It’s a disappointment that the weather isn’t great, but many see the summer of 2023 as a victory for feminism, with cinema playing a significant role. Greta Gerwig’s fantasy comedy Barbie claims to empower women, which has scared some male critics. Toby Young labels it as “unapologetic misandry”, while the Critical Drinker describes it as “spiteful” and “bitter” towards men. On the surface, the film appears to be an exaggerated feminist tale.
Barbieland, the world in which females dominate, is depicted as a paradise. The women are kind, while the men only exist to be subjugated. In the real world, where men are in charge, they are shown as foolish, incapable, and offensive. When masculinity threatens Barbieland, women use their intelligence to reclaim their power and help men overcome their toxicity. However, the true message of the film is the opposite of its apparent feminism.
Ryan Gosling’s portrayal of Ken, Barbie’s boyfriend, has received a lot of praise, stealing the show from Margot Robbie as Barbie. Despite being intended to parody chauvinism, his performance actually comes across as charming and attractive. This unintentionally negates the film’s message, making masculinity appealing rather than abhorrent.
To depict men as silly, the patriarchy is portrayed as incompetent. When corporate America tries to control Barbie, their own incompetence allows her to outsmart them. This renders the supposed oppressors harmless and drains them of any real threat. Meanwhile, Barbie’s character is restricted to represent an idealized female figure without any flaws, which undermines her character development.
At the film’s climax, Gloria, a mother from Los Angeles, delivers a powerful speech highlighting the struggles women face under male control. However, this contrasts with Barbie’s slogan of “You can be anything.” The film fails to provide a clear message on whether aspiration is essential for women or an unfair expectation.
Ultimately, Barbie’s quest to conquer male domination is accomplished through feminine charm rather than open engagement. This approach is neither progressive nor productive, suggesting that change is unlikely to occur. The film inadvertently highlights the lasting appeal of masculinity, as men are expected to abandon it when confronted with its folly. The film’s underlying advertises the irresistible appeal of the patriarchy.
In conclusion, Barbie may be perceived as a triumph, but it primarily serves the interests of capitalism rather than feminism. Women spend millions on watching an advertisement that may confuse rather than inspire them, and then spend even more money on merchandise. Mattel’s chair and CEO, Ynon Kreiz, may be pleased, while feminists may have a different opinion.