Introduction
Greta Gerwig has masterfully brought the beloved Barbie doll to life on the silver screen in her highly anticipated movie. This film showcases stunning life-sized Dream House sets, costumes inspired by iconic Barbie styles, and subtle references to notable Barbie controversies, all meticulously detailed to captivate audiences. The behind-the-scenes insights into the film’s creation will undoubtedly keep fans intrigued until its release on Friday, July 21st.
The Pink Paint Phenomenon
The production of the Barbie movie demanded a vast amount of pink paint, aiming to evoke a nostalgic feeling. The requirement was so substantial that Rosco, a leading paint supplier in the film industry, had to provide its entire stock to fulfill the production’s needs. Lauren Proud, Rosco’s vice president of global marketing, confirmed that the film exhausted their entire paint supply, leading to a temporary shortage. Despite the challenge, Rosco managed to meet the demands, ensuring the movie’s vibrant visual appeal.
Also Read: Barbie Dominates Oppenheimer, Targets $337M Global Opening
Stellar Cast with Surprising Musical Contributions
Margot Robbie takes on the iconic role of Barbie, and Ryan Gosling joins the cast as Ken, Barbie’s loyal companion. Notably, Gosling, known primarily for his acting, also contributed to the film’s soundtrack, bringing his unique musical background to the table. As a member of the rock duo Dead Man’s Bones, Gosling has his own musical history. The movie’s soundtrack boasts appearances from today’s biggest pop stars, including Dua Lipa, Lizzo, Ice Spice, and Nicki Minaj, creating a star-studded lineup for the film’s songs.
The Bonding Traditions Behind the Scenes
During the film’s production, Margot Robbie’s production company, LuckyChap, initiated a weekly film tradition called “movie church” at Notting Hill’s Electric Cinema. These screenings featured films that inspired Greta Gerwig’s Barbie vision, fostering a sense of camaraderie among the cast and crew. Additionally, Gerwig organized a Barbie-themed sleepover at Claridge’s before filming began, exclusively for the female cast members. While the male cast members portraying Kens were allowed to attend, they couldn’t stay overnight. These unique bonding experiences enriched the film’s making and strengthened the team’s connections.
The Humble Embarrassment of Vibrant Outfits
Robbie and Gosling, portraying Barbie and Ken, were seen sporting outrageously vibrant neon outfits during a beach scene. Clad in eye-catching pink ensembles with accents of neon blue and green, the duo’s matching caps, bright green knee pads, and coordinated shoes created an athleisure wear spectacle. Although they appeared to be having fun, Robbie candidly expressed her humiliation wearing such outfits in front of a large crowd. Despite their discomfort, they embraced the playful spirit of the film.
Real-Life Barbie Doll Inspirations
The upcoming movie features accomplished Barbie dolls that have been available for purchase in toy stores. Margot Robbie’s character embodies the iconic debut of the Barbie doll in 1959, donning a striped swimsuit and white cat-eyed sunglasses. Issa Rae’s character takes on the role of a president, mirroring Barbie’s political aspirations since 1992. Other characters, portrayed by Dua Lipa and Emerald Fennell, resemble Barbie dolls from the Dreamtopia cartoon web series and the discontinued pregnant Barbie doll from 1963, respectively. Ryan Gosling’s Ken-like appearance pays homage to various Ken dolls from their 1961 debut.
Destiny’s Sign: Ryan Gosling’s Decision
After receiving Greta Gerwig’s offer, Ryan Gosling found a Ken doll lying face down in the mud next to a squished lemon in his backyard. Taking it as a sign, he snapped a photo and sent it to Gerwig, declaring his resolve to portray Ken and fulfill his character’s story properly. This serendipitous encounter solidified his commitment to the role.
Margot Robbie’s Thoughtful Gestures
Margot Robbie’s thoughtful gestures added warmth and camaraderie to the film set. She surprised Ryan Gosling with gifts that resonated with Ken’s spirit, evoking beach-themed items and messages encouraging him to embrace the coastal lifestyle. These heartfelt gestures fostered a sense of unity among the cast and crew and inspired them in their performances.
An Ensemble of Barbies, Kens, and More
The movie introduces an ensemble cast portraying various versions of the iconic doll. Alongside Margot Robbie’s Barbie, there are at least 10 distinct versions of different Barbies, each played by talented actors like Hari Nef, Issa Rae, Sharon Rooney, and Emma Mackey, among others. The Kens, portrayed by Ryan Gosling, Ncuti Gatwa, Scott Evans, Simu Liu, and Kingsley Ben-Adir, add a mysterious charm to the film. The human characters, played by America Ferrera and Ariana Breenblatt, exude the glamour and charisma befitting their doll counterparts. Additionally, Helen Mirren lends her voice as the narrator, adding her prestigious touch to the film.
Also Read: Margot Robbie’s Perfectly Arched Feet: The Fascination Unveiled
Margot Robbie: The Fortuitous Choice
The journey to cast Barbie in the movie faced notable changes. Initially, Amy Schumer and Anne Hathaway were considered for the role, but ultimately, Margot Robbie emerged as the perfect choice to portray the iconic doll. LuckyChap Production’s involvement and Greta Gerwig’s direction breathed new life into the project, cementing Robbie’s pivotal role as Barbie.
The Poetic Script: Greta Gerwig’s Inspiration
Greta Gerwig crafted a poem inspired by the “Apostle’s Creed” with her partner Noah Baumbach to secure the Barbie movie project. This poetic masterpiece captures the essence of the film, and Gerwig maintained complete creative freedom throughout its creation, with no external involvement from Mattel, LuckyChap Production, or Warner Bros.
Conclusion
Greta Gerwig’s Barbie movie promises to be a magical journey into the world of the iconic doll. With meticulous attention to detail, an outstanding cast, and heartfelt behind-the-scenes stories, this film is destined to captivate audiences and bring the beloved Barbie to life in a way never seen before on the silver screen.
