Mattel Questions Controversial Scene in Barbie Script: Is an Executive Character Necessary?

Article Overview

Mattel took a risk by allowing Greta Gerwig to explore non-traditional themes in the Barbie movie, including patriarchy and existential crises.

Despite some reservations regarding a particular scene, Mattel granted Gerwig an immense level of trust and autonomy during the creative process. This freedom bestowed by Mattel enabled Gerwig to craft a powerful and highly successful film, which ultimately raked in a staggering $1.4 billion in box office earnings.

Mattel expressed concerns about a scene in the Barbie movie, which was directed and written by Greta Gerwig. The film featured Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling as the iconic Barbie and Ken, who explore the real world and uncover the oppressive nature of patriarchy. Despite launching alongside Oppenheimer, the movie achieved great success, earning over $1.4 billion on a budget of less than $150 million.

Although Mattel allowed several atypical scenes in the movie, including a shocking ending for Barbie, they had an issue with one specific scene involving the on-screen shooting of a Mattel executive. In response to Mattel's reservations, Gerwig and co-writer Noah Baumbach consulted author Tony Kushner. Despite this concern, Gerwig commended Mattel for their handling of the film.

Baumbach mentioned that when they initially submitted the script, there was a note on page 111 inquiring, "Does a Mattel executive need to be shot?" They thought that this idea should simply be included in the advertisement. Gerwig added that all of the notes had a question mark attached to them, implying that these suggestions were not mandatory. Mattel CEO Ynon Kreiz showed great trust and provided them with ample freedom to make creative decisions. He expressed a willingness to go along with their choices as long as they believed it was the right direction to take.

The Freedom Mattel Gave The Barbie Movie

Mattel could have easily requested significant alterations to the movie, considering that the Barbie characters are primarily intended for children. They are specifically marketed towards children with the intention of promoting the idea that girls can achieve anything they set their minds to. This heartwarming sentiment actively fosters a positive atmosphere, which diverges greatly from the theme explored by Gerwig in her film.

Moreover, it is worth noting that Barbie is officially rated PG-13 and may be deemed unsuitable for young children.

Under Gerwig's directorial guidance, Barbie explores themes that are beyond what Mattel originally envisioned. It delves into topics such as challenging the patriarchy, exposing greed, and delving into existential dilemmas faced by characters like Ken, who struggle to find their place in the world. The film includes risqué humor, characters questioning the gap between reality and Mattel's promises, and numerous other issues that may not align with Mattel's intended world. The shooting of a Mattel executive serves as evidence of this transformative change.

Mattel could have opted for a more constrained approach, but the resulting movie's immense success, generating $1.4 billion, speaks to the strength of Gerwig's creative vision. Considering the number of movies that faced failure during the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes, this success highlights the impact of Gerwig's approach. While Mattel may have harbored concerns about the edgier elements in Barbie, the decision to grant Gerwig the artistic freedom she required was ultimately justified.

Source: Variety

Editor's P/S

As an enthusiastic fan, I have mixed feelings about Mattel's concerns regarding the controversial scene in the Barbie movie. On one hand, I understand Mattel's desire to protect their brand image and ensure that the movie aligns with their target audience of young children. The Barbie brand has always been associated with positivity, empowerment, and imagination, and it makes sense that Mattel would want to maintain that image.

On the other hand, I appreciate Greta Gerwig's bold and daring approach to the Barbie movie. By exploring themes such as patriarchy, existential crises, and the oppressive nature of society, Gerwig has created a film that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. The scene in question, which involves the on-screen shooting of a Mattel executive, is a powerful and symbolic moment that reflects the film's larger themes of challenging the status quo and fighting against oppression.

Ultimately, I believe that Mattel's decision to allow Gerwig the creative freedom to explore these themes was the right one. The Barbie movie is a critical and commercial success, and it has resonated with audiences of all ages. The film's success is a testament to Gerwig's vision and her ability to create a movie that is both faithful to the Barbie brand and relevant to contemporary audiences.