Barbie's co-writers have once again dismissed accusations of "man-hating".
Noah Baumbach, who co-created the box-office hit with his life and creative partner, Greta Gerwig, spoke about it in a Dec. 3 interview with 60 Minutes There was backlash from some viewers.
When asked about the film's supposedly "anti-male" themes, Baumbach said, "I think it's acceptable for men." "I mean, come on" [laughs].
Gerwig, who also directed the film, added that Barbie should be a "big-hearted person, even though it makes fun of everyone."
Citing an ancient Greek comedy, she continued: "I thought, 'Well, this is no more about hating humanity than Aristophanes ' Lysistrata is about hating humanity.' "
“We love Ken”
In the film, Barbie (Margot Robbie) and Ken (Ryan Gosling) leave the female-dominated Barbie Land for the real world, where Ken discovers the flavor of patriarchy.
When Ken returns, he orchestrates a patriarchal takeover. However, the transformation of Barbieland didn't last long, and Barbie soon regained control.
Speaking to "60 Minutes," Baumbach and Gerwig explained why this particular plot point wasn't intended to be anti-male.
"I mean, it sounds silly saying it out loud, but I love Ken," Gerwig continued. "We love Ken. We also take Ken's position very seriously... He has no identity other than hers."
Gerwig responds to 'man-hating' claims
Gerwig had previously addressed the allegations of misunderstanding at the time of Barbie's release, telling The New York Times : "My hope for the movie is that it invites everyone to join the party and let go of the misunderstandings. Something that must be useful." Whether we are women or men. "
"I hope that in the midst of all this enthusiasm, if they see it or get involved, it can bring them some comfort, as it does to other people," she added.
Despite the backlash, Barbie was a hit with audiences and critics, grossing over $1 billion at the global box office.
As for a potential Barbie sequel, Gerwig told People in August 2023 that she hopes the movie will "start a world and a series of different Barbie movies."
"There's a tone and a humor and a joy and obviously the world is so beautiful," she continued. "I want to go back to Barbieland."
