What I think of BARBIE isn’t going to make any difference. I’m largely a minor writer and my thoughts are coming so far after the fact that it won’t affect anything. But since I went to an awards screening for the film I feel that I should say something.
The film is the story of stereotypical Barbie who has to travel to the real world in order to stop her becoming more realistic. This sets in motion a chain of events which threaten both Barbieland and the real world.
Knowing meta celebration of the power of women and the vileness of the patriarchy and corporations it is a film I’m shocked that got made. It’s a stinging indictment that punctures pretty much everything except the sisterhood of women. Its an incredibly subversive film that delights in poking any misogynists, bigots and oppressors in both eyes with pointed sticks. I completely understand why some factions of the right are pissed off at the film – it will prevent women from buying their bullshit.
I enjoyed the film a great deal once the plot started to kick in. While I know the sweet beginning is needed to set the wheels in motion, I never clicked until we got Barbie asking about death. I laughed my way pretty much all the way to the end.
Do I think the film is the greatest thing since sliced bread? No but it wasn’t made for me. I didn’t need the all speechifying of the second half.
Seeing the film with Hubert Vigilla was trip. More so because he pointed out that film is very much Betty to the recent film POOR THINGS Veronica. Both films are about young women trying to find their place in the world but with different shades. Who needs Barbiehiemer when Barbie Things is much more intriguing.
Definitely worth a look.
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