Greta Gerwig's Surprising Confessions on the Unforgettable 'I'm Just Ken' Dance Scene in the 'Barbie' Movie
'Barbie' director Greta Gerwig discusses the film's triumphs and reveals her initial reservations about featuring the unforgettable 'I'm Just Ken' dance scene
Greta Gerwig, Ryan Gosling Stuart C. Wilson/Getty Images for Warner Bros.; Jaap Buitendijk
Director Greta Gerwig expressed her reservations about including the "I'm Just Ken" dance scene in the Barbie movie, despite acknowledging its iconic status. Gerwig revealed her conflicting emotions during a discussion at the BFI London Film Festival on October 8, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter.
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In the "I'm Just Ken" scene, Ryan Gosling and the other actors playing Kens engage in a beach fight at Barbie Land. However, the scene quickly transitions into a mesmerizing dream dance sequence on a colorful soundstage, showcasing intricate choreography and an abundance of "Kenergy."
Gerwig, along with her husband Noah Baumbach, co-wrote the Barbie script. She mentioned that convincing 42-year-old Gosling to sing the number in the film required some persuasion.
"I believe that if I had directly requested him to sing and dance in this film, he might not have necessarily complied," she shared with Rolling Stone in July. "However, it was like the gradual process of boiling a lobster. By the time he was performing these musical numbers, he was so immersed in it that he didn't even fully realize how we had reached that point. But he truly excelled in this aspect."
During the Sunday discussion, Gerwig enthusiastically referred to the Barbie set as the most joyful experience she has ever had. She further expressed, "I thought to myself, if I am able to create a movie that is even half as enjoyable to watch as it was to make, then perhaps we have a chance."
The director of Little Women also confessed to secretly attending screenings during Barbie's opening weekend to observe people's responses. "I visited various theaters and quietly positioned myself at the back, occasionally adjusting the volume if I felt the film wasn't being presented flawlessly," shared Gerwig.
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Since its release on July 21, Barbie has not only made over $1 billion at the box office but has also become Warner Bros.' highest-grossing film to date. Additionally, director Gerwig has achieved a new record for the highest-grossing film made by a female director.
Nevertheless, the movie has received mixed reviews from audiences. Centered around Barbie and Ken, played by Robbie and Gosling respectively, as they venture into the real world to prevent Barbie's malfunction, the film has faced criticism from some controversial critics who deem it excessively "woke" and feminist. In fact, some individuals have gone as far as burning Barbie dolls in protest.
Gerwig expressed her hope for the movie to be an inclusive celebration, encouraging both women and men to let go of unhelpful societal norms. In a July interview with The New York Times, she acknowledged the backlash but emphasized the importance of inviting everyone to the party. Gerwig also wished for the film to provide relief and comfort to those who engage with it, just as it has done for others.
