Welllll it’s here.
Both our discussion of the greatest movie of the year (decade? generation?) and the final week of Our Trust Fund. It’s bittersweet, for sure. I’m having so many conflicting feelings about the end of summer and the (potential) start of school (I’m really having a moment lol). It’s been a wild three years here with you all and it’s sad to see it go for sure, but we’re all different levels of burnt out and are ready to move forward with something else. HOWEVER, we’d never go out without a bang AND we’ll always be here, OTF isn’t actually going anywhere (I won’t be taking anything down, so everything can always be revisited at ourtrustfund.substack.com).
If anyone would like to participate in our final week of collabs, here’s what we got going on and would love any and all of you to contribute.
Tuesday August 1: Regrets, fears, and vibes (if any!) upon closing OTF
Wednesday August 2: Shit We’re Loving dump
Thursday August 3: First Piece / Last Piece reflection
Friday August 4: What we’re most proud of from OTF
So here comes our final (for now?) week of OTF, starting with not Gilmore Girls like we originally intended but with our new queen Greta and her movie, Barbie.
OUR THOUGHTS ON BARBIE:
Tina’s Thoughts:
I think this movie is going to be so important for society, and not just for the way Ryan Gosling's performance will obviously be taught in acting classes for decades to come. I feel like this movie parallels so many of our personal journeys with being born & socialized as a girl, going through puberty (really the first time a grown man looks at your boobs in public, at least for me), discovering feminism, and so on. This is exactly the type of movie that would’ve radicalized me at 11, and that makes me SO HAPPY. The fact that a WOMAN was given this insane budget to tell this story and put those concepts in such plain words for the world, and knocked it out of the park is MINDBLOWING. It captured so many things I (and probably just about any other woman that has taken a gender studies class) have wanted to shout from the rooftops, into the void, and is quite literally blasting them into the world’s ears & eyeballs. On top of that, the movie obvi made me ugly cry thinking about girlhood and my mother, but then 5 seconds later had me laughing my ass off. The kenergy was off the fuckin charts. ALL HAIL QUEEN GRETA GERWIG
Aimée’s Thoughts:
Wow, wow, wow!! I really loved this movie. It totally lived up to my expectations. It didn't necessarily *exceed* my expectations, but it was certainly everything I hoped it would be. I love its universal appeal and the importance of its message. It was also just really fun to take in: the beautiful outfits, the hilarious jokes, the surreal plot points, ALL OF IT.
Blaze’s Thoughts:
What. A. Film. I purposely avoided any spoilers of the movie to get the full experience but I was not emotionally prepared for the existential rollercoaster that was this pink masterpiece.
My overall take is that I loved it, would recommend to anyone above 14, and respect all the people who worked on this film and what they did to push the conversation forward - even if I wish it went to little further.
I don’t know if Hollywood would even greenlight a bland doll film that’s just about outfit changes and action shots; unless it’s Spiderman I guess; so I guess I shouldn’t have been surprised by all the political and gender conversations of it all but I wish there was a little more levity to it and we got to spend more time in pure Barbie Land before Ken ruined it. I’m not sure what I was expected from a 2023 Greta Gerwig interpretation of the film but the advertising and press tour was so campy and fun I was ready for a little more bubble gum and less dealth. Because they choose to go in that direction, I almost wish it went more hard core feminist but I do understand the importance of universal appeal and the fact that they knew this would naturally draw in a much wider audience so needed to hit those relatability points.
Personally I spend a lot of time discussing and thinking about gender politics so I was looking forward to this film for a fun afternoon with my friends and to check out of that critical thinking mindspace but alas even in fiction the standard for women is higher than men. Barbie had to be serious in order to be taken seriously; whereas let’s say Hulk is just as ridiculous of a plot yet no one is questioning why this movie would be made or the intelligence of the viewers watching it.
Despite the negative feelings or severe eye rolls from select men and women, Barbie has already created undoubtable cultural impact just as nuclear as the original doll. Try Googling their outstanding opening weekend box office numbers and your whole Google interface will transform into Barbie pink with sparkles lighting up the screen. I can’t think of another movie that changed Google.
What this movie did really well was explore both male and female vulnerabilities. For better or worse vulnerability has historically been known as a feminine quality and Barbie forces both the masculine and feminine characters to be vulnerable about their fears, insecurities, ambitions, excitements, and disappointments. Maybe that’s why Stereotypical Ken feels so strange and unlikable to the male audience. It’s not his rock hard abs or search for control that is causing such a stir, but his open unrequited love and admiration for Barbie coupled with his own existential crisis.
A lot of masculinity tends to be tied into work, career, and income levels so for Ken to be floundering around with his only self proclaimed skill as “beach”, that could be striking an invisible chord for men they’ve never heard out loud before. In most male protagonist movies where the main character doesn’t have a steady path or influential position in life the plot mostly revolves around him being tasked with an adventure to figure this out. The main narrative for males characters has been a hero’s quest thrust upon them and the genre of the film dictates how they’re going to solve the issues; poorly and make it a drama; hilariously awful and it’s a comedy; extremely well and now it’s action. In all of these stories female characters exist but rarely with their own self purpose and I wish Barbie did this flip a little stronger to only have the Kens there as an interesting sub plot and not as the embodiment of the villain patriarchy. I could have done without their singing numbers but the male influential resources he pulls from were hilarious.
I can understand how men might feel uncomfortable or even hate seeing themselves portrayed in this awkward mix of vulnerable and unsuccessful but there’s been decades of think pieces, research, theories, and open criticism about how this portrayed dynamic makes women feel badly about themselves yet men so much as hear the title of one film and begin throwing a tantrum about inequality.
It’s infuriating how closely the qualities men hate seeing in the Kens parallel archetypes like the “manic pixie dream girl,” which men openly admit to loving when embodied by a women and some ladies are also quick to want to self identify as that as well. But that’s what the patriarchy does, as we say in the film, convince the gender with less power that the best version of themselves they could be is the one most desired by men - even it is not truly representative of who they are or their own desires.
It’s honestly sad to realize yet again how little some people are able to process their own emotions as well as empathize with others. I don’t need men to love this movie, I don’t even think they should see it if they don’t want to, but just keep their opinions to themselves. I have a lot of opinions about professional wrestling yet I’ve never mentioned it on this Stubstack in over two years of writing because I can recognize when art is definitely not being made for me while simultaneously understanding I don’t know the full cultural and historic impact of the televised sport and that my personal voice is far from the most important one in this conversation. I don’t know the rules, the players, or the game so I don’t comment about it. Are women involved in this world? Definitely. Do I even understand their role in it? No. So I shut the fuck up about it and put my energy towards things that actually matter in my life.
In my Uber back from watching Barbie the driver asked what movie I had seen and when I told him he cackled out loud.
He said “that’s hilarious people are actually going to see that. I took my wife to go see it with her sisters because she was all excited. That movie was terrible!”
“Oh really? Well did your wife like it?”
“No she hated it. I know what my wife likes and that’s not her style. She was so excited for it but no. Not my wife. She’s not like that.”
“It sounds like she was looking forward to it. That sucks she didn’t like it.”
“Yeah there was too much singing for me. And the Ken stuff was just weird.”
And that’s not the most confusing encounter I’ve had with a complete male stranger in regards to this 2 hour piece of art.
It’s also interesting to think about the reaction of Barbie vs the recent Wonder Woman 1984. There didn’t seem to be as many angry reactions to Wonder Woman even though it’s also story centered on a brave female making cultural impact with a pretty strong female director, supporting cast, and producer.
The problem might lie in the fact that Wonder Woman 1984 uses the same superhero movie formula that’s been copied a thousand times just replaced the leading character with a female. She has a tragic backstory, an important quest, a love interest, is respected by all, and is a true leader. The only real difference is the gender identity of the main character and men and women alike ere quick to champion this film and had no hesitation cheering on the cultural implications of strong women; as long as their strength emulated the same pillars of masculinity.
Barbie is thought provoking, smart, and vulnerable. It takes the same hero journey concept and toys with it a little, skirting outside the lines of predicability. Barbie still as quest and battles evils but they are internal and existential. As it pays homage in the film, it’s more in conversation with The Matrix or Space Odyssey rather than other action figure plots; two films that two films that still have male protagonists, yet are not centered on gender rather than an overall critique on society at large.
The irony of men running something made for women literally about a film where men ruin the women’s world is just so heavy it’s exhausting. That being said I’m excited to watch it 100 more times. Also I wish it was gayer but maybe Barbie 2 will be about discovering her sexuality now that her gender has been explored.
Sydney’s Thoughts:
I cannot put into words how much I loved the Barbie movie. At the time of writing this I have seen it twice, but I plan on seeing it more! Barbie was wildly imaginative and brilliant feat of filmmaking. I don't think there has been a movie preceding Barbie has so poignantly and accurately tackled women’s roles with this level of deft precision balanced with heart and humor.
Shelby’s Thoughts:
Mostly, simply, wow.
I didn’t know I needed this movie until I saw the full trailer for the first time. Even when we all saw shots from the set of Margot and Ryan rollerblading at Malibu Beach last year or whatever, I was like “Eh okay fine, I guess.” But then the trailers dropped and we got a glimpse of Stereotypical Barbie’s existential crisis and no longer did it seem like a weird cash-grab, but a movie speaking to 30+ year old millennial women, who are desperate to be back to the times of girlhood and womanhood was just a distant thought; a time where one could play with their dolls and make up imaginary worlds where peace and harmony (read: no patriarchy) actually exist. Being an adult is hard, but being a woman adult is harder and the majority of the time, I simply do not want to.
I will say unless Greta (or some other fab woman-identifying director) is directing the other Mattel movies now in production, I’m less-than interested. Although, I would see a live-action American Girl Doll movie (though they’ve literally already done them with the majority of the original historical dolls?). I just don’t care for the rush to capitalize that comes after things that proved successful. It’s tacky and I hate it.
Vidha’s Thoughts:
I didn't see it! I don't really watching movies in theaters, so I will have to wait until its on Netflix :D Everyone I chatted with told me it was amazing!
OUR FAVORITE PART(S) OF BARBIE:
Tina’s Thoughts:
The Kens playing the guitar at the Barbies. aklsdjfghlksjdghklgjhflkjaghl. and literally every other second.
Aimée’s Thoughts:
Is it shallow to say the outfits and the colors? Lol. No, I think I liked how unafraid this film was to just embrace the fun and silliness while also delivering on the heavier stuff. My specific favorite moment was when Stereotypical Barbie (Margot Robbie) tells the elderly lady on the bus bench that she's beautiful...and then the elderly lady sassily agrees. Too often are women expected to look like Stereotypical Barbie, even as we age, so it was a sweet and important moment to acknowledge that beauty is a broad and subjective thing.
Blaze’s Thoughts:
"Let me explain The Godfather to you" because duh.
Sydney’s Thoughts:
Omg how can I even choose?!?!?! I think the scene that made me laugh the hardest was the commercial for Depression Barbie. It hit so close to home I just had to laugh out loud. Additionally, I think the soundtrack was expertly curated.
Shelby’s Thoughts:
Literally the whole movie really, but if I had to narrow it down:
The genesis of Barbie in the beginning and the crushing of the baby dolls and the expectation that all a little girl could aspire to is being a mother.
The ways the Barbies distracted the rouge Kens so they could rescue the still brainwashed Barbies.
Alan.
Meeting of Ruth and the older woman at the bus stop (ugly cry both times).
The attention to detail of realism when it came to having no actual water running in the shower, the just-slightly-too-big hairbrush, how Barbie floats down to her car (which she’s also just-slightly-too-big for), how she falls over to the side when she’s sitting upright, or HER FEET.
That Ken thought “patriarchy” was about horses.
The sheer fact that Barbieland is run by women (this fact alone and in the beginning when we’re given the tour of this utopia brought me to the most tears).
WHERE THE MOVIE MAY HAVE NEEDED WORK:
Tina’s Thoughts:
I wanted more resolution to Alan's story. And the movie to be longer, never ending, obvi.
Aimée’s Thoughts:
The scene in which Barbie talks to the ghost of Ruth Handler near the end of the film definitely dragged a bit for me. What was with the montage of all those random people? I didn't need that. I think the point could've been made much more quickly.
Blaze’s Thoughts:
My biggest issues was that Nicki Minaj wasn't featured in the film given that she is The Barb and also has a huge song on the soundtrack! I was dying to see The Barb in Barbie Land but alas I'll settle for the music video visuals.
Sydney’s Thoughts:
I think, IF ANYTHING, the film didn't need to give Ken a redemption arc. He's just Ken and could've run off crying into the distance for all I cared.
Shelby’s Thoughts:
Every movie ever, until the end of time, the end of media, will have flaws, missed moments and jokes that don’t land. It is inevitable as humans consistently show our flaws, miss moments, and say jokes that we maybe even know won’t land. I’ve seen much conversation in the Indigenous community warning others of the smallpox joke. A friend mentioned a TERF-related comment that didn’t land right to them. Certainly in a less serious sense, Zack wonders if Will Farrell and that crew was early successful or not (though he does say that it works to make the joke that all of Mattel is run by men).
I personally found the movie very successful. It hit all the points I wanted it to, but I do think we should always acknowledge the minor failings so we can only move forward.
WHAT BARBIE MEANT TO US AS GIRLS:
What Barbie Meant to Vidha:
I had an Indian barbie growing up! She had a red and yellow Sari and long, thick, straight black hair with beautiful brown eyes and big lashes. I am so glad my family got me an Indian barbie when I was younger - she was so stunning and her outfit always reminded me how regal you can look and feel in traditional attire. She was a fun reminder that you can still be beautiful and feminine while dominating in school an work - beauty and brains!
What Barbie Meant to Tina:
I was obsessed with Barbie. My mom loved her Barbies, and bought me collectors edition Barbies when I was born. Thinking about that alone makes me want to cry. I loved playing in the world I created for my Barbies. She was (is) everything.
What Barbie Meant to Aimée:
Ugh, oh my goodness. I had SO. MANY. BARBIES. And I loved them all! As intended by her creator, Barbie allowed me a chance to explore what adulthood would be like. Who would I date? What would I wear? What job would I have? What car would I drive? Seriously, I spent so many precious hours playing with those dolls. And I'm still mad that most of my friends outgrew Barbies so quickly! I had to play with mine in secret for years. I love that it's cool to love Barbie again!
What Barbie Meant to Blaze:
Barbie specifically didn’t mean too much to me growing up because I was a staunch Polly Pocket girl but those had a huge impact on me. They influenced my love of fashion with their adorable clothing options and fun color combinations. Playing with them with my mom or friends or even by myself gave me some of my best memories growing up. I loved coming up with their different story lines and acting out my own projected futures on them. This is were a big part of my story telling inspiration came from at a young age; imagining the characters and personalities behind these dolls.
What Barbie Meant to Sydney:
I will say I was more of a Polly Pocket gal myself, but I do have fond memories of playing with dolls in general which I think is what is at the heart of this film anyway. The way in which the film described playing with dolls really resonated with me. It was cool to see how my personal experience of playing with dolls was actually a universal experience we were collectively having, regardless of the type of doll we were playing with.
What Barbie Meant to Shelby:
For the record, as an actual child and tween, I was certainly more of a Bratz or American Girl Doll hoe. I definitely had/have Barbies (I actually just unearthed some from my mom’s basement still in their boxes!) and plenty of accessories, clothes, and furniture/items, though my collections of the other two doll-types was/is definitely more vast.
I will admit to the dislike of Barbie when it came to her #bodyimage and the dramatic impact her disproportions had on young girls for decades. I don’t and think we should never take that lightly and I’m happy to see the start of better representation from Mattel (like when Barbie rebranded a few years ago and came out with dolls of all heights, body shapes, and visually disabilities).
Regardless of all that, and as I illustrate in the first question, this movie still hit really close to home and recall many memories of Barbies in the pool, cutting or coloring a Barbie’s hair (because I would never pull that bullshit with an American Girl Doll), tiny shoes or purses going missing, getting something new (whether it was a doll or an add on) every time we did a Target run, special edition Barbies for Christmas or Easter that I (unwillingly) kept in the boxes, and of course pink everything along with real-life career aspirations. Barbie walked so Bratz, American Girl, and you and I could run.
A MESSAGE FOR GRETA GERWIG AND THE BARBIES:
Tina’s Message:
THANK YOU
Aimée’s Message:
Simply, THANK YOU!
Blaze’s Message:
Keep going!
Sydney’s Message:
THANK YOU. THANK YOU. THANK YOU. I don't think this movie would've gotten made without the incredible women at the helm of making it. Greta Gerwig's ability to take the complex and often debilitating experience of being a woman and interpret it through the lens of a doll so commonly associated with superficiality expertely mirrored the real life hardships of being a woman and being perceived in this world. This film is so incredibly special to the female-identifying experience and I am just so grateful it was made by women who are so smart and insightful and funny. It could have easily been made by the wrong person and missed the mark entirely.
I kind of also have to thank the people at Mattel (probably men let's be honest) who allowed Greta Gerwig to take a property like Barbie that has been so heavily filtered and controlled for so long and let her create something subversive and adult and liberal. I am sure making the film was a challenge but the first challenge was probably getting permission and for that I am grateful that Mattel even opened the gates for something like this in the first place.
Shelby’s Message:
Thank you for absolutely disrupting and upheaving the movie industry. I hate that people say that you’re the most successful female director in box office history because that qualification, though certainly impressive, undermines the point that your gender should not and does not matter when discussing your obvious talent.
Shit We’re Loving: READ
Shelby’s Pick: assortment of books on Barbie
So I searched for Barbie books and while there’s certainly a slew of children’s related Barbie books, I was more interested in a book I’d actually read and here’s what I’ve found:
Barbie and Ruth: The Story of the World’s Most Famous Doll and the Woman Who Created Her by Robin Gerber
Dressing Brarbie: A Celebration of the Clothes that Made America’s Favorite Doll and the Incredible Woman Behind Them by Carol Spencer
The Illustrated Story of Barbie and the Woman Who Created Her by Cindy Egan and illustrated by Amy Bates
You Don't Own Me: How Mattel V. MGA Entertainment Exposed Barbie's Dark Side by Orly Lobel (this book is about the legal battle between Barbie and Bratz)
Doll (Object Lessons) by Maria Teresa Hart (this book is part of the Object Lessons series which is a “book series about the hidden lives of ordinary things”)
Show Your Support: Global Girl Media
For our final OTF Show Your Support, I’ve chosen Global Girl Media (GGM), which develops the voice and media literacy of teenage girls and young women, ages 14-25, in under-served communities by teaching them to create and share digital journalism designed to improve scholastic achievement, ignite community activism and spark social change.
We change the storytellers so they can change the world.
Global Girl Media empowers young women to bring their often-overlooked perspectives onto the global media stage. By turning up the volume of girls’ voices globally, GGM promotes freedom of expression and strengthens substantive journalism that addresses historically marginalized voices. We do this while also building self-esteem, leadership capacity, and 21st-century skills. Founded in 2010, we are currently active in South Africa, Kosovo, Chicago, Los Angeles, Greece, London, and the Bay Area.
You can’t be what you can’t see. Our media tells us a lot about who we are and the stories we believe about ourselves. Yet, a female POV is under-published, under-broadcast, and under-streamed compared to a male POV. Now more than ever, women and girls of color need a place at the table to change the narrative. That’s where GGM comes in.
In the OTF fashion, we have already donated $200 to Global Girl Media and we encourage you to give and/or promote what you can.
Daily Intention:
Today I choose…
TO LOVE BEING MY OWN BARBIE.
Here’s some nifty buttons for you to press, enjoy: