The upcoming Barbie movie has been a topic of controversy, with differing opinions on whether it can be considered a feminist film. Actress and producer Margot Robbie, who is involved in the project, sees it as a feminist tale, while Mattel executives hold a different viewpoint.
In a recent Time magazine feature, members of Barbie’s creative team and leading executives at Mattel discuss the journey to bring the iconic doll to life on the big screen. One of the main goals of this journey was to create an inclusive take on the toy brand, reflecting the diversity of womanhood and women’s potential.
Actress Hari Nef, who plays Doctor Barbie in the film, acknowledges the challenges of fitting Barbie into the contemporary history of feminism and body positivity. She recognizes that there are questions about how Barbie can align with these movements. However, it seems that Mattel executives, including executive producer Robbie Brenner, do not view the film as a feminist movie.
Brenner’s statement that the Barbie movie is “not a feminist movie” is echoed by other Mattel executives, according to reporter Eliana Dockterman. Robbie appeared surprised by this label and emphasized that the film contains a rich and diverse range of themes, transcending simple categorizations like feminism.
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While the film may not be explicitly feminist, it is certainly not a “Barbie puff piece.” Robbie Brenner describes it as a movie where “we’re in on the joke,” indicating that it explores the complexities of Barbie’s legacy and the controversies surrounding the brand. Richard Dickson, COO and president of Mattel, also states that the film aims to poke fun at the brand while still honoring its authenticity.
The creative team behind the film faced disagreements with Mattel, not only regarding its feminist label but also in terms of scenes that were deemed off-brand. Dickson flew out to the set in London to address these concerns, but ultimately changed his mind after seeing the scene in action.
Robbie emphasizes the importance of acknowledging the brand’s history and addressing certain issues in the film to ensure that the conversation around Barbie is authentic. The film’s creative team believes that it is essential to tackle controversial topics head-on rather than ignoring them.
Both the Barbie creative team and Mattel agreed on the need for inclusive casting. This commitment to diversity is in line with Mattel’s expansion of its Barbie and Ken lines, which now feature different skin tones, hair types, and body sizes. The film’s casting reflects this modernization effort and seeks to affirm Barbie’s message that anyone can aspire to be whatever they choose.
Margot Robbie’s casting as the lead Barbie character bridges the gap between the brand’s legacy and its more recent expansions. Robbie explains that she wouldn’t have wanted to take on the role if Mattel hadn’t made these changes to create a wider range of Barbies. She believes that Barbie shouldn’t be limited to one version, but should represent a multitude of aspirations and appearances.
The film also includes actress Kate McKinnon, who plays Weird Barbie. She sees the movie as an incisive cultural critique that explores both the positive and negative feelings associated with the Barbie brand. Issa Rae, who portrays President Barbie, initially worried that the film would be too “white feminist-y,” but feels that it is self-aware and reflects the diversity of Barbie Land.
In conclusion, the upcoming Barbie movie is a complex project filled with differing opinions. While Margot Robbie sees it as a feminist tale, Mattel executives have a more nuanced perspective. The film aims to honor the legacy of Barbie while delving into the controversies surrounding the brand. It emphasizes inclusive casting and tackles both positive and negative aspects of the Barbie brand. Ultimately, it presents a diverse and self-aware portrayal of Barbie Land.
