Barbie, the iconic doll that has been a part of countless childhoods, has now made her way to the big screen.
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Directed by Greta Gerwig, the film takes Barbie (played by Margot Robbie) on an existential journey to Los Angeles, where she restores balance to Barbie Land, which has been taken over by patriarchal Kens.
A New Life for Barbie
In a twist of events, Barbie, after restoring order to her world, decides to leave the valley of the dolls and embark on a new life in California.
With the guidance of her inventor, Ruth Handler (Rhea Perlman), Barbie chooses to accept mortality and become a person, adopting the last name Handler for herself.
This decision marks a significant shift in Barbie's character, as she steps out of her plastic world and embraces the human experience.
The Final Mic Drop
The movie ends on a high note, with Barbie attending what seems to be a job interview. The final line of the movie, delivered by Barbie with a beaming smile, is, “I’m here to see my gynecologist.”
Gerwig explains that she wanted the movie to operate on at least two levels, ending on a mic drop kind of joke, but also finding it very emotional.
The Real-Life Story of Barbie's Creator
Ruth Handler, who first appears as a character midway through the movie, co-founded Mattel in 1945.
She got the idea for Barbie after watching her young daughter, Barbara, play with paper dolls of adult women.
Handler viewed Barbie as an aspirational alternative: a toy to help girls envision lives and careers aside from being mothers and homemakers.
Barbie's Controversial Design
The first Barbie was released in 1959 and became an instant success. However, the doll was also controversial for her small waist and large bust ‒ features inspired by the German fashion doll Bild Lilli.
Handler found Bild Lilli during a trip to Hamburg and used her as a model for Barbie.
Ruth Handler's Second Career
In a cruel irony, Handler was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1970 and underwent a double mastectomy.
She left Mattel in 1974, and two years later, started a new company called Nearly Me, making breast prosthetics for women post-mastectomy.
This venture was inspired by her personal experience and aimed to help women regain their confidence and dignity after undergoing a mastectomy.
The Legacy of Barbie
The movie serves as a poignant reminder that Barbie is an invention. It highlights the journey of the woman who created her and the transformation she went through. It's a testament to the fact that Barbie is more than just a doll - she's a symbol of aspiration, transformation, and resilience.