Summary
The mic drop moment delivered by Barbie as her final line is a brilliantly executed conclusion that builds upon earlier humorous moments, resulting in a satisfying and smart ending.This closing line serves as a prime example of how the entire film seamlessly incorporates various layers, delving into the evolution of Barbie as a beloved toy and delving into thought-provoking feminist themes.
Greta Gerwig's goal of empowering and creating a relatable experience for girls through Barbie is evident in the positive reception the movie has received.
WARNING: This article contains a spoiler regarding the ending of Barbie! Greta Gerwig provides an explanation for the surprise final line in Barbie. Alongside her husband and long-time creative partner Noah Baumbach, Gerwig co-wrote and directed the film. Barbie, which has been praised for its clever feminist approach, concludes with Margot Robbie's portrayal of the titular doll starting a new life in the real world. She enters an office building filled with excitement, but adds one last unexpected twist by saying, "I'm here to see my gynecologist!"
Speaking to USA Today, Gerwig explains her rationale for choosing this ending for Barbie. When creating the character, Gerwig made a deliberate effort to ensure that there were multiple layers to everything. This idea is exemplified by the final line. Take a look at Gerwig's complete statement below:
"For this film, it was crucial to me that everything had a dual meaning. I knew I wanted to end with a jaw-dropping joke, but I also wanted it to be deeply emotional. As a teenage girl, I vividly recall the feeling of growing up and being ashamed of my own body, unable to even put into words the extent of my embarrassment. It felt as though I had to constantly hide."
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And there was Margot, dressed up as Barbie, her face beaming with a huge smile as she shared her final words filled with pure happiness and joy. I couldn't help but think, if I could evoke that same feeling in girls, where they could say, 'Barbie can do it too,' it would be both amusing and touching. This delightful blend of humor and heartfelt moments can be found all throughout the movie, as we always aimed to incorporate lightheartedness and emotional depth.{{img_placeholder_1}}
Barbie's closing remark is not only a well-deserved conclusion, but it also reinforces a comedic element introduced earlier in the film. After venturing into the "real world" of Venice Beach, California, alongside Robbie's Barbie and Ken portrayed by Ryan Gosling, the story humorously highlights their lack of genitalia. Thus, Barbie's final line not only serves as a triumphant moment but also exemplifies the film's commitment to sustaining its comedic undertones.
According to Gerwig, the ending line perfectly aligns with Barbie's portrayal throughout the entire movie. Barbie is not just a film about a toy; it acknowledges the doll's actual history and significance in the world. Furthermore, it presents a relatable feminist narrative that challenges gender roles and treats the plastic characters as authentic individuals. Even though the Barbies face a loss of control in Barbieland when Ken attempts to establish a patriarchy, there are humorous references to the toys' real-world lore and their status as merchandise. Considering all of this, Gerwig's comment about Barbie's ending feels even more genuine. Unlike in other films where it might come across as mockery of the toy universe, this line reflects Barbie's distinctive feminist perspective. Gerwig has successfully achieved the desired "levity" and "heart" in Barbie, and the movie's overwhelmingly positive reception seems to be a testament to that.
Source: USA Today