Greta Gerwig's Barbie Movie Can Fix Mattel's Feminism Problem
Mattel's famous doll, Barbie, has as many critics as she does fans, but Greta Gerwig's Barbie movie could make her a feminist icon and a better role model to little girls.Barbie is highly anticipated, especially with details about the film being kept a secret. While little is known about how Barbie's character will fit into this era of women's empowerment, it's clear that the movie presents a major opportunity to rehabilitate a once-problematic toy.
Barbie will be the first live-action film centered around Mattel's well-known doll. Barbie is set to be written and directed by Greta Gerwig, one of the very few women to be nominated for best director. Gerwig's Barbie has a lot to contend with. Barbie as a doll has often been at the center of controversies since her inception in 1959, especially regarding the lack of diversity and promotion of unrealistic body standards.
Related: Seriously, Every Outfit From The Barbie Movie Is Better Than The Last
As a strong, visionary female director, Greta Gerwig may be able to fix the problems of Barbie's past. Gerwig puts women at the forefront of her movies and often tells the untold stories of women. Her films like Lady Bird and Little Women highlight unconventional stories about women and their relationships with one another, creating insightful stories about women. This will be extremely important in the Barbie movie, as her unfiltered and feminist take will likely ensure Barbie is not a two-dimensional character, but a well-fleshed-out woman, navigating a toxic culture of expectations. Especially if Barbie is set in the real world. Though Mattel has tried to fix its mistakes with more diverse dolls like their curvy Barbie and a Barbie with hearing aids, the movie could help
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