Very soon, the long-awaited movie about Barbie "Barbie The Movie 2023" with Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling in the lead roles will be released on cinema screens. Even before the screening, the film was highly praised and discussed in all corners of the world :) On this occasion, the company Mattel released quite a lot of merch and, of course, a series of dolls!
Barbie The Movie 2023
Barbie The Movie is an American fantasy comedy film directed by Greta Gerwig and co-written by Noah Baumbach. The film is based on Mattel's fashion Barbie dolls and was inspired by the 1994 book Catching Up with Ophelia by Mary Pifer. This is the first live-action Barbie film after several direct-to-video and streaming animated films. It stars Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling as Barbie and Ken, respectively, with a large ensemble of big-name supporting actors.
The film was announced in September 2009 by Universal Pictures with producer Lawrence Mark, but development began in April 2014 when Sony Pictures acquired the rights to the film. After several changes of writers and directors and casting two different actresses for the lead role, Sony lost the rights, which were then transferred to Warner Bros. Pictures in October 2018, with Robbie in the deal to star. Robbie was cast in 2019 and serves as a producer (via LuckyChap Entertainment), with Heyday Films and Mattel Films co-producing the film. Gerwig was confirmed to direct and co-write the script with Baumbach in 2021. Gosling and the rest of the cast have been announced in the early stages of 2022. Filming took place mainly in the Warner Bros. studio. Studios, Leavesden in England from March to July 2022.
Barbie is scheduled to be released in the United States on July 21, 2023 by Warner Bros. Pictures.
Margot Robbie, Blue Plaid Matching Set with Matching Hat and Jacket
Ken, All-Denim Matching Set with Original Ken Signature Underwear
Scenario
Gerwig and Baumbach were given complete creative freedom when writing the script for the film. They collaborated on the script during the 2020–2021 COVID-19 lockdown and described the writing process as "open" and "free". To process the film, Gerwig first wrote an abstract poem about Barbie in the spirit of the Apostles' Creed. For the plot, she was partially inspired by Mary Peifer's non-fiction book Catching Up with Ophelia, which describes the effects of social pressures on American teenage girls. She also found inspiration in classic techno-tinged musicals such as The Red Shoes and The Umbrellas of Cherbourg, of which she said: "They have such a high level of what we've come to call authentic artifice. You have painted skies on stage. It's an illusion, but it's really there. The painted back panel is really there. The materiality of art is something we kept coming back to."
Margot Robbie, Pink and White Gingham Dress with Daisy Chain Necklace
Ken, Pastel Pink and Green Striped Beach Matching Set with Surfboard and White Sneakers
Ken, White and Gold Tracksuit
Casting
In October 2021, Ryan Gosling was in final negotiations to play Ken in the film. America Ferrera, Simu Liu, and Kate McKinnon were added to the cast in February 2022. Liu auditioned for the film after his agent spoke of the script as one of the best they had ever read. In March 2022, it was announced that Ariana Greenblatt, Alexandra Shipp, and Emma McKee would join the cast. Will Ferrell joined the cast in April, along with Issa Rae, Michael Cera, Hari Nef, Kingsley Ben-Adir, Rhea Pearlman, Nkuti Gatwa, Emerald Fennell, Sharon Rooney, Scott Evans, Ana Cruz Kane, Connor Swindells, Ritu Ar' me and Jamie Demetriou. During the casting process, Gerwig and Robbie looked for actresses with "Barbie energy" (described as "a certain unadulterated combination of beauty and ecstasy"). Mackie revealed in a 2022 interview with Empire that many of the supporting actors would play different variations of Barbie and Ken. In an interview with Vogue in May 2023, Robbie revealed that she wanted to see actress Gal Gadot as Barbie, but she couldn't due to her schedule.
Margot Robbie, Golden Jumpsuit
Margot Robbie, Pink Western Outfit with Cowboy Hat
Filming
Principal photography began in March 2022 at Warner Bros. Studios. Studios, Leavesden in England and ended on July 21, 2022. One notable filming location was Venice Beach Skate Park in Los Angeles, California. Rodrigo Prieto served as cinematographer, and Jacqueline Duran, who previously collaborated with Gerwig on Little Women (2019), served as the film's costume designer. Reshoots took place in Los Angeles in April 2023.
Gloria, Three-Piece Pink Power Pantsuit with Strappy Heels and Golden Earrings
President, Pink and Gold Dress with Sash
Design
Sarah Greenwood and Katie Spencer are responsible for the design and set design in the film. For Barbie Dreamhouse, the duo drew inspiration from mid-20th century modernist architecture found in Palm Springs, including the Kaufmann Desert House by Richard Neutra, as well as photography by Slim Aarons. Gerwig wanted to capture "that ridiculously fun aspect of the Dreamhouses," referencing their earlier models, and mentioned the Northern Adventure of Northern Southern, Wayne Thibault paintings and Gene Kelly's character in the 1951 techno-colored musical An American in Paris. "Everything has to be tactile because the toys are the first things you touch," Gerwig said, commenting on the use of practical effects instead of CGI to create the San Jacinto sky and mountains. It is also worth noting the extensive use of pink color in the design.
Showing the film in cinemas
Barbie is scheduled to be released in the United States on July 21, 2023. Previous iterations of the project were originally scheduled for June 2, 2017, May 12, 2017, June 29, 2018, August 8, 2018, and May 8, 2020.
Conclusion
The film boasts an impressive cast, with Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling playing the iconic roles of Barbie and Ken, respectively, and a talented supporting cast. The production team, including cinematographer Rodrigo Prieto and costume designer Jacqueline Durran, worked diligently to bring Barbie's world to life, drawing inspiration from sources as diverse as classic musicals and mid-century modernist architecture.
Despite the uncertainty about the film's quality, it's still worth a watch for Barbie fans and collectors alike. The film's release marks a major milestone in the evolution of the beloved puppet franchise, moving from direct-to-video computer animation and streaming movies to live theatrical action. Barbie's enduring popularity ensures that this film will likely attract a loyal audience eager to see their favorite doll come to life on the big screen.
Even if the movie doesn't live up to expectations, it gives fans a chance to immerse themselves in the Barbie universe and appreciate the effort and creativity that went into its creation. In addition, collectors can find value in adding memorabilia and merchandise related to the film to their Barbie collections, further expanding the rich tapestry of the brand's history.
All in all, while the upcoming Barbie movie may struggle to create a truly great cinematic experience, it still holds the appeal for fans and collectors alike. Whether you're a lifelong Barbie enthusiast or just intrigued by the cultural significance of the iconic doll, this movie offers you a chance to get involved with your favorite franchise and potentially add to your collection.
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