What if Barbie had been born in the era of Spice Girls and dial-up internet? In this podcast episode, we take a nostalgic dive into the hypothetical scenario of Greta Gerwig's Barbie being released in 1997 instead of its original release year of 2023. We invite friends of the show, Aly Dale and Kristi Rothrock to join Cass in this journey of imagination and reflection, shedding new light on this unforgettable movie.
(If you haven't seen Barbie yet, you can find out where to watch it here.)
In 1997, Barbie was seen as a traditional fashion doll with minimal body diversity. By shifting the release year to 1997, the portrayal of Barbie would have inevitably been influenced by the cultural context of the time. The objectification of Barbie was prominent during this period, especially with the release of the song 'Barbie Girl' by Aqua. The movie's tone, we believe, would have been significantly different if it had been released during this time
However, this episode is not just about speculating on the would-have-beens. It also offers a profound exploration of the themes of identity and self-realization in Barbie. Cass, Aly and Kristi draw parallels to our own personal experiences and discuss the camaraderie among women, both on and off-screen. We also take a humorous look at the memes and reviews posted over Barbie movie posters and share our thoughts on how the Oscars may have influenced the movie in the cultural context of the 90s.
The casting process for the 1997 version of Barbie is another interesting aspect we delve into. From the character of Alan to Weird Barbie, we discuss potential actors who could have played these iconic roles. This sparks a lively discussion about who would best fit these roles, adding another layer of depth to our hypothetical journey back to 1997.
We invite you to join us in this retrospective journey, reimagining Greta Gerwig's Barbie in the vibrant and diverse landscape of 1997. Let's delve into the complexities of this iconic movie together, reflecting on its themes, its cultural impact, and its potential in a different era. all through the eyes of our first all-female panel! So, fasten your seatbelts and get ready for a nostalgic ride back to 1997!
To hear the entire debate, check out this episode now on our website, or on these streaming apps: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts.
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