Forget the Aqua music video or the colorful character from Toy Story, Barbie will be played by Margot Robbie in the next film dedicated to the famous doll, by Warner Bros and Mattel, in cinemas on July 19, 2023. The two giants have selected the bubbly 30-year-old actress, who made her name in Suicide Squad and Once Upon a Time... in Hollywood, to play the role of this mythical toy, which hasn't aged a day despite its 62 years of existence.
Despite the trailers, the live-action Barbie movie is still very much under wraps, with very little information reaching us, but in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter on December 30, 2020, Margot Robbie piqued our curiosity.
The actress increased our sense of anticipation, explaining: " Whatever you imagine, we're going to give you something totally different. Something you didn't know you wanted. Now, the question is: can we honor the franchise and the fan base and still surprise people? Because if we can do all that and generate intelligent conversation, we're really on all fronts ."
In Barbie Land, you're a perfect being in a perfect world. Unless you're having an existential crisis, or you're Ken.
In addition to Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling, the cast includes Emma Mackey, Sam Liu, Michael Cera, America Ferrera, Hari Nef, Issa Rae, Ncuti Gatwa and Connor Swindells.
In addition to playing the title character, Margot Robbie is also the film's producer. Directing are Greta Gerwig and Noah Baumbach, who previously worked together on Frances Ha (2012) and Mistress America (2015).
Barbie review:
Greta Gerwig, true to her feminist narrative style, offers with Barbie an intelligent and stimulating contemporary reading of women's dreams and aspirations for power. Thanks to the charismatic acting duo of Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling, the film is a profound reflection on male-female relations, patriarchy and emancipation, all wrapped up in delicious humor and a sumptuous retro plastic aesthetic.
Robbie and Gosling's palpable on-screen complicity, combined with fluid, imaginative direction, lends the film an infectious energy and memorable quality. Their obvious enjoyment of the shoot translates into captivating performances and compelling moments that make the film not only enjoyable, but truly inspiring.
Gerwig tactfully and intelligently navigates the subjects of gender equality, power and ambition, without ever becoming moralistic. Her approach to Girl Power is both stimulating and accessible, offering a contemporary vision of gender roles that avoids clichés while remaining relevant and engaging.
Visually, Barbie is a treasure, with pink plastic sets designed to mimic the aesthetics of Barbie toys. The result is a nostalgic plunge into childhood that serves as both a backdrop to the story and a metaphor for the film's deeper themes.
However, what makes Barbie truly remarkable is its resonance with contemporary morality and current concerns. The film offers a powerful reflection of its time, and one can't help but wonder whether it will stand the test of time to become a cinematic classic.
Despite its anchorage in the present, Barbie succeeds in asking universal and timeless questions about power, ambition and the role of women in society. Its long-term success will depend on its ability to transcend its immediate context and remain relevant for future generations.
Whether you're a cinephile looking for a deep, thoughtful narrative, or simply someone who wants to escape into a nostalgic, visually captivating world, Barbie is a must-see film. Its blend of laughter, wonder and pointed commentary on modern society makes it a must-see cinematic work that deserves to be seen, analyzed and debated. So get ready to be transported into a dream world where feminine power is celebrated with audacity, intelligence and a large dose of humor.
Films Incontournables UGC 2024: the best films of 2023 back in cinemas for €5
Les Films Incontournables UGC is aptly named, as it features the best films of the past year. The new edition of this must-see event takes place from January 10 to 23, 2024, in some 15 cinemas in the Paris region. Good news: tickets are only 5 euros. It's also an opportunity to meet and talk with some of the directors. Here's the program! [Read more]
Not sure which film to see today? Well, we've got plenty of films to show near you. [Read more]
Films Incontournables UGC 2024: the best films of 2023 back in cinemas for €5
Cinema: which film to see today, this Sunday April 28th, 2024?
