Internationally recognised art and literary critic, writer and cultural producer. Published in ELLE, Glamour, Esquire and Cosmopolitan; member of the Union of Writers.
The Oscars are supposed to celebrate the best of cinema, but this year they failed to recognize one of the most innovative, daring, and influential films of the decade: Barbie. Directed by Greta Gerwig and starring Margot Robbie, the film is a brilliant satire of the iconic doll and the society that created her. It is also a feminist manifesto that challenges the norms and expectations imposed on women by the male-dominated culture.
Barbie is not just a movie based on a toy. It is a movie that uses the toy as a vehicle to explore the complex and contradictory identities of women in the 21st century. The film follows the journey of Stereotypical Barbie, a perfect blonde who lives in a pink mansion with her boyfriend Ken. She is happy and content with her life, until she discovers that she is actually a product of a corporation that controls her every move and manipulates her emotions. She escapes from her plastic prison and embarks on a quest to find her true self, encountering different versions of Barbie along the way, such as Astronaut Barbie, Doctor Barbie, and President Barbie. She also meets other female characters who represent different aspects of womanhood, such as her rebellious sister Skipper, her loyal friend Teresa, and her mentor Ruth Handler, the real-life creator of Barbie.
The film is a clever and witty commentary on the history and evolution of Barbie, as well as the role of women in society. It exposes the contradictions and limitations of the doll, which was both a symbol of female empowerment and a tool of female oppression. It also celebrates the diversity and potential of women, who can be anything they want to be, regardless of their appearance, background, or circumstances. The film is a tribute to the women who have shaped and inspired generations of girls, from Ruth Handler to Gloria Steinem to Malala Yousafzai.
Barbie is also a stunning visual spectacle, with dazzling costumes, sets, and special effects. The film creates a vibrant and colorful world that contrasts with the dull and gray reality of the corporation. The film also features a catchy and memorable soundtrack, with songs that range from pop anthems to rap battles to musical numbers. The film is a feast for the eyes and ears, as well as the mind and heart.
But despite its artistic and commercial success, the film was largely ignored by the Academy, which only nominated it for best picture and best adapted screenplay. Gerwig was snubbed as director, and Robbie was left out of the best actress category, omissions that sparked outrage and disappointment among critics and fans. The Academy’s decision was seen as a sign of its bias and conservatism, as well as its inability to appreciate the film’s originality and significance.
The Academy’s snub of Barbie is not only unfair, but also shortsighted. The film is not only a masterpiece of cinema, but also a cultural phenomenon that has resonated with millions of viewers around the world. The film has inspired and empowered women of all ages, races, and backgrounds, who have identified with its message and its characters. The film has also sparked a renewed interest and appreciation for Barbie, which has boosted the sales and popularity of the doll. The film has proven that Barbie is more than a toy. She is an icon, a legend, and a muse.
Barbie deserves more than a plastic Oscar. She deserves a gold one. And so do Gerwig and Robbie, the two women who brought her to life on the big screen. They have made history with their film, and they have made the world a better place. They are the real winners, no matter what the Academy says.
