Margot Robbie On Mattel Exec Denying It’s A “Feminist Movie”
Barbie star Margot Robbie has responded to the denial by Mattel executives that the upcoming film is a “feminist movie,” stating that the issue is more complex than that. Robbie, who plays the lead role in the film, explained that while the movie aims to be entertaining, it also explores various ideas. In an interview with Time, she addressed the comments made by a Mattel executive and emphasized that the film is not just a shallow portrayal of Barbie.
Contrary to the executive’s claims, the Barbie movie is not devoid of feminist themes. The movie features a diverse range of Barbie characters played by actors such as Kate McKinnon, Issa Rae, and Sharon Rooney, all of whom represent different facets of femininity. Barbie’s journey in the film, as she ventures into the real world, can be seen from a feminist perspective. Through self-discovery, she may uncover aspects of herself that empower her to forge her own path beyond the confines of Barbieland. This would make the movie a feminist statement, as Barbie embraces her own destiny.
Although the initial reactions to the Barbie movie were mixed, the handling of potential feminist themes was not a major point of criticism. While the film’s level of feminism is debatable, it is evident that the portrayal of such themes is approached with care. Only time will tell how the film ultimately depicts feminist ideas when it hits theaters on July 21.
Source: Time
Barbie star Margot Robbie responds to Mattel executives that have denied the film is a “feminist movie,” saying it’s more complicated than that.
Barbie star Margot Robbie has responded to a Mattel executive’s comments denying the film is a “feminist movie.” Robbie stars as the main Barbie in Barbiewho leaves Barbieland alongside Ryan Gosling’s Ken to discover herself in the real world. Promotional material for the movie indicates it will be both an homage to the Barbie toy line and a tongue-in-cheek adaptation of the franchise.
Speaking with TimeRobbie addressed comments about the Barbie movie from a Mattel executive who claimed the film is not feminist. Robbie explained the main point of the film is to be a fun movie with plenty of ideas throughout. Check out Robbie’s full statement below:
Who said that? It’s not that it is or it isn’t. It’s a movie. It’s a movie that’s got so much in it. We’re in on the joke. This isn’t a Barbie puff piece.
How The Barbie Movie Might Portray Feminism
Despite the Barbie movie seemingly not prioritizing a feminist message, that doesn’t mean the film will be void of feminist themes. The movie will feature plenty of Barbies played by actors like Kate McKinnon, Issa Rae, and Sharon Rooney, all of whom will embody the idea of Barbie in different ways. This means Barbie could have a multifaceted view of femininity thanks to the many different Barbies set to appear.
Barbie’s journey in the movie could also be viewed through a feminist angle, since she’s going on a trip of self-discovery away from Barbieland. By entering the real world, Barbie may discover more about herself that leads to her embracing a path uniquely her own. This would make Barbie a feminist film, as Barbie would be empowered to shape her own destiny beyond the boundaries of Barbieland.
While the first Barbie reaction had some criticisms, the film’s handling of possible feminist themes didn’t appear to be one of them. This doesn’t underscore how feminist the movie is, but it’s safe to say that, if there are feminist themes in Barbiethe film portrays them with care. It remains to be seen what kind of feminist themes Barbie will portray when the film releases in theaters on July 21.
Source: Time
