Unveiling the Enigma: Director and Kate McKinnon Decode the Fascinating World of Bizarre Barbie

Summary

In the movie Barbie, Weird Barbie represents a version of the doll that has been modified and mishandled over time, and she becomes a source of humor and wisdom.

Director Greta Gerwig's intention was for Weird Barbie to symbolize the numerous Barbies subjected to experiments, with her appearance and behavior serving as manifestations of this.

Weird Barbie, brought to life by Kate McKinnon, is depicted as a shamanic figure, entrusted with the responsibility of safeguarding the hidden eccentricities of all. By showcasing an asymmetrical and disheveled aspect, Weird Barbie counters the notion of Barbie's flawless image.

Barbie director Greta Gerwig, together with Kate McKinnon, provide insight into the concept of "Weird Barbie." This film, which is inspired by Mattel's iconic fashion doll, revolves around Barbie (played by Margot Robbie) experiencing sudden changes in her appearance and behavior, leading her to question her existence and venture into the Real World. McKinnon's character, known as Weird Barbie, quickly became a beloved figure among fans. Representing a version of the doll that has been altered or mistreated over time, Weird Barbie uses her life experiences to assist the main character, Stereotypical Barbie, throughout the movie.

In a Barbie featurette titled "It's a Weird World," found in the film's recent digital release, Gerwig and McKinnon delve deeper into the character of Weird Barbie. The director explains that she embodies a doll that has been played with extensively, while McKinnon adds that she serves as the custodian of everyone's hidden quirks. The footage also includes Robbie, who describes the character as a blend of David Bowie and a hairless cat. Read Gerwig and McKinnon's detailed remarks about Weird Barbie below.

Gerwig envisioned a Barbie that would diverge from the traditional image of perfection and embrace the unconventional. This unique Barbie, lovingly referred to as "Weird Barbie," would embody the inner quirks and idiosyncrasies we all possess. Like a shamanic figure, Weird Barbie would serve as a guardian of our hidden weirdness, allowing us to express our asymmetrical and flawed sides openly. This embodiment of art would challenge the norms and represent the fate of many Barbies in a humorous and wise manner.

Kate McKinnon's Role In Barbie Explained

Barbie's script and Gerwig's creativity in bringing Barbieland and its characters to life have received praise. McKinnon's portrayal of Weird Barbie was hilariously accurate, especially with her unusual movements, including the splits, reminiscent of Mattel's original non-bendable legs design. While Weird Barbie seems to possess valuable knowledge about the Real World, the other dolls are hesitant to visit her, even though she was once similar to them. Inside her house, cameos from older toys like Earring Magic Ken, Skipper, Tanner, and others who were no longer being made suggest that she now advocates for other ostracized figures.

Gloria (played by America Ferrera) visited McKinnon's character in Barbie and revealed to Sasha (Ariana Greenblatt) that she owned a version of Weird Barbie, explaining their rough play. Towards the end, Weird Barbie also assists the other Barbies in reclaiming their world and gains acceptance from everyone else. Given her popularity, Mattel released their own doll version of Weird Barbie, although it may not fully capture the essence of the original concept.

It's intriguing to learn about the concept of Weird Barbie and the process involved in creating that character. Despite being a source of humor, the path leading to her "weird" nature adds depth and captivates viewers. Following the success of Barbie, McKinnon's character remains a memorable addition to the cast, and her remarks about Weird Barbie only contribute to the audience's enjoyment of her role.

Source: EW