Why did Barbie start thinking about death?

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In the recent filmic incarnation of the iconic doll, 'Barbie', there is a remarkably poignant moment where Barbie, a supposedly indestructible plastic figure, starts contemplating death. This unexpected narrative twist not only injects a profound philosophical depth into the film, but also serves as a critical turning point in the story, pushing the boundaries of our typical understanding of the character and the world she inhabits.

The Barbie We Thought We Knew

Before we delve into the existential implications of this seemingly incongruous scene, it is essential to revisit our understanding of Barbie. Born in 1959 as a fashion doll manufactured by the American toy company Mattel, Barbie, for most people, embodies an ideal of beauty and perfection. She’s had an expansive career spanning over six decades, with roles ranging from astronaut to president, reinforcing the idea that girls can aspire to any profession.

Barbie, however, is also a controversial figure, often critiqued for perpetuating unrealistic body image expectations and consumer culture. Throughout the years, Barbie has been both a symbol of female empowerment and a subject of critique. In this cinematic adaptation by Greta Gerwig and Noah Baumbach, Barbie gets a radical new makeover, which culminates in the moment she begins to ponder death.

The Death Conundrum

Within the vibrant, idyllic universe of Barbieland, the notion of mortality seems almost ludicrous. After all, Barbie is an eternal, indestructible plastic figurine, impervious to the ravages of time and the imperfections of mortality that humans experience. However, this extraordinary scene catapults her out of the world of childlike innocence into a realm of philosophical contemplation.

The scene raises multiple questions: What prompts this sudden shift in Barbie's worldview? How can a plastic doll, who ostensibly lacks any mortal coil, contemplate such a fundamentally human concern? How does this pondering fit into the overarching narrative?

To comprehend this, it is important to understand that 'Barbie', the film, is not merely a cinematic adaptation of a plastic doll. Instead, it is an exploration of philosophical themes and societal norms embodied in a familiar icon. The moment when Barbie contemplates death signifies her awakening into a more profound consciousness, one that breaches her pastel-colored universe and introduces a stark reality.

An Awakening

In the film, Barbie's contemplation of death occurs seemingly out of nowhere. Yet, it is precisely this suddenness that intensifies the profundity of her awakening. Like the biblical 'Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil' in the Garden of Eden, this moment acts as a catalyst for Barbie's evolution, marking a point of no return from the innocence of Barbieland to the complexity of the real world.

Barbie's rumination about death could be seen as an allegory for awakening to life's transient nature. It signifies the shattering of the illusion of permanence and perfectness, throwing her into the realm of imperfections, vulnerabilities, and limitations. This epiphany disrupts the status quo, paving the way for a radical transformation in her understanding of herself and her surroundings.

The Trigger and the Transition

Following Barbie's existential crisis, the narrative takes a dramatic turn. When an unspecified tragedy strikes, it forces Barbie out of her paradise. She is compelled to navigate through the so-called real world, a territory far removed from the perfection and predictability of Barbieland. Her sudden awareness of mortality drastically alters her perception and makes her conscious of societal inequalities and gender disparities.

In this context, Barbie’s reflection on death can be seen as a symbolic representation of her transition from the naive, utopian world of Barbieland to the complex, flawed world of human society. It underscores the painful yet liberating journey of awareness and discovery, a theme that pervades many narratives, from biblical tales to modern literature and film.

The Impact

The pivotal moment of Barbie contemplating death adds a layer of depth and complexity to the film. It challenges the audience's expectations and enriches the narrative by exploring serious themes through a seemingly frivolous medium. It demonstrates the power of storytelling in reframing our understanding of popular cultural symbols and provides a unique lens to rethink societal norms and constructs.

Moreover, this plot point adds a refreshing dimension to the character of Barbie. It humanizes her, adding shades of vulnerability, curiosity, and growth that make her more relatable and compelling.

Conclusion

Greta Gerwig and Noah Baumbach’s 'Barbie' is a masterstroke that combines comedy, cultural critique, and philosophical musings in a riveting narrative. The moment when Barbie starts thinking about death serves as a testament to the film's depth, transforming it from a simple adaptation of a beloved doll into a thoughtful exploration of self-awareness, societal norms, and the human condition.

In this unexpected and poignant plot twist, the filmmakers have elevated Barbie from a plastic figure of perfection to a complex character contemplating life’s ultimate truth - mortality. This brings an astonishing level of depth and relatability to the character, making 'Barbie' a profound cinematic experience that transcends its plastic origins.