Greta Gerwig, the director of the upcoming Barbie movie, recently discussed the controversy surrounding a particular “fascist joke” in the film that did not sit well with Mattel, the company behind the iconic doll.
In a candid interview with the New York Times, Gerwig revealed that while the company was not enthusiastic about the specific line of dialogue, it somehow made its way into the movie.
Gerwig acknowledged that she never received full approval from Mattel for the inclusion of the joke, stating, “It wasn’t like I ever got the full seal of approval from [Mattel], like, ‘We love it!'” However, she also expressed her faith in the scene’s inclusion, believing that once it was in the film, the company would eventually embrace it rather than fight against it.
The director emphasized her commitment to addressing societal criticisms of Barbie in the movie. She explained how the film’s narrative explores the idea that Barbie’s mere existence does not solve all problems for women. In a pivotal scene, Sasha and her friends seek to challenge Barbie’s perceptions, prompting a smart character to deliver thought-provoking arguments directly to the doll.
For Gerwig, the decision to tackle these issues in the film was personal. She grew up with a mother who was skeptical of Barbie, which influenced her understanding of the criticisms surrounding the iconic doll. In her view, it was essential to give a voice to these perspectives, as ignoring them would have compromised the film’s depth and authenticity.
Ultimately, Gerwig’s unwavering commitment to her creative vision and desire to explore relevant societal themes prevailed. While the “fascist joke” may have caused some initial hesitation, it was included in the film to enrich the storytelling and spark meaningful discussions about Barbie’s cultural impact and the evolving perceptions of the doll in contemporary society.
