Barbie star Margot Robbie responded to a denial from a Mattel executive who claimed that the film is not feminist. Robbie, who plays the main character in Barbie, embarks on a journey with Ryan Gosling's Ken to find herself in the real world. The promotional material for the movie indicates that it will pay homage to the Barbie toy line while also providing a playful adaptation of the franchise.
During an interview with Time, Robbie addressed the executive's comments and emphasized that the main objective of the Barbie movie is to be a fun and entertaining film with a multitude of ideas. Her full statement can be found below.
"Who said that? It’s not that it is or it isn’t. It’s a movie. It’s a movie that’s got so much in it. We’re in on the joke. This isn’t a Barbie puff piece."
How The Barbie Movie Might Portray Feminism
Despite Barbie not prioritizing a feminist message, that doesn't mean the movie will lack feminist themes. The film will showcase various iterations of Barbie, portrayed by talented actors like Kate McKinnon, Issa Rae, and Sharon Rooney. Each actor will bring a distinct interpretation of Barbie, allowing for a diverse and multifaceted portrayal of femininity.
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Barbie's journey in the movie can also be analyzed from a feminist perspective as she embarks on a voyage of self-discovery outside of Barbieland. By venturing into the real world, Barbie has the opportunity to explore her true self, ultimately embracing her individual path. This would position Barbie as a feminist film since it empowers her to shape her own destiny beyond the confines of Barbieland.
Although the initial Barbie reaction received some criticism, the movie's treatment of possible feminist themes was not among them. While this does not definitively establish the level of feminism in the film, it is evident that if feminist themes are present in Barbie, they are portrayed thoughtfully. Nonetheless, it remains to be seen what particular feminist themes Barbie will articulate.
Source: Time