired. She was also a housewife, but she rapidly pursued these other careers, providing children more room to invent their games.
Robbie purchased one of Gibbons’ works, “Bad Barbie” – a vintage profile with a swooping ponytail made from the artist’s signature glittering pink pill capsules and crystals – while she was filming after her trainer discovered it at an art fair.
Gibbons attributes Barbie’s popularity to her aesthetic, as well as the sense of nostalgia she elicits.
Since COVID, in particular, people want to be encouraged,” she said. “It’s also the nostalgia; nostalgia is a very effective weapon.
“There’s also real empowerment and liberation, as evidenced by the number of people who approached me at the opening of the exhibition and said they’d wanted to don the outfit they were wearing for years but never had the courage. Barbie enables individuals to be their extravagant selves. Anything goes.”
Barbie is unquestionably a cultural icon, and this new film will only serve to solidify that status among a new generation of admirers.
Time will tell how she will continue to adapt, but it’s a safe guess that she will still be around long after the buzz surrounding this film has died down.
