Barbie music producer Mark Ronson has responded to Bill Maher’s criticism of Greta Gerwig’s billion-dollar hit movie. Maher referred to the film as “preachy, man-hating, and a #ZombieLie.” Ronson, who oversaw the film’s album, took to social media to express his disagreement with Maher’s take on the movie.
In a tweet imitating Nicole Kidman’s famous ad, Ronson stated, “We come to this place for magic. We come to AMC theaters to laugh, to cry, to care… and to furiously Google ‘Mattel board configuration’ while others are trying to enjoy a f***ing magnificent comedy.” His tweet conveyed his disappointment in Maher’s critique, highlighting the need to appreciate the movie for its entertainment value.
Ronson’s reaction comes after Maher shared a four-paragraph tweet expressing his expectations for Barbie, stating that it turned out to be exactly what he anticipated, even though he had hoped otherwise. Maher described the film as “preachy, man-hating, and a #ZombieLie.” He explained that a Zombie Lie is something that was either never true but people continue to believe, or something that was once true but is no longer the case, yet people still pretend it is. Maher labeled Barbie as this type of #ZombieLie.
Maher went on to address specific aspects of the film, including a scene where Barbie (Margot Robbie) and Ken (Ryan Gosling) approach the Mattel board, which in the real world consists of 12 white men. He argued that the real Mattel board should reflect the diversity of the country, pointing out that 45% of board seats in Fortune 500 companies filled last year were held by women. Maher emphasized that his critique is grounded in current reality and not out of step with societal progress.
Joining Maher in criticizing Gerwig’s Barbie are Ben Shapiro and Elon Musk, who have also expressed negative opinions about the film. These differing viewpoints highlight the divisive nature of the movie and its reception among audiences.
It is essential to recognize that artistic works often elicit a range of reactions and interpretations. While some viewers may appreciate Barbie for its entertainment value and empowering message, others may perceive it as pushing a particular agenda. These differing perspectives contribute to the richness and diversity of our cultural landscape.
Critiques and debates surrounding films play a crucial role in shaping public discourse and determining the artistic merit of a piece of work. Through these discussions, audience members are encouraged to engage critically with the content they consume, fostering a more nuanced understanding of the messages conveyed in movies.
As the discussion surrounding Barbie continues, it serves as a reminder that art offers a platform for dialogue and reflection on societal issues. While individual opinions may differ, the ongoing conversation about the film ultimately contributes to a deeper appreciation and understanding of the diverse perspectives present in our society.
In conclusion, Mark Ronson, the music producer for Barbie, has responded to Bill Maher’s criticism of Greta Gerwig’s film. Ronson expressed his disagreement with Maher’s characterization of the movie as “preachy, man-hating, and a #ZombieLie.” Maher’s critique centered on his belief that the film promotes outdated or untrue ideas. These differing opinions reflect the dynamic nature of the film industry and the rich discussions that arise from it. Ultimately, the controversy surrounding Barbie highlights the power of art to provoke conversations and challenge societal norms.