Greta Gerwig is making history once again as she breaks the opening weekend record for a female director with her movie, “Barbie.” The film raked in an estimated $155 million at the North American box office over the July 21-23 weekend, surpassing the $100 million-plus domestic opening of Patty Jenkins’ “Wonder Woman” and becoming the top opening of the year to date.
Gerwig’s vision of bringing the world’s most famous fashion doll to the big screen has captivated audiences, and the marketing campaign orchestrated by Warner Bros. and toymaker Mattel has certainly played a significant role in the film’s success. With Margot Robbie starring as Barbie and Ryan Gosling as Ken, the movie has become the movie event of the year so far.
One notable aspect of “Barbie” is its diverse audience. Women of all ages and girls made up nearly 70 percent of the audience, highlighting the film’s ability to resonate with female viewers. This is a significant achievement for Gerwig, who has long been an advocate for more female representation in the entertainment industry.
“Barbie” is Gerwig’s third feature film, following her critically acclaimed 2017 specialty film “Lady Bird.” This movie marked her solo feature directing debut and received five top Oscar nominations, including best director and best feature. It grossed $80 million globally, an impressive number for an independent film. Gerwig’s next directing venture was the 2019 adaptation of “Little Women,” which opened to $16.8 million domestically over the Christmas holidays and went on to earn $218.8 million globally. Gerwig received an Oscar nomination for best director for her work on “Little Women.”
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The success of “Barbie” extends beyond the North American market. The film is also performing well in certain overseas markets, with a projected international debut as high as $120 million and a global total of $380 million or more. This further solidifies Gerwig’s position as a talented and globally recognized director.
In the past, women in Hollywood have faced numerous challenges and obstacles when it comes to directing big-budget films. However, Gerwig’s record-breaking opening weekend with “Barbie” is a defining moment for the industry, showcasing the demand and potential for female-led films. Prior to “Wonder Woman,” the top opening for a solo female director was Sam Taylor-Johnson’s “Fifty Shades of Grey” which debuted to $93 million over the four-day Valentine’s Day/Presidents Day weekend in 2015.
This achievement not only highlights the success of Gerwig as a director but also represents a significant step forward for female representation in the film industry. It is a testament to the power of female-driven narratives and the demand for diverse storytelling.
As the success of “Barbie” continues to unfold, it is clear that Greta Gerwig’s impact on the film industry is far-reaching. Her talent, vision, and ability to connect with diverse audiences have solidified her as one of Hollywood’s most influential directors. With each project she takes on, Gerwig continues to break barriers and pave the way for future generations of female filmmakers.
In conclusion, Greta Gerwig’s “Barbie” has made history by breaking the opening weekend record for a female director. The film’s success is not only a testament to Gerwig’s talent and vision but also represents a significant step forward for female representation in the industry. As the film continues to perform well both domestically and internationally, it is clear that Gerwig’s impact on the film industry is here to stay.
