Greta Gerwig, the director of the recently released Barbie movie, had a distinct vision for the story she wanted to convey. Despite facing pressure to remove a particular scene featuring Margot Robbie and an older woman on a bench, Gerwig stood her ground and chose to keep it. In this scene, Barbie encounters the older woman and pays her a compliment, expressing admiration for her beauty. Gerwig found great significance in this moment and saw it as a crucial part of Barbie’s journey.
A Cul-de-Sac of a Moment
The scene with the older woman on the bench, portrayed by legendary costume designer Ann Roth, holds a special place in Gerwig’s heart. It is a small, seemingly insignificant moment that does not propel the story forward in any tangible way. During the editing process, there were suggestions to remove the scene, arguing that the film would still make sense without it. However, Gerwig firmly believed that cutting this scene would compromise the essence of the movie. She expressed, “If I cut the scene, I don’t know what this movie is about.”
The Heart of the Movie
For Gerwig, the interaction between Barbie and the older woman is the heart of the movie. She praises Margot Robbie’s portrayal of the scene, describing it as gentle and genuine. While the film contains other more extravagant elements that surprised people, Gerwig finds it astonishing that this seemingly inconsequential moment remains in the final cut. Despite not leading anywhere in terms of the plot, this small cul-de-sac holds immense emotional significance for the characters and the overall meaning of the movie.
Barbie, which is currently showing in theaters, features an impressive ensemble cast. Alongside Margot Robbie as Barbie, Ryan Gosling takes on the role of Ken. Other notable actors include Issa Rae, Kate McKinnon, Simu Liu, America Ferrera, Will Ferrell, Ariana Greenblatt, Emma Mackey, Alexandra Shipp, Michael Cera, Hari Nef, Kingsley Ben-Adir, Rhea Perlman, Ncuti Gatwa, Emerald Fennell, Sharon Rooney, Scott Evans, Ana Cruz Kayne, Connor Swindells, Ritu Arya, Jamie Demetriou, and Marisa Abela.
In this Barbie movie, Greta Gerwig’s clear vision shines through in her decision to keep a seemingly insignificant scene. By defending the inclusion of this moment between Barbie and the older woman on a bench, Gerwig showcases her commitment to the heart and essence of the story. The film’s release has sparked conversations about the importance of seemingly minor moments and their impact on the overall narrative. Barbie proves that sometimes, it’s the small moments that hold the most profound meaning.