Had you told a 19 year old me that my Nuclear Strategy lecturer would one day be analysing a Barbie movie I had just seen with my children, my mind would justifiably have blown. Excellent analysis as always.
The value of Barbie is the implicit comments made upon the meanings and behaviours of being female or being male, and finally in being or becoming human.
Furthermore, I would suggest that the genre to which the story belongs is that of the faerie story, not fantasy as such. There is an openness to supernatural, the power and effect of thought beyond the mind of the thinker, as well as the transition between two different worlds or realms. Also, the story contains and embodies meaning, without specifically preaching it,
Very accurate. Only point of challenge is that the Barbies have empathy. They understand the Kens intellectually (!) but seem to have no sense of how they feel, let alone any compassion for them. Their attitude seems to be ‘suck it up, losers’, with a promise for limited progress towards a more equal society.
1] Weird emphasis on reproduction. Barbie Land is unlike the real world in many ways, and the movie doesn't tackle reproduction at all--only Midge is relevant in that way. Specifically, this line: "SB wishes now to return to the real world, which means reproduction (as the movie’s final line makes clear)." Barbie sees a gynecologist for a check-up, not because she's pregnant or intends to get pregnant.
2] It was not a "simple role reversal." In Barbie Land, the Kens weren't harmed--they were simply ignored. In Kendom, the Barbies were forced to do things for the Kens. Being ignored vs being servants.
There's a couple other issues (i.e. "Beach Ken" as an identifier when they were all Beach Ken) but no major ones.
Superb. Absolutely superb
Howling. Laughing like a drain.
This may be the most entertaining and perhaps the best Substack post yet written.
Had you told a 19 year old me that my Nuclear Strategy lecturer would one day be analysing a Barbie movie I had just seen with my children, my mind would justifiably have blown. Excellent analysis as always.
Perfect in tone and content
This blog is evidence that there must be at least one more, previously unthought-of, dimension than the 26 predicted by String Theory. Bravo
The absolute best review I’ve read of Barbie. Absolutely brilliant! Cheers!
This is fantastic. Very funny and well done
He is no Ken-in! Love it!
The value of Barbie is the implicit comments made upon the meanings and behaviours of being female or being male, and finally in being or becoming human.
Furthermore, I would suggest that the genre to which the story belongs is that of the faerie story, not fantasy as such. There is an openness to supernatural, the power and effect of thought beyond the mind of the thinker, as well as the transition between two different worlds or realms. Also, the story contains and embodies meaning, without specifically preaching it,
That was absolutely wonderful. I really hope you enjoyed writing it as much as I enjoyed reading it.
Best film review I've read in ages.
Bravo! Bravo!
Very accurate. Only point of challenge is that the Barbies have empathy. They understand the Kens intellectually (!) but seem to have no sense of how they feel, let alone any compassion for them. Their attitude seems to be ‘suck it up, losers’, with a promise for limited progress towards a more equal society.
Most amusing and very well done.
Two disagreements:
1] Weird emphasis on reproduction. Barbie Land is unlike the real world in many ways, and the movie doesn't tackle reproduction at all--only Midge is relevant in that way. Specifically, this line: "SB wishes now to return to the real world, which means reproduction (as the movie’s final line makes clear)." Barbie sees a gynecologist for a check-up, not because she's pregnant or intends to get pregnant.
2] It was not a "simple role reversal." In Barbie Land, the Kens weren't harmed--they were simply ignored. In Kendom, the Barbies were forced to do things for the Kens. Being ignored vs being servants.
There's a couple other issues (i.e. "Beach Ken" as an identifier when they were all Beach Ken) but no major ones.
Still a fun post!
Excellent analysis!