Barbie: Still Trapped in the Box

The marketing blitz for the Barbie Movie was nothing short of a cultural phenomenon. Every platform seemed to pulse with the allure of Barbie. Impeccably timed cameos, soundtracks, social media plugs, red carpets, and news junkets worked their charm, luring many of us, myself included, back to the theater in the post-COVID era.

This surge of excitement surrounding Barbie showcased nostalgia, curiosity, and for some of us, a hopeful anticipation of witnessing an icon's transformation.

The trailers promised a fresh take on Barbie—a figure not defined by fashion or aspiration but one of depth and humor. Expectations were high, and the film appeared poised to shatter norms. However, as the narrative unfolded, a disheartening realization set in:

The Barbie Movie seemed unable to transcend its legacy. Barbie is still trapped in their box.

The film began like a Pixar film, merging childhood memories with adult sensibilities. It attempted to bridge generational gaps through humor but felt forced and disconnected. The characterization of Barbie was particularly disappointing, coming across as regressive in an era of empowerment, inclusivity, and authenticity.

Even male characters like Ken were trapped in stereotypes. The movie's brief and eyebrow-raising inclusion of figures like Sugar Daddy Ken and Magic Earring Ken—a 2009 and 1993 release, respectively, and listed among the worst branding failures of all time—was equally perplexing. These characters hinted at a richer LGBTQ representation but were frustratingly underutilized, somewhat insulting, and raising questions without offering answers.

As a member of the alphabet community (LGBTQIA+), I was excited to read about the queer cast of Hari Nef, a trans model; Kate McKinnon, a lesbian (and possible love interest of Barbie's), and Alexandra Shipp, a queer actor who plays another Barbie friend. However, it must be said that none of the queer actors in the Barbie movie played queer storylines.

This reluctance to fully explore, question, and challenge the status quo defined the film. The portrayals were wrapped in tired stereotypes rather than engaging with the complexities and nuances of modern identities. Even the fictional portrayal of Mattel's all-male leadership is not a far cry from their executive leadership that still needs a female chief. Not to mention that Ruth Handler, credited with creating Barbie, was introduced to the narrative locked in a room in the basement of Mattel HQ.

Reflecting on the Barbie Movie, I can't help but push back against the praise.

The film's failure to honor its legacy or embrace bold futures results in a product that, in its effort to please all, could be better for many.

What are your thoughts on the Barbie Movie and its characters? Did it meet your expectations, or did you feel something was missing? Were there parts that stood out to you or areas where you wished the filmmakers had delved deeper? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Sources:

Hart, A. (2023, July 25). Unpacking Barbie: Why the Barbie movie is undeniably queer. Gayming Mag. Retrieved from https://gaymingmag.com/2023/07/unpacking-barbie-why-the-barbie-movie-is-undeniably-queer-and-gay/

Lee, N. (2023, April 5). Gays go wild as official Barbie trailer unveils cast of LGBTQ+ faves. GCN. Retrieved from https://gcn.ie/barbie-trailer-lgbtq-cast/

Whitney, S. (2023, July 21). Barbie Has Never Been a Great Symbol, but She's an Excellent Mirror. The New York Times. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/2023/07/21/opinion/barbie-movie-culture.html