“A film is a capitalist venture”: Barbie Star Defends Movie Amidst Greta Gerwig Sellout Backlash
In one of Dua Lipa’s podcasts, Greta Gerwig said that she was both excited and terrified upon embarking on her Barbie project. Gerwig’s Barbie is already out in the cinemas and has been garnering widespread public attention. Experts suggest the popularity of the film could boost Mattel’s stock and product prices. Google searches for Barbie hit a five-year peak after the movie’s second teaser was released. Barbie’s box office success without sequels of superheroes signals a shift towards originality in Hollywood.
Barbie Star Says Greta Gerwig’s Film Is Far From A Sellout Attempt
Michael Cera describes the making of Barbie as a surreal experience. Cera stars as Allan, a doll who was designed as a friend for Ken in the 1960s – a singular figure in a Barbie world where the men were all rippling, macho beach dudes. Speaking highly of Greta Gerwig, Cera said, “Greta has a great exuberance and spirit as a director. That really affects the atmosphere in a very positive way.”
Barbie movie might boost Mattel’s toy sales — but it may not do much more.There has been much conversation about whether Greta Gerwig making the film in conjunction with Mattel constitutes selling out. When Cera was asked for his views on the same, he replied, “A film is a product.
A film is a capitalist venture, isn’t it?” he says. “I mean, they don’t put them out for our health; they’re trying to make a return on them.” He laughingly said, “That’s a bit confusing.” Barbie is Gerwig’s first time working with a beloved brand, but it’s unfair to accuse the director of selling out.
Barbie’s Long Journey From A Box To Becoming A Blockbuster
Some projects get a taste of success instantaneously while others have to cover a long journey to reach the blockbuster glory. Similarly, for Mattel’s Barbie it was a 14 years long journey that commenced at Universal.
Mattel has always been fiercely protective of the 64-year-old toy that was first conceived as America’s Sweetheart has evolved with changing times, switching up her stereotypes and outfits, reportedly generates an annual revenue of $3 billion for the toy company. In the 1970s era, critics deemed her an inappropriate role model for young girls.
But thanks to Mattel for trusting Great Gerwig, the star producer who along with talented cast like Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling brought an original narrative and perspective from Barbie’s world. The movie witnessed an opening to $162M domestic and $356M global. For Robbie, Gerwig and co-star Ryan Gosling, Barbie repped a record start at the box office. Sources say that if Barbie was made in the 1980s, it would have fallen into the patriarchy.
Source: GQ
