Who is Ruth: a profile of Barbie’s creator
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The masterstroke of Greta Gerwig's rendition of "Barbie" was not just the three-dimensional humanization of the eponymous plastic doll, but the introduction of a character that breathed life into the entire narrative - Ruth, the mysterious woman who embodies the spirit of Barbie's creator, Ruth Handler. This character and her real-world counterpart present a compelling study of creators and their creations. As we journey through this analysis, we'll draw parallels to other notable creators whose creations have come alive, both literally and metaphorically.
Ruth Handler – The Creator
Ruth Handler, the co-founder of Mattel, revolutionized the toy industry with her creation - Barbie. In the 1950s, she was inspired to design a doll that allowed young girls to imagine their future selves, defying the conventional toy market's baby dolls. Ruth's Barbie emerged, bearing the name of her daughter, Barbara, a symbol of women's potential, not just maternity.
Ruth was not only a pioneering businesswoman but a trailblazer in understanding children's psychological needs. However, she also faced the darker side of corporate America, with allegations of fraud and a consequential community service order. Yet, her legacy, although tainted, prevailed in the form of the billion-dollar Barbie brand.
Ruth in "Barbie" – The Guide
In Gerwig's "Barbie", Ruth (played by Rhea Perlman) materializes as a spectral guide and mentor. She reflects the movie’s self-awareness, manifesting the history and purpose of Barbie, enriching the plot with an additional layer of meta-narrative. She represents the creators' voice, guiding Barbie towards her destiny, and confirming the endless possibilities the doll represents.
Creators and Their Creations – Drawing Parallels
This creator-creation dynamic in "Barbie" evokes comparisons with other iconic narratives.
Mary Shelley's Frankenstein: Victor Frankenstein and his monster present one of the most iconic creator-creation relationships. Like Ruth's Barbie, the creature gains sentience and seeks to understand its purpose. Both creators are confronted with their creations' unintended consequences - Frankenstein with the monster's murderous tendencies, and Handler with Barbie's contribution to unrealistic beauty standards.
Geppetto and Pinocchio: The relationship between Ruth and Barbie also echoes the bond between Geppetto and Pinocchio. Both Geppetto and Ruth crafted non-human entities, hoping they'd lead lives that outgrow their inanimate origins. Similarly, both Pinocchio and Barbie embark on transformative journeys, navigating the complexities of human existence.
The Truman Show’s Christof: In this Jim Carrey-starrer, the creator-director Christof crafts Truman's life in meticulous detail. However, like Barbie, Truman eventually rebels against the confines of his artificial existence, seeking a life outside his controlled environment.
Pygmalion and Galatea: In this Greek myth, Pygmalion falls in love with a statue, Galatea, which he sculpted. His love was so profound that the goddess Aphrodite brought Galatea to life. This tale resonates with Ruth's character who guides and nurtures Barbie, her creation, to embrace her new human life.
Conclusion
In "Barbie," the character Ruth, reminiscent of Ruth Handler, offers a unique exploration of the relationship between a creator and their creation. This element of the movie lends depth, historical context, and a touch of reality to an otherwise fantastical narrative. The echoes of Ruth and Barbie's dynamic in other narratives underline a universal theme: Creators imbue their creations with life and purpose, yet they must allow them the freedom to chart their own course. Through Ruth, Gerwig pays homage to the flawed but visionary woman behind Barbie, creating a tribute that's as complex, nuanced, and inspiring as Ruth Handler herself.
