In the 2023 Barbie movie, directed by Greta Gerwig, Barbie is both a doll and a character in a meta-narrative that plays with the idea of her being a doll in a world that intersects with reality. The film blends fantasy and reality, where Barbie, played by Margot Robbie, exists in a vibrant, exaggerated version of the “Barbie Land” and interacts with human characters in the real world.
Here’s how Barbie’s doll status plays out in the movie:
Barbie Land:
In the film’s fictional world, Barbie is a doll among many other Barbies, all of whom are caricatures of various professional and social roles (e.g., “President Barbie,” “Doctor Barbie,” etc.). In this world, Barbie is a hyper-realized version of the doll that has become an iconic symbol in popular culture. She is fully aware of her status as a doll within Barbie Land but also grapples with her identity and purpose as she faces existential questions.
Real World Interaction:
The film’s plot takes Barbie out of her world and into the real world, where she comes to understand her role and impact on human society. In the real world, Barbie still carries the aura of being a doll, but her journey is more about exploring themes of self-discovery, feminism, and identity—questions that transcend her status as a toy.
So, while Barbie is a doll within the context of the movie, she is also portrayed as a fully developed character with human-like qualities, struggles, and personal growth. The film uses her identity as a doll to explore deeper themes about the nature of femininity, identity, and the expectations placed on women.