LONDON: Acclaimed filmmaker Greta Gerwig has staunchly defended her creative choices in the upcoming Barbie film, particularly the inclusion of the ‘I’m Just Ken’ dance sequence, amidst questions about its relevance.
Speaking at the BFI London Film Festival, the 40-year-old director shared her inspiration behind the scene and emphasized her commitment to the unique vision for the movie.
During a panel discussion with Succession showrunner Jesse Armstrong, Gerwig revealed that a significant debate had taken place regarding the scene featuring Ryan Gosling and Simu Liu. She explained, “There was a big meeting that was like, ‘Do you need this?’ And I was like, ‘Everything in me needs this.'”
Greta Gerwig Defends Her Decision
The scene, which Gerwig referred to as a “dream ballet,” was inspired by the dream ballet sequence in the 1952 classic “Singin’ in the Rain.” She defended her decision by mentioning the intricate layers in the referenced scene and expressed her confidence in the audience’s ability to understand the creative choice.
“I was like, if people could follow that in ‘Singin’ in the Rain,’ I think we will be fine. I think people will know what this is. So that was the big reference point,” Gerwig said. Despite potential concerns, she remained committed to her vision, finding immense joy in the creative process.
Gerwig’s dedication to her unique artistic approach paid off, with the Barbie film becoming a massive success, crossing over $1 billion at the global box office. The filmmaker’s uncompromising vision has resonated with audiences, contributing to the movie’s soaring popularity.
