When Hollywood heartthrob Ryan Gosling first laid eyes on the screenplay for “Barbie,” he was in for a delightful surprise. The initial title, “Barbie and Ken,” had the phrase “and Ken” humorously crossed out, hinting at the script’s witty and playful nature (Olsen 2023). Co-written by the film’s talented director, Greta Gerwig, alongside her life partner and frequent collaborator, Noah Baumbach, the movie promised to be an enchanting journey into the world of the iconic doll.
Gosling expressed his amazement at Gerwig’s brilliant storytelling, comparing it to an amusement park where the audience needs no map (Olsen 2023). The film presents “Barbie Land,” where the stunningly blonde and talented Margot Robbie portrays a carefree Barbie, enjoying beach days and lively dance parties with her friends. In this world, even more, Barbies take on roles like presidents, lawyers, doctors, and prize-winning authors, portrayed by talented actresses like Issa Rae, Hari Nef, Emma Mackey, and Alexandra Shipp. As Helen Mirren’s narrating voice declares, “All problems of feminism and equal rights have been solved” (Olsen 2023).
Yet, as the plot unfolds, Robbie’s Barbie experiences unexpected thoughts of death and cellulite, challenging her seemingly perfect life. Gosling’s character, Ken, already familiar with insecurity and anxiety, finds solace when he has Barbie’s attention. When Barbie embarks on a journey to the Real World to confront her newfound struggles, Ken tags along. This leads to revelations about the patriarchy, and Ken surprisingly falls for it. He then returns to Barbie Land to redefine it as his “Ken-dom” and transforms Barbie’s dream house into his “mojo dojo casa house.”
However, amidst all the transformation and rebellion, Ken’s ultimate desire remains simple: for Barbie to notice him. “It’s a sweet kind of rebellion” that adds an unexpected emotional center to the movie (Olsen 2023). Ryan Gosling’s performance is garnering praise as one of his most poignant and genuine portrayals.
Behind the scenes, Gerwig and Baumbach undertook extensive research into Barbie’s history. They incorporated discontinued characters like Barbie’s pregnant friend Midge and Earring Magic Ken into the narrative (Olsen 2023). The duo approached the creation of the film’s wildly stylized world with great seriousness, realizing that portraying Ken would demand a performer with not only good looks but also comedic agility and dramatic depth.
In an interview, Gerwig gushed about Gosling, whom she had always envisioned as the perfect fit for Ken. She admired his ability to delve into the character’s outrageous conundrum while bringing a touch of humor to the role. Ryan Gosling, known for his charming enigma and brooding intensity, has made a name for himself by embracing diverse and unpredictable roles in Hollywood.
During a pink-hued whirlwind press event for “Barbie” at a Los Angeles hotel, Greta Gerwig and Ryan Gosling finally came together despite their busy schedules. Margot Robbie made a surprise entrance, spreading her infectious energy. She playfully presented Gosling with honey-soy-chicken potato chips, declaring them her favorite “chippie” flavors. In an interview, Gerwig praised Gosling’s portrayal of Ken, admiring his ability to bring humor to the character’s outrageous conundrum. Gosling’s diverse and unpredictable roles in Hollywood have showcased his charming enigma and brooding intensity, making him a perfect fit for the part. The event left the room beaming with joy, creating a memorable experience for all. (Olsen 2023)
Gosling’s dedication to his role in “Barbie” was evident as he delivered an emotional performance of the 1997 Matchbox 20 song “Push.” Under Greta Gerwig’s direction, he found new layers of meaning in the lyrics, elevating the scene to a captivating moment in the film.
Gerwig and Gosling’s collaboration has not only brought magic to the screen but also inspired the male crew members involved in the production. Gosling’s portrayal of Ken’s journey through toxic masculinity resonated deeply, prompting some to wear pink socks or hum the tune of “I’m Just Ken.”
Despite the movie’s philosophical and thought-provoking themes, Gerwig assures audiences that “Barbie” is for everyone, celebrating love and acceptance for people of all backgrounds and struggles. Her playful remark about life’s inevitabilities adds a dash of vinegar to the otherwise sweet message (Olsen 2023).
“Barbie,” with its blend of humor, emotional depth, and social commentary, promises to transcend the boundaries of its iconic toy origins, leaving a lasting impact on viewers of all ages and backgrounds. With the talented ensemble and a story that speaks to universal themes, the movie is poised to be a heartfelt and enjoyable experience for audiences worldwide.
Source:
Olsen, M. (2023, July 27). How Ryan Gosling’s Ken became subversive center of “Barbie” – Los Angeles Times. Los Angeles Times. https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/movies/story/2023-07-11/greta-gerwig-ryan-gosling-ken-barbie
Gosling expressed his amazement at Gerwig’s brilliant storytelling, comparing it to an amusement park where the audience needs no map (Olsen 2023). The film presents “Barbie Land,” where the stunningly blonde and talented Margot Robbie portrays a carefree Barbie, enjoying beach days and lively dance parties with her friends. In this world, even more, Barbies take on roles like presidents, lawyers, doctors, and prize-winning authors, portrayed by talented actresses like Issa Rae, Hari Nef, Emma Mackey, and Alexandra Shipp. As Helen Mirren’s narrating voice declares, “All problems of feminism and equal rights have been solved” (Olsen 2023).
Yet, as the plot unfolds, Robbie’s Barbie experiences unexpected thoughts of death and cellulite, challenging her seemingly perfect life. Gosling’s character, Ken, already familiar with insecurity and anxiety, finds solace when he has Barbie’s attention. When Barbie embarks on a journey to the Real World to confront her newfound struggles, Ken tags along. This leads to revelations about the patriarchy, and Ken surprisingly falls for it. He then returns to Barbie Land to redefine it as his “Ken-dom” and transforms Barbie’s dream house into his “mojo dojo casa house.”
However, amidst all the transformation and rebellion, Ken’s ultimate desire remains simple: for Barbie to notice him. “It’s a sweet kind of rebellion” that adds an unexpected emotional center to the movie (Olsen 2023). Ryan Gosling’s performance is garnering praise as one of his most poignant and genuine portrayals.
Behind the scenes, Gerwig and Baumbach undertook extensive research into Barbie’s history. They incorporated discontinued characters like Barbie’s pregnant friend Midge and Earring Magic Ken into the narrative (Olsen 2023). The duo approached the creation of the film’s wildly stylized world with great seriousness, realizing that portraying Ken would demand a performer with not only good looks but also comedic agility and dramatic depth.
In an interview, Gerwig gushed about Gosling, whom she had always envisioned as the perfect fit for Ken. She admired his ability to delve into the character’s outrageous conundrum while bringing a touch of humor to the role. Ryan Gosling, known for his charming enigma and brooding intensity, has made a name for himself by embracing diverse and unpredictable roles in Hollywood.
During a pink-hued whirlwind press event for “Barbie” at a Los Angeles hotel, Greta Gerwig and Ryan Gosling finally came together despite their busy schedules. Margot Robbie made a surprise entrance, spreading her infectious energy. She playfully presented Gosling with honey-soy-chicken potato chips, declaring them her favorite “chippie” flavors. In an interview, Gerwig praised Gosling’s portrayal of Ken, admiring his ability to bring humor to the character’s outrageous conundrum. Gosling’s diverse and unpredictable roles in Hollywood have showcased his charming enigma and brooding intensity, making him a perfect fit for the part. The event left the room beaming with joy, creating a memorable experience for all. (Olsen 2023)
Gosling’s dedication to his role in “Barbie” was evident as he delivered an emotional performance of the 1997 Matchbox 20 song “Push.” Under Greta Gerwig’s direction, he found new layers of meaning in the lyrics, elevating the scene to a captivating moment in the film.
Gerwig and Gosling’s collaboration has not only brought magic to the screen but also inspired the male crew members involved in the production. Gosling’s portrayal of Ken’s journey through toxic masculinity resonated deeply, prompting some to wear pink socks or hum the tune of “I’m Just Ken.”
Despite the movie’s philosophical and thought-provoking themes, Gerwig assures audiences that “Barbie” is for everyone, celebrating love and acceptance for people of all backgrounds and struggles. Her playful remark about life’s inevitabilities adds a dash of vinegar to the otherwise sweet message (Olsen 2023).
“Barbie,” with its blend of humor, emotional depth, and social commentary, promises to transcend the boundaries of its iconic toy origins, leaving a lasting impact on viewers of all ages and backgrounds. With the talented ensemble and a story that speaks to universal themes, the movie is poised to be a heartfelt and enjoyable experience for audiences worldwide.
Source:
Olsen, M. (2023, July 27). How Ryan Gosling’s Ken became subversive center of “Barbie” – Los Angeles Times. Los Angeles Times. https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/movies/story/2023-07-11/greta-gerwig-ryan-gosling-ken-barbie
