A metaphor about adolescence? The true meaning of the movie “Barbie” by Greta Gerwig

The movie Barbie by Greta Gerwig this is released 2023 and, apparently, not only seeks to charm the younger audience. In addition to the color and exact representation of the Mattel World On Stage, the mature plot of the feature film aims to impact adults in movie theaters.

In a lengthy article in Vogue, the actress margot robbie and the production team talked about some important details of the project. Thus, the director of the film explained what was its true meaning.

If we take into account that she is the creator of innovative projects such as “Lady Bird” and “Little Women”it would not be surprising if he gives the film a totally different approach than many may imagine.

WHAT IS THE TRUE MEANING OF THE MOVIE “BARBIE”?

In accordance with Greta Gerwigthe plot of the film is inspired by the book “Reviving Ophelia: Saving the Selves of Adolescent Girls” (1994) from Mary Piperone of the works he read during his childhood: “My mom would check out parenting books from the library and then I would read them.”he claimed.

The text analyzes the effects of peer pressure on American adolescents and uses many cases from the author’s experience as a therapist. Per se, describes the abrupt change in girls when they reach adolescence and how they begin to give in to external expectations.

“They’re funny and cheeky and confident, and then they just…stop”, adds the screenwriter. In this way, she hints that the tape is a metaphor for what women must face when going through this period of their lives.

The director, then, uses the figure of the protagonist to emphasize the message: “How is the journey (of Barbie in the film) the same as what a teenager feels? Suddenly, she thinks… Oh, I’m not good enough.”points out.

“BARBIE” AND STEREOTYPES ABOUT THE CHARACTER

At another point in the interview, margot robbie revealed how he faced the challenge of playing a character as stereotypical as Barbie. Not knowing how to build it, she asked for help from Gerwig. Fortunately, she shared a chapter of the podcast with him “This American Life”about a woman who does not introspect.

“Do you recognize that voice in your head all the time? This woman, she didn’t have that voice in her head.”said the actress. In this sense, we can have a more exact idea of ​​how to act Barbie at the beginning of the film.

Finally, he addressed the issue of the sexualization of the doll: “She is sexualized. But she should never ‘be sexy’ (…) Yes, she can wear a short skirt, but because she’s fun and pink. Not because she wanted you to see her butt”, concluded.

HOW TO SEE “BARBIE”?

“Barbie” It will arrive on Thursday, July 20, 2023 in theaters in Latin America. A day later, on Friday, July 21, it will be available on billboards in the United States and the United Kingdom.