Bill Maher, the host of HBO’s Real Time, recently joined the small-but-loud anti-Barbie crowd by criticizing the film directed by Greta Gerwig. Barbie recently crossed the $1 billion mark at the box office, making it a summer sensation. However, Maher expressed his disappointment in the film, calling it “preachy, man-hating, and a #ZombieLie.”
Explaining his use of the term “Zombie Lie,” Maher described it as something that was never true but is still being perpetuated or something that used to be true but no longer is. According to Maher, Barbie is a #ZombieLie because the film portrays her as fighting against the Patriarchy, despite the Mattel board consisting of 7 men and 5 women in real life. Maher argued that while remnants of the Patriarchy may still exist, the movie is not an accurate depiction of the current situation.
One of Maher’s specific criticisms was about a scene in the film where the Barbies have to win over the Kens by pretending to act helpless. He referred to Helen Gurley Brown, the former editor-in-chief of Cosmopolitan, who promoted the idea of women acting helpless to attract male attention. Maher’s companion, a woman in her 30s, allegedly said that no woman she knows would act like that today.
Maher also addressed the argument that he, as a man, cannot understand the concept of the Patriarchy. He dismissed this argument, stating that while individuals may not know exactly what others go through in life, they can observe the world around them and analyze data. He cited the composition of the real Mattel board, which he claimed mirrors the country’s diversity, with 45% of board seats in Fortune 500 companies filled by women last year.
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Maher’s critique of the film aligns with other male media pundits who have taken issue with Barbie’s portrayal. Conservative figures such as podcast host Ben Shapiro and billionaire Elon Musk have also expressed their dissatisfaction with the movie. However, despite these criticisms, Barbie has been a success across all demographics. The film boasts an impressive 88% critics score on Rotten Tomatoes and an almost equal 84% audience score. Furthermore, it holds the record for the biggest box office haul for a live-action film directed by a woman in cinema history.
In conclusion, Maher’s critique of Barbie mirrors the sentiments expressed by other male media pundits and conservative voices. Although the film has faced criticism, it has still achieved significant success and resonated with audiences. With its strong critical reception, high box office earnings, and groundbreaking female director, Barbie has undeniably made an impact on the film industry.
