To live in Barbie Land is to be a perfect being in a perfect place. Unless you have a full-on existential crisis. Or you’re a Ken. Barbie is set to premiere exclusively on HBO GO on December 15.
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From Oscar®-nominated writer and director Greta Gerwig (Little Women, Lady Bird) comes Barbie, starring Oscar®-nominees Margot Robbie (Bombshell, I, Tonya) and Ryan Gosling (La La Land, Half Nelson) as Barbie and Ken, alongside America Ferrera (End of Watch, How to Train Your Dragon films), Kate McKinnon (Bombshell, Yesterday), Issa Rae (The Photograph, Insecure), Rhea Perlman (I’ll See You in My Dreams, Matilda), and Will Ferrell (the Anchorman films, Talladega Nights). The film also stars Michael Cera (Scott Pilgrim vs. the World, Juno), Ariana Greenblatt (Avengers: Infinity War, 65), Ana Cruz Kayne (Little Women), Emma Mackey (Emily, Sex Education), Hari Nef (Assassination Nation, Transparent), Alexandra Shipp (the X-Men films), Kingsley Ben-Adir (One Night in Miami, Peaky Blinders), Simu Liu (Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings), Ncuti Gatwa (Sex Education), Scott Evans (Grace and Frankie), Jamie Demetriou (Cruella), Connor Swindells (Sex Education, Emma), Sharon Rooney (Dumbo, Jerk), Nicola Coughlan (Bridgerton, Derry Girls), Ritu Arya (The Umbrella Academy), Grammy Award-winning singer and songwriter Dua Lipa, as well as Oscar®-winner Helen Mirren (The Queen).
Gerwig directed Barbie from a screenplay by Gerwig and Oscar® nominee Noah Baumbach (Marriage Story, The Squid and the Whale), based on Barbie by Mattel. The film’s producers are Oscar® nominee David Heyman (MarriageStory, Gravity), Robbie, Tom Ackerley and Robbie Brenner, with Gerwig, Baumbach, Ynon Kreiz, Richard Dickson, Michael Sharp, Josey McNamara, Courtenay Valenti, Toby Emmerich and Cate Adams serving as executive producers.
Gerwig’s creative team behind the camera included Oscar®-nominated director of photography Rodrigo Prieto (The Irishman, Silence, BrokebackMountain), six-time Oscar®-nominated production designer Sarah Greenwood (Beauty and the Beast, Anna Karenina), editor Nick Houy (Little Women, Lady Bird), Oscar®-winning costume designer Jacqueline Durran (Little Women, Anna Karenina), visual effects supervisor Glen Pratt (Paddington 2, Beauty and the Beast) and music supervisor George Drakoulias (White Noise, Marriage Story), with music by Oscar® winners Mark Ronson and Andrew Wyatt (A Star Is Born).
Warner Bros. Pictures Presents a Heyday Films Production, a LuckyChap Entertainment Production, a NB/GG Pictures Production, a Mattel Production, Barbie.
Stream or download Barbie on HBO GO from December 15. Subscribe to HBO GO online at https://www.hbogoasia.ph/ or the mobile app via the App Store or Play Store for only ₱1,190 on the 12-month plan. Or access HBO GO via Cignal, Globe and Skycable. HBO GO is also available on Android TV, Apple TV, LG TV and Samsung Smart TV – and comes with AirPlay and Google Cast functionality.
The world of cinema has been painted pink as Warner Bros. Pictures’ “Barbie” speeds past the billion-dollar box office threshold. Just 17 days after release in North America and most international markets, this pop culture phenomenon has amassed a staggering $1.0315 billion worldwide. Of this, $459.4 million came from domestic theaters, with $572.1 million garnered overseas.
Greta Gerwig: A Pioneer in Cinema
‘Barbie’ also solidifies Greta Gerwig’s place in the annals of film history. With this monumental success, she becomes the first woman to cross the billion-dollar benchmark as a solo director. This milestone announcement was shared by Jeff Goldstein, President of Domestic Distribution, and Andrew Cripps, President of International Distribution, for Warner Bros. Pictures.
The public can glimpse the magic behind the scenes in a featurette titled, “Greta’s Vision” for “Barbie”. Watch the “Greta’s Vision” for Barbie in this featurette:
‘Barbie’ Shattering Expectations
In their statement, Goldstein and Cripps confessed that ‘Barbie’s’ unprecedented performance left them at a loss for words. In their words, the movie has blown “as distribution chiefs, we’re not often rendered speechless by a film’s performance, but Barbillion has blown even our most optimistic predictions out of the water. This is a watershed moment for ‘Barbie,’ and no one but Greta Gerwig could have brought this cross-generational icon and her world to life in such a funny, emotional and entertaining story, one that is resonating with all four quadrants of moviegoers and literally turning the entire world pink. Long lines and repeat viewings prove that movies are back in a big, big way, and we look forward to seeing just how far ‘Barbie’ can go in the real world.”
They hailed the success as a “watershed moment” for ‘Barbie,’ attributing its global resonance to Gerwig’s unique storytelling ability.
A Billion-Dollar Vision
Echoing this sentiment, Michael De Luca and Pam Abdy, Co-Chairs & CEOs of Warner Bros. Motion Picture Group, cited the exceptional teamwork that led to the movie’s overwhelming success. They highlighted Gerwig’s exceptional contribution, stating “A massive achievement like this is possible when you have an incredible filmmaking team, with cast and crew coming together to create a truly special moviegoing experience. Along with our partners at Mattel, and with the support of the entire Warner Bros. Discovery family, we are thrilled that audiences the world over are embracing the ‘Barbie’ movie in such a profound way. With ‘Barbie’ becoming the biggest film at the summer box office, Greta now joins an elite group of writer/directors whose singular vision has generated $1 billion at the global box office, a milestone that is testament to her brilliance and to her commitment to deliver a movie that Barbie fans of every age want to see on the big screen.”
‘Barbie’: A Record-Breaking Phenomenon
Since its highly-anticipated debut, ‘Barbie’ has not only met but surpassed every studio benchmark, setting all-time daily, weekly, and weekend records. It holds the distinction of being the fastest film to reach $400 million domestically and $500 million internationally.
‘Barbie’ continues to bring joy to audiences, showing exclusively in cinemas worldwide. In the Philippines, ‘Barbie’ is distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Discovery company.
Now showing in Philippine cinemas, “Barbie” is distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Discovery company.
Join the global conversation about ‘Barbie’s’ historic success using the hashtags #Barbie #BarbieTheMovie
Across mobile, listeners will enjoy an easter egg that transforms the progress bar into BARBIE pink as fans listen to the official playlist.
A Living in a Barbie World destination for Free and Premium users on mobile and desktop featuring the Official Playlist and personalized playlists like our Barbie-inspired Hot Pink playlist along with y2k, Summer Pop and more.
Film footage from the BARBIE movie is now added to select tracks through Spotify Canvas, providing an immersive fan experience.
Greta Gerwig’s “Barbie” arrived in theaters globally to a record-shattering $337 million worldwide, taking in $182 million in international markets and $155 million in the U.S., and counting. The announcement was made by Jeff Goldstein, President of Domestic Distribution, and Andrew Cripps, President of International Distribution, for Warner Bros. Pictures.
Watch the “Greta’s Vision” for “Barbie” in this featurette:
Swept in on a wave of social memes and sell-out shows, “Barbie” sailed into international theaters beginning Wednesday July 19, and took the #1 spot in 55 markets, including the Philippines where it also broke records. The Margot Robbie-Ryan Gosling starrer now holds the local record for the biggest Warner Bros. opening weekend for the year and during the COVID era, and the biggest opening weekend locally for director Gerwig and Gosling, who plays Ken.
Propelled by massive anticipation and widespread critical praise, “Barbie” has scored well with audiences, earning an A audience score and a 90% audience rating from Rotten Tomatoes. The Robbie-led film about the classic doll was a hit with critics as well, with a 90% certified fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes as of this writing.
“The massive, overwhelming response we’ve seen out there proves what we’ve known from the beginning: that ‘Barbie’ is not only an incredibly special film, but clearly the theatrical event of the summer, if not the year,” said Warner Brothers’ Jeff Goldstein, President of Domestic Distribution. “Greta, Margot, Ryan and the entire ‘Barbie’ team have delivered exactly the kind of fun, transporting theatrical experience that audiences everywhere have been craving, as they continue to demonstrate in numbers we haven’t seen since before the pandemic. We couldn’t be more thrilled to be part of it, and congratulate everyone involved in this brilliant labor of love.”
Added Andrew Cripps, President of International Distribution for Warner Bros. Pictures: “The incredible results we’ve seen across every releasing market is a testament to not only Greta’s singular vision but the cross-generational impact of Mattel’s iconic creation all over the world. Everything about this film – from its cotton candy-pink wit to the warm-hearted optimism at its core – is engaging with people of all ages in a powerful way, as the long lines at theaters and massive excitement on social media continue to attest. Greta Gerwig and her remarkable cast and crew have delivered absolutely the right film at the right time, and with word-of-mouth and repeat business this strong, that momentum is likely to continue well into the year.”
To live in Barbie Land is to be a perfect being in a perfect place. Unless you have a full-on existential crisis. Or you’re a Ken.
From Oscar-nominated writer/director Greta Gerwig comes “Barbie,” starring Oscar-nominees Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling as Barbie and Ken, alongside America Ferrera, Kate McKinnon, Michael Cera, Ariana Greenblatt, Issa Rae, Rhea Perlman and Will Ferrell. The film also stars Ana Cruz Kayne, Emma Mackey, Hari Nef, Alexandra Shipp, Kingsley Ben-Adir, Simu Liu, Ncuti Gatwa, Scott Evans, Jamie Demetriou, Connor Swindells, Sharon Rooney, Nicola Coughlin and Oscar-winner Helen Mirren.
Gerwig directed “Barbie” from a screenplay by Gerwig & Oscar nominee Noah Baumbach, based on Barbie by Mattel. The film’s producers are Oscar nominee David Heyman, Robbie, Tom Ackerley and Robbie Brenner, with Michael Sharp, Josey McNamara, Ynon Kreiz, Courtenay Valenti, Toby Emmerich and Cate Adams serving as executive producers.
Now showing in Philippine cinemas, “Barbie” is distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Discovery company.
Join the conversation online and use the hashtag #Barbie #BarbieTheMovie
Atlantic Records has officially unveiled BARBIE THE ALBUM, the groundbreaking musical companion to the highly anticipated summer event film Barbie, starring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling as Barbie and Ken and distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures. The star-studded soundtrack is now available globally at all retailers and streaming services, featuring the recently announced track, “Man I Am,” from multi-platinum, GRAMMY®, BRIT, Golden Globe and Academy Award-winning artist, Sam Smith. The epic synth pop track was produced by the soundtrack’s executive producer, Mark Ronson alongside Ricky Reed and is written from the perspective of Ken. Further album highlights include Barbie star Ryan Gosling’s extraordinary, scene-stealing original song, “I’m Just Ken,” performed as his character, plus massive unreleased tracks from an unprecedented lineup of global superstars including Lizzo, Tame Impala, The Kid Laroi,HAIM, Khalid, Dominic Fike, Ava Max and GAYLE. See below for full tracklisting and watch the official soundtrack trailer HERE.
BARBIE THE ALBUM’s internet-breaking rollout first launched in May and the soundtrack has since become a critically acclaimed worldwide pop phenomenon, with more than 500M+ global streams and over 4B+ total social impressions to date across its electric singles and colossal videos. First came the electrifying lead single “Dance The Night” from 3x GRAMMY® Award-winning global superstar Dua Lipa, who also makes a special appearance in the film. Produced by Mark Ronson, Andrew Wyatt and the Picard Brothers, “Dance The Night” arrived alongside a dazzling official video featuring a special appearance from Barbie writer/director/executive producer Greta Gerwig (Little Women, Lady Bird) – watch HERE. Global recording artist KAROL G followed with her high-energy anthem, “WATATI(Ft. Aldo Ranks),” which was complemented by an official visual directed by Mike Ho (Nicki Minaj, Megan Thee Stallion, Saweetie) and stars KAROL as she enters the world of Barbie, shot on-site at the World of Barbie in LA – watch HERE. UK-based artist and producer PinkPantheress’ captivating track, “Angel,” dropped next, earning praise from THE NEW YORK TIMES for its “dreamy melody” as ELLE dubbed it “an unexpected party anthem.”
Global megastars Nicki Minaj and Ice Spice then teamed up to take over “Barbie World” with their iconic transformation of Aqua’s classic instantly trending with 600K+ creates across socials while its official TikTok sound boasts over 230M+ video views. First teased at the end of the global Barbie trailer, which hit over 40M views and reached #1 trending on YouTube, “Barbie World” made an explosive Top 10 debut on the BILLBOARD “Hot 100,” officially becoming the highest charting and streaming female rap debut of 2023. Watch the official visual, directed by Hannah Lux Davis and now approaching 28M views, HERE. Charli XCX’s “Speed Drive” continued the streak of hits from BARBIE THE ALBUM, garnering 10M+ streams and 6M+ TikTok views in its first week. The hottest new, history-making K-Pop group, FIFTY FIFTY’s “Barbie Dreams” arrived earlier this month, featuringAtlanta-bred rapper and viral “Area Codes” hitmaker, Kaliii and an interpolation of Janet Jackson’s “Together Again” – listen HERE. Last week saw the premiere of “What I Was Made For?” from the Oscar, Golden Globe and multiple GRAMMY® Award winning Billie Eilish, composed alongside and produced by her brother FINNEAS. The heart-rending ballad arrived with an official self-directed video – watch HERE.
BARBIE THE ALBUM continues the hugely successful partnership between Atlantic Records and Warner Bros. Pictures. The two companies previously teamed up for 2020’s BIRDS OF PREY: THE ALBUM which spawned the RIAA Certified 2x Platinum smash “Boss B*tch” by Doja Cat, along with the 2016’s GRAMMY® Award-nominated SUICIDE SQUAD: THE ALBUM, which topped album charts in over 70 countries around the world, including two consecutive weeks on the Billboard 200, and featured the RIAA Certified Diamond hit “Heathens” by Twenty One Pilots.
BARBIE THE ALBUM was executive produced by internationally renowned DJ and Oscar, Golden Globe and 7x GRAMMY® award winning artist and producer, Mark Ronson and Barbie writer/director/executive producer Greta Gerwig. The soundtrack album was Produced and overseen by Atlantic Records’ West Coast President, Kevin Weaver (Soundtrack Album Producer of The Greatest Showman, Suicide Squad, Daisy Jones & The Six,Birds Of Prey,Furious 7, The Fault in Our Stars, The Fate of the Furious) and Atlantic Records’ EVP and Co-Head of Pop/Rock A&R,Brandon Davis. Named by ROLLING STONE as a “soundtrack guru,” Weaver is a GRAMMY® Award winner and five-time nominee, who has produced numerous multi-platinum soundtrack projects that have amassed tens of millions of albums sold worldwide. Additional key players involved on the project include Soundtrack Album Co-Producers, Brandon Creed and Joseph Khoury, as well as the BarbieMusic Supervisor and Album Executive Producer, George Drakoulias.
WHAT CRITICS ARE SAYING ABOUT BARBIE THE ALBUM
Barbie definitely has some sick beats playing in those plastic headphones”– BILLBOARD “more memorable pop moments than most major motion picture soundtracks”– FADER “a veritable toybox of the biggest pop stars today”– GRAMMY.COM “BARBIE THE ALBUM is the gift that keeps on giving”–HYPEBAE “a frontrunner for album of the summer” – THE DAILY BEAST “The Barbie soundtrack is a pop lover’s dream” – ESQUIRE “a stellar musical experience” – FORBES
ABOUT THE FILM BARBIE
To live in Barbie Land is to be a perfect being in a perfect place. Unless you have a full-on existential crisis. Or you’re a Ken. Warner Bros. Pictures Presents a Heyday Films Production, a LuckyChap Entertainment Production, an NB/GG Pictures Production, a Mattel Production, Barbie. The film will be distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures and released in theaters only nationwide on July 21, 2023 and internationally beginning July 19, 2023. Directed by Greta Gerwig, Barbie stars Margot Robbie, Ryan Gosling, America Ferrera, Kate McKinnon, Issa Rae, Rhea Perlman, and Will Ferrell. The film is written by Greta Gerwig & Noah Baumbach, based on “Barbie” by Mattel, and produced by David Heyman, Margot Robbie, Tom Ackerley and Robbie Brenner. The executive producers are Gerwig, Baumbach, Ynon Kreiz, Richard Dickson, Michael Sharp, Josey McNamara, Courtenay Valenti, Toby Emmerich and Cate Adams. The film’s music supervisor is George Drakoulias, with music by Mark Ronson and Andrew Wyatt.
BARBIE THE ALBUMTRACKLIST
Lizzo – Pink
Dua Lipa – Dance The Night
Nicki Minaj & Ice Spice – Barbie World (with Aqua)
Who would have thought that the director of such nuanced and meticulous films like ‘Lady Bird’ and ‘Little Women’ would be able to craft such a bombastic film that is fully committed to its absurdity as ‘Barbie.’ Director and screenwriter Greta Gerwig, (with co-screenwriter Noah Baumbach of ‘Marriage Story’) delivers a narrative that never takes itself too seriously, ever, and by doing so manage to break all the rules and expectations set upon as a movie and allows it to go to places both familiar, true, and biting without ever feeling like you are being preached to. Because the politics of the film is part of the joke.
People immediately ask if the film is political, and I find that question difficult to answer. Everything is political and, for sure, ‘Barbie’ gets political, but the film takes its time to set up the parameters of the discussion first and chooses the tone of whimsy and light-hearted comedy. It doesn’t go deep or hit hard until way after the film’s midpoint and you’ve been completely taken over by the absurdist events and hilarity that when the politics comes in, it feels like part of the joke. It doesn’t take away from the truth and the authenticity of it, but it gets to make its statements and they are powerful ones.
After all, the movie presents us with the idea of Barbie world – a place where all the Barbies ever produced (even the discontinued ones) live, living their lives in one perfect day over and over – as an actual place as much as it is an idea. It’s a world that can be left to go to the real world, “our world,” and it can also be visited by humans. When one particular Barbie begins to think of thoughts about death (as seen in the trailer), her perfect world and perfect day is disrupted and her arched feet goes flat.
In order to discover what went wrong, she must travel to the real world to discover the truth. By her side is Ken, who feels his whole life’s objective is to be in support of Barbie. He has no other function, otherwise.
But when they go to the real world, it’s not the world that they expected: not a world of empowered women. Instead, it is a difficult world where men are in power. And things start to change.
What’s great about ‘Barbie’ is that it’s an unhinged, absurdist comedy that is inherently satirical but manages to disguise its most biting commentaries in the form of silliness. It is so fully committed to its style and form that you never feel like the film is standing on a pulpit, though the film actually does go into political monologues. It’s just done in such a way that it is part of the humour and so deep into the film’s narrative that, by that time, you are completely unguarded and just willing to take whatever this film dishes out.
This is achieved by the film’s campy tone – everything is just absurdly colourful and outrageous in its visual style – it leans on the fictional mode that it even skirts the line between cheesy special effects and more sophisticated ones. What is equally incredible is how its stars – most notably Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling – fully commit to the style and aesthetic of this movie.
In fact, Robbie and Gosling provide incredibly textured and nuanced performances. They understand that they are both ideas and actual beings. Robbie works on the level of physicality, her face and body movements are fully in line with that of what a Barbie doll looks like but manages to convey her character’s every thought and feeling. It’s such delicate work that it’s impressive. It’s award-worthy, to be honest. But the one who steals the show is Ryan Gosling, who is so committed to the silliness of his character (and his character gets to do more silly stuff than Robbie’s, who delves into the more existential themes of the film) that it can take center stage sometimes.
But both are amazing and so are the rest of the cast, including such an earnest performance from American Ferrera, who gets the film’s most powerful monologue
For all of the films artifice and how much it leans into its fakeness (of concept, of aesthetic, of its filmmaking) it manages to hit some hard truths about some pressing issues. The film manages to tackle identity and purpose, the roles that are impressed upon us by society, feminism and patriarchy, commercialism, and the pitfalls of capitalism. It manages to poke fun of these things while still asking very serious questions in the process.
And as the film reaches its fever pitch in a huge musical number that is as crazy as it is silly, the film manages to enter a very existential, philosophical conclusion that is completely opposite of the rest of the film, but it feels fitting and honest. The film earns it anyway. It earns every laugh, and every hard-hitting truth that it manages to touch upon.
My Rating:
BARBIE is now showing in cinemas nationwide. Buy your tickets here.
Get ready for a movie marathon with this week’s exciting releases! From the historical drama ‘Oppenheimer‘ to the bubbly ‘Barbie,’ the thrilling ‘Captive,’ the adventurous ‘Joy Ride,’ and the chilling urban legend ‘Mary Cherry Chua.’ From history to comedy, action to horror, there’s a film for every taste!
The highly anticipated live-action adaptation of “Barbie,” produced by and starring Margot Robbie, takes us into the whimsical world of Barbie, turning childhood memories into a cinematic spectacle. Whether you’re a fan of the iconic doll or simply a lover of fun-filled adventures, this movie is a perfect pick for a feel-good movie time. Get ready to enter Barbie’s dazzling world!
Journey back in time with ‘Oppenheimer,’ the riveting new drama that explores the life and career of J. Robert Oppenheimer, the “father of the atomic bomb”. This film delves deep into the complexities of the man behind the world-changing Manhattan Project. A must-watch for history buffs and those who appreciate a well-crafted biographical tale.
In ‘Captive,’ a seemingly fun-filled weekend turns into a chilling encounter when a group of young partygoers discover a captive vampire in the basement of a luxurious house they’ve broken into. As the house reveals its terrifying secrets, the party turns into a fight for survival. This supernatural thriller is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat!
From the creative minds behind ‘Neighbors’ and ‘Crazy Rich Asians’, comes an adventurous comedy-drama that redefines the classic road trip genre: ‘Joy Ride’. This fun-filled cinematic treat stars Ashley Park, Sherry Cola, Oscar® nominee Stephanie Hsu, and Sabrina Wu, each bringing their unique talents and humor to this unapologetically explicit tale of self-discovery and friendship. Joy Ride’ is not just about the laughter, though there’s plenty of it. It’s about finding yourself, embracing who you are, and loving yourself – flaws and all. It’s about how, no matter where we come from or where we’re going, our identity is integral to our journey.
“Mary Cherry Chua” is a chilling dive into a well-known Filipino urban legend that continues to stir intrigue and curiosity. Delve into the eerie tale of Mary, a bright student whose life was brutally cut short in the early 2000s. According to lore, Mary fell victim to a heinous act committed by the school janitor and her restless spirit still haunts the school grounds to this day. This film invites brave souls to utter her name and unravel the truth behind her harrowing story. With “Mary Cherry Chua”, audiences are dared to confront the whispers of the past and meet the specter that has gripped the nation for decades.
FAN FAVORITES STILL SHOWING
Still playing in theaters are ‘Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One,’ ‘Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny,’ ‘Insidious: The Red Door,’ ‘The Childe,’ ‘Elemental,’ ‘Transformers: Rise of the Beasts,’ ‘Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse,’ and ‘The Little Mermaid.’ These films continue to draw in audiences, so if you haven’t caught them yet, better make your way to the cinemas soon! Here’s a list of fan favorites that are still playing in cinemas:
So, there you have it – a film for every mood and taste! From historical dramas and animated extravaganzas to supernatural thrillers, feel-good journeys, and local flair, this week’s new releases offer something for everyone. Grab your popcorn and get ready for a cinematic treat. Happy movie watching, everyone!
Get ready for a nostalgic yet thrilling ride back to your childhood! The 2023 blockbuster ‘Barbie’ promises a cinematic experience like no other, taking the iconic doll from playrooms into the heart of Hollywood. Starring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling, directed by Greta Gerwig, and produced at Warner Bros. Studios, ‘Barbie’ has created a buzz like no other. Here, we delve into behind-the-scenes secrets, interesting trivia, and fascinating film facts about ‘Barbie’. Get ready as we pull back the curtain on the making of this highly anticipated film, providing an intimate peek into the glamour, the glitz, and the iconic pink world of Barbie.
1. The Origin of an Icon
In March 1959, Ruth Handler, co-founder of Mattel, launched a doll at the American Toy Fair in New York City that would forever change the face of the toy industry. This doll was none other than Barbie, or ‘Barbara Millicent Roberts,’ named after Handler’s daughter and inspired by the German doll Bild Lilli. Unlike other dolls of the era, Barbie was an adult figure, shattering the long-standing notion that girls only wanted to mother baby dolls. Today, over 60 years later, Barbie remains the world’s top-selling doll – sometimes controversial, always cherished, and undeniably a cultural icon.
2. From Script to Screen
Cameras rolled on ‘BARBIE’ on March 21, 2022, at Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden in Hertfordshire, England. The film’s dynamic directing duo, Greta Gerwig and Noah Baumbach, crafted the screenplay during the pandemic’s onset, promising a unique spin on the Barbie tale.
3. The Creation of Barbie Land
Influences and Inspirations
During development, Gerwig drew inspiration from Peter Weir’s work on “The Truman Show,” specifically the authentically artificial feel of its setting, which she wanted to replicate for Barbie Land.
Artificial Sunlight
The entirety of Barbie Land scenes were filmed indoors on soundstages at Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden. The natural sunlight is only seen when Barbie and Ken arrive in Los Angeles.
4. Set Designs and Hidden Gems
Hand-Painted Panoramas
The scenic panorama outside the Mattel boardroom was a hand-painted masterpiece over 250 feet long. Keen observers will spot the Warner Bros. company logo and a painted Los Angeles, a subtle nod to “The Wizard of Oz.”
No Black or White
The set designs in Barbie Land shied away from solid black or white colors, contributing to the film’s unique visual appeal.
5. A New Spin on Classic Elements
Dance Sequences
The Barbie dance party sequence includes specific elements from Busby Berkeley’s “Gold Diggers,” one of Gerwig’s favorite films.
Iconic Vehicles
Barbie’s car and the Barbie ambulance are full-sized replicas of toy vehicles. The cars were operated using remote-controlled transmitters and VR drone technology, allowing Barbie to “drive” hands-free.
6. A Blend of Modern and Nostalgic
The Arrival in Los Angeles
When Barbie and Ken arrive in Los Angeles, Gerwig used “Midnight Cowboy” as a reference, specifically the sequence of Jon Voight walking through New York City, out of place.
DreamHouse Stunts
The Barbie DreamHouses were over 25 feet high, with Margot Robbie performing her own stunts, including jumping from the top of the house.
7. Star-Studded Production
Academy Award Accolades
The cast and crew of “Barbie” have a whopping 50 Academy Award nominations and eight Oscar wins between them.
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Fun on Set
Inspired by “Mean Girls,” the crew was encouraged to wear something pink every Wednesday, a tradition that everyone took very seriously.
8. Margot Robbie, a Double-Threat in ‘Barbie’
Margot Robbie: The Powerhouse Producer
Greta Gerwig, the director and writer of ‘Barbie’ 2023, shed light on how Margot Robbie played an instrumental role in making the film a reality. Not only is Robbie the star of the movie, but she also proved to be a driving force behind the scenes. “Barbie came to me through Margot Robbie. Margot had gotten the rights, brought it to Warner Bros., and spearheaded this whole project,” Gerwig shared. This was a revelation to Gerwig, who knew Robbie as an accomplished actress but was delighted to discover her prowess as a producer. She expressed her admiration for Robbie’s intelligence, dedication, and intriguing insights.
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Margot Robbie: The Ultimate Barbie
As for Robbie’s portrayal of the iconic Barbie, Gerwig couldn’t be more impressed. She refers to Robbie as the ‘Stereotypical Barbie’, embodying the qualities that come to mind when one thinks of the famous doll – beauty, cheerfulness, friendliness, and a sunny blonde appeal. However, it was Robbie’s ability to add layers to the character that truly captivated Gerwig. She emphasized, “And when you think of the most beautiful, cheerful, friendly, blonde lady you’ve ever seen, that’s Margot. But the thing I wanted to do most of all was to allow her to be outrageously funny. She’s the person you’re going to go on a real journey with in the movie and because she’s always able to make things grounded, relatable, and very emotional even when it’s ridiculously heightened and funny, you never feel like you lose the humanity.”
Robbie’s dual role as both a producer and actress in ‘Barbie’ truly showcases her versatility and commitment to her craft. These insights from Gerwig provide an exciting glimpse into what audiences can expect from this much-anticipated film.
9. Ryan Gosling, the Undisputed Choice for ‘Ken’
Ryan Gosling: The Chosen Ken
‘Barbie’ 2023 Director Greta Gerwig shared some interesting insights about casting the beloved actor Ryan Gosling in the iconic role of Ken. Gerwig revealed that the character of Ken was tailored specifically for Gosling. “We wrote this part specifically for Ryan Gosling. There was no plan B. It was always Ryan,” she affirmed.
Despite his lauded performances in dramatic roles, Gerwig was drawn to Gosling’s comedic talent, which she felt was an underexplored facet of his acting repertoire. She cited his appearances on ‘Saturday Night Live’ as evidence of his aptitude for humor. Gosling’s casting as Ken, therefore, was a perfect marriage of his dramatic prowess and comedic abilities. This specific choice made by Gerwig underlines her vision for ‘Barbie’ 2023, a movie that is as hilariously entertaining as it is emotionally resonant. It is a testament to Gosling’s versatility as an actor and promises a Ken like never before.
10. Fashion, Details and Music
Vintage Chanel
During the Barbie Land Supreme Court session, Margot Robbie wore a vintage Chanel suit previously worn by Claudia Schiffer.
Fingers without Rings
True to the classic Barbie doll’s design, Robbie’s Barbie character does not wear any rings on her fingers.
The Power of Music in ‘Barbie’
Music is a pivotal element in the ‘Barbie’ 2023 movie, with director Greta Gerwig underlining its importance in crafting the film’s narrative and ambiance. Gerwig shared, “There’s a lot of music in the movie—that was always super important to me. Barbie has a level of optimism that influenced us when we were writing the script, a sort of sincerity mixed with joyfulness meets a ‘doesn’t everybody just want to dance?” attitude.
The film’s soundtrack brings together a host of phenomenal artists. Mark Ronson, along with his partner Andrew Wyatt, curated the stellar line-up, which includes industry powerhouses like Dua Lipa, Lizzo, Nicki Minaj, Karol G, and many more. It’s a potent mix of talents that promises a euphonic feast for the audience.
More intriguingly, Ronson and Wyatt penned a catchy anthem for the character Ken, voiced by Ryan Gosling, adding another layer of entertainment to the movie. In addition to the score, the duo composed a heartfelt ballad that moved Gerwig to tears. The melodies from these compositions are beautifully interwoven into several scenes, creating an audio-visual experience that perfectly captures Barbie’s joyful spirit and the movie’s overall charm.
With this incredible blend of star power, acclaimed direction, and the enduring appeal of the iconic doll herself, “Barbie” promises to be a treat for fans of all ages. Whether you’re a longtime Barbie enthusiast or new to her world, this film is set to offer a captivating, glamorous, and fun-filled cinematic experience. Get ready for the magic of Barbie!
Greta Gerwig, who directed the highly anticipated “Barbie” movie. The best way to achieve this? Pink, and lots of it! “One of the first days I met with [production designer] Sarah Greenwood and the art team, we looked at all the different shades of pink to determine how they would interact,” adds Gerwig. “As a little girl, I liked the brightest pinks, but Barbie Land would incorporate the full spectrum of the color, so it was important to figure out where those bright pinks would live alongside our palest, pastel pink, and of course every tone of pink in between.”
Another unique thing about Barbie Land: “There’s no place for Newton’s laws in Barbie Land,” says Gerwig. “There is no wind, there is no sun, no gravity and no water, but as filmmakers we do live in a world of physics, so when dealing with the reality of Barbie Land, there were the rules of Barbie Land and then there were the rules we’ve set up for the filmmaking, and then how those two things interacted. I’m in love with 1950s soundstage musicals, those wonderfully artificial spaces, and because Barbie was invented in 1959, it felt like we could ground everything in that look and not be so beholden to it. I want everyone to feel like they can reach up to the screen and touch everything, because that’s the great thing about dolls and toys.”
Gerwig grew up with Barbie. She shares that when she was little, “I was always waiting for our neighbors’ children to grow tired of theirs so they would give me the hand-me-down Barbies. That was the big thing I was always looking forward to. I have a very vivid, visceral memory of Barbie and what it meant.”
Her own love for Barbie when she was a kid helped Gerwig understand Barbie the way she’s meant to be understood. “The idea of the multiplicity of the Barbies and then the Kens really did come out of my first meeting with Mattel, when I started talking about different characters and they said, ‘No, we don’t have different characters. All of these women are Barbie,’” shares Gerwig. “And I replied that if all of these women are Barbie then Barbie is all of these women, and they said, ‘Yes.’”
Greta Gerwig
Robbie Brenner, who runs the movie division of Mattel, and is one of the producers of “Barbie,” lauds Gerwig’s vision for the film. “It’s amazing how Barbie has evolved as something really wonderful to play with and also to dream with,” she says. “That said, there are people who aren’t fans of Barbie, and Greta and Noah [Baumbach] did what they do so brilliantly, which is to explore all sides of Barbie and of the conversation around Barbie. By laughing with and embracing all things about Barbie at the same time makes the movie complex, interesting and simply brilliant.”
Margot Robbie, who plays the titular doll in the film, gives high praise to Gerwig too: “Greta has this superpower in the vibe she creates on set, which is so in line with what we wanted Barbie Land to be: bright, happy and supportive. Greta is the happiest, loveliest, most supportive director and she’s also insanely talented. She’s literally got Barbie energy.”
The highly anticipated movie about the iconic doll has been rated PG without cuts by the Movie & Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB), which means children below 13 years old and below will be allowed admission if they are accompanied by an adult.
“Barbie” has also been granted permits for exhibition without cuts in other Asian countries such as Taiwan, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and South Korea.
Michael Cera, America Ferrera, Greta Gerwig, Ryan Gosling, Margot Robbie, Issa Rae, and Kate McKinnon
“Barbie,” directed by Gerwig and starring Robbie as Barbie and Ryan Gosling as Ken, opens in Philippine cinemas July 19. Reserve your tickets now at https://www.barbiemovie.com.ph/
To live in Barbie Land is to be a perfect being in a perfect place. Unless you have a full-on existential crisis. Or you’re a Ken.
From Oscar-nominated writer/director Greta Gerwig comes “Barbie,” starring Oscar-nominees Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling as Barbie and Ken, alongside America Ferrera, Kate McKinnon, Michael Cera, Ariana Greenblatt, Issa Rae, Rhea Perlman and Will Ferrell. The film also stars Ana Cruz Kayne, Emma Mackey, Hari Nef, Alexandra Shipp, Kingsley Ben-Adir, Simu Liu, Ncuti Gatwa, Scott Evans, Jamie Demetriou, Connor Swindells, Sharon Rooney, Nicola Coughlin and Oscar-winner Helen Mirren.
Gerwig directed “Barbie” from a screenplay by Gerwig & Oscar nominee Noah Baumbach, based on Barbie by Mattel. The film’s producers are Oscar nominee David Heyman, Robbie, Tom Ackerley and Robbie Brenner, with Michael Sharp, Josey McNamara, Ynon Kreiz, Courtenay Valenti, Toby Emmerich and Cate Adams serving as executive producers.
In Philippine cinemas starting July 19, “Barbie” is distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Discovery company.
Join the conversation online and use the hashtag #Barbie #BarbieTheMovie
Watch Ryan Gosling get emotional as Ken in the music video “Just Ken.” “Barbie,” directed by Greta Gerwig and featuring a star-studded cast led by Margot Robbie and Gosling, opens in Philippine cinemas July 19.
The highly anticipated movie about the iconic doll has been rated PG without cuts by the Movie & Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB), which means children below 13 years old and below will be allowed admission if they are accompanied by an adult.
Ryan Gosling
“Barbie” has also been granted permits for exhibition without cuts in other Asian countries such as Taiwan, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and South Korea.
About “BARBIE”
To live in Barbie Land is to be a perfect being in a perfect place. Unless you have a full-on existential crisis. Or you’re a Ken.
Simu Liu
From Oscar-nominated writer/director Greta Gerwig comes “Barbie,” starring Oscar-nominees Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling as Barbie and Ken, alongside America Ferrera, Kate McKinnon, Michael Cera, Ariana Greenblatt, Issa Rae, Rhea Perlman and Will Ferrell. The film also stars Ana Cruz Kayne, Emma Mackey, Hari Nef, Alexandra Shipp, Kingsley Ben-Adir, Simu Liu, Ncuti Gatwa, Scott Evans, Jamie Demetriou, Connor Swindells, Sharon Rooney, Nicola Coughlin and Oscar-winner Helen Mirren.
Gerwig directed “Barbie” from a screenplay by Gerwig & Oscar nominee Noah Baumbach, based on Barbie by Mattel. The film’s producers are Oscar nominee David Heyman, Robbie, Tom Ackerley and Robbie Brenner, with Michael Sharp, Josey McNamara, Ynon Kreiz, Courtenay Valenti, Toby Emmerich and Cate Adams serving as executive producers.
In Philippine cinemas starting July 19, “Barbie” is distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Discovery company.
Join the conversation online and use the hashtag #Barbie #BarbieTheMovie
