Summary
Barbie director Greta Gerwig and actor Ryan Gosling have engaged in a conversation about the concept of Kenergy, whereby Gerwig posits that it symbolizes men who exhibit unwavering support and openness towards women.
Issa Rae and Margot Robbie provide contrasting interpretations of Kenergy, with Rae dismissing it as devoid of meaning, while Robbie struggles to articulate its definition. Despite the debut of Gerwig's Barbie movie, Kenergy remains elusive, subject to individual interpretation by viewers, and is expected to remain a prominent topic of discussion in the years to come.
Barbie director Greta Gerwig shares her perspective on the meaning of Kenergy. While the definition of Kenergy has been a topic of discussion on the internet for some time, various opinions have emerged. Notably, even Ken actor Ryan Gosling is unsure of its true meaning, despite using the term when discussing his character for the highly-anticipated movie release.
In an interview with ExtraTV, conducted prior to the SAG-AFTRA strike, Gerwig provides her insight on Kenergy and shares her thoughts. The director of the Barbie movie reveals that she and Gosling frequently delve into discussions about the term, suggesting that Kenergy could symbolize men who wholeheartedly support women with a sense of equilibrium and confidence. See her exact words on this subject below:
During the 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes, I shared a video with him that I believed had a powerful energy. In response, he remarked, "That is pure dynamism in its natural state." Towards the end of the film, there is a sense of self-actualized energy, where the main character, Ken, reaches a state of enlightenment. It encompasses men embodying strength and confidence while supporting women with an open and accepting attitude. It's a feeling of positive energy, like a harmonious flow.
The Kenergy Debate Explained
During the Warner Bros. Discovery panel at CinemaCon, Gosling expressed his initial skepticism about playing Ken in Gerwig's Barbie. He admitted to having doubts about his suitability for the role and credited Margot Robbie and Gerwig for somehow inspiring him. This sparked curiosity among the audience, leading to various interpretations of the term "Kenergy" once the official press tour for the movie commenced.
Other actors, such as Issa Rae's President Barbie, see little significance in the concept of Kenergy. Rae straightforwardly dismissed it as "meaningless," while Robbie struggled to articulate its meaning. Some actors approach the question with a more philosophical and planned-out response, while others simply believe it lacks any real significance.
The term Kenergy has yet to be properly defined even after the release of Gerwig's Barbie. It remains open to interpretation by the audience. In fact, after watching the movie, each viewer will have their own unique understanding and definition of what Kenergy truly signifies. As Barbie continues to dominate the box office in its second weekend, it is evident that discussions surrounding the term will continue for the foreseeable future.