Greta Gerwig and Margot Robbie discuss Barbie's surprising feminism | 7.30

TL;DR

Margot Robbie and Greta Gerwig discuss their new film Barbie, which aims to ignite conversations about feminism while honoring the legacy of the iconic doll.

Transcript

Margot Robbie Greta goig welcome to 7 30. thank you Sarah Margot I'll start with you because this is your project you started this now when you went to see the toy maker in 2018 so it's a few years ago what was driving you then I thought it was a big and exciting opportunity the word Barbie is just already globally recognized it's and people feel r... Read More

Key Insights

• 😄 Margot Robbie explains that Barbie is a globally recognized and iconic brand, sparking strong emotions and memories in people, making it an interesting starting point for an audience.
• 😍 Margot chose Greta Gerwig as the director for Barbie because she admired Greta's intelligence, warmth, humor, and ability to create well-crafted stories that feel real.
• 🤝 Margot and Greta aimed to honor the legacy of Barbie while also having a culturally relevant conversation about where society is today.
• 🎭 Greta's writing skills, characterized by intelligence, thoughtfulness, heart, and humor, were a key factor in Margot's decision to bring her on board for Barbie.
• 😌 Greta wanted to include a big heart at the center of the film, giving Ken a larger character arc and exploring the humanity and complexities of Barbie and Ken's world.
• ⚖️ Margot and Greta had to persuade Mattel that they could make a sharp, clever, funny, and thought-provoking film about Barbie while still respecting the brand and its legacy.
• 💪 Margot's step-by-step approach, addressing fears and concerns, and emphasizing love, respect, and an uplifting experience, helped convince Mattel to support their vision for Barbie.
• ✨ Barbie is a feminist film that goes beyond the feminist label, encompassing themes of equality, complex negotiations of gender roles, and embracing the capacity for love and humanity in everyone.

Questions & Answers

Q: How did Margot Robbie convince Mattel, the company behind Barbie, to trust her vision for the film?

Margot Robbie assured Mattel that while the film would not shy away from addressing problematic aspects of the brand, it would come from a place of love and respect for Barbie's legacy and the people who have dedicated their lives to it.

Q: What made Greta Gerwig the ideal choice to write the script for Barbie?

Greta Gerwig was chosen for her intelligence, her ability to construct well-made films with thought and heart, and her understanding of both the legacy of film and the current cultural landscape.

Q: How does the film address the issue of confidence and self-perception in teenage girls?

In the film, Barbie experiences a loss of confidence while a teenage girl exhibits certainty and defiance. The story explores the universal phenomenon of girls transitioning from a self-assured state to a period of self-doubt during adolescence.

Q: Why is the film labeled as feminist and how does it challenge traditional notions of what it means to be a feminist film?

The film is considered feminist because it embraces the idea of gender equality and challenges societal expectations placed on women. It refrains from being mean-spirited and instead fosters self-acceptance and empowerment, creating a feminist narrative that includes everyone.

Q: How did Margot Robbie and Greta Gerwig handle the concerns and fears raised by Mattel during the film's development?

By acknowledging the fears and concerns raised by Mattel, Margot Robbie and Greta Gerwig addressed them step by step, ensuring that the film would pay respect to the brand while not shying away from its problematic aspects. They also emphasized the film's intention to have a heartwarming and uplifting message.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Margot Robbie saw an opportunity to create a film about Barbie, a globally recognized icon that elicits both love and criticism, as it could spark exciting conversations with audiences.

• Greta Gerwig was chosen to write the script for Barbie because of her intelligence, ability to construct compelling stories, and the way she connects with both the legacy of film and current societal trends.

• The film is described as a feminist work that embraces complexity by exploring themes of confidence, self-perception, and the negotiation of what it means to be a woman, and aims to deliver an uplifting and heartwarming experience.