95bFM The Barbie Movie and Greta Gerwig’s feminist perspective
20 July, 2023
Interview by Caeden Tipler, Adapted by David Liwei Shi
University of Auckland Associate Professor of Culture, Languages, and Linguistics, Dr Bridget Conor, says the new Barbie film could change the cultural and social meaning of the iconic doll.
The Barbie movie has started screening, with fans around the world excited for Director Greta Gerwig's perspective on the iconic toy by Mattel.
Prior to the film's release, University of Auckland Associate Professor of Communications, Cultures, Languages, and Linguistics, Dr Bridget Conor, told 95bFM’s The Wire that the film appears to be challenging the meaning of Barbie.
“The hype suggests that there is a positive movement attached to the movie.”
Mattel Inc. has been historically criticised for Barbie lacking diversity, perpetuating unrealistic body standards, and reinforcing a sexist mindset.
Gerwig is known for directing films like Lady Bird (2017) and Little Women (2019), which suggests the film is leaning strongly toward a feminist lens.
“If there is anyone that could do anything interesting with Barbie, it would be a filmmaker like her [Gerwig],” said Conor.
The director’s previous works showcases discussions about “women’s subjecthood, perspectives, and life experiences,” with Barbie likely fitting into Gerwig’s repertoire of women-focused stories.
Conor said the film could be Hollywood’s attempt at intersectional feminism, with representation of diverse Barbie characters.
“There is obviously a central Barbie character played by Margot Robbie, who is what you would expect as a typical cisgender white woman, but there are also Barbies of different ethnicities, backgrounds, and gender identities.”
Conor notes the film has been a marketing “boom” for Mattel, but at the same time showcases women’s authorship.
“Again, this is a Hollywood movie, so it’s not anything revolutional. But it would be interesting to see what type of feminist script we’ll see after watching the film.”
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