Plot Points and themes
This plot point involves a character discovering something that causes her low self-esteem.
Barbie's self-esteem becomes poor as she discovers her flat feet and cellulite during the complication.
These symbols relates to stereotypes and discrimination of women.
Barbie's High Heels
Barbie's Dreamhouse
Finish the quote AND discuss which theme they relate to...
“I’m not __________ anymore. I’m not ____________ for anything.” – Barbie
“I’m not pretty anymore. I’m not good enough for anything.” – Barbie
This quote relates to poor self-esteem.
This structural detail involves the sequencing of events during the movie into specific parts. There are 6 main events; one is the orientation.
Narrative Structure
This word describes a movement advocating for women's equality and is mentioned during the film.
Feminism
This plot point directly relates to teamwork and supportive friends and is shown in the falling action of the film.
Barbie, Gloria, Sasha, Weird Barbie and Alan working together as a team to take back Barbie Land from the Kens. As they work together, they are able to achieve their goals and support each other.
This symbol relates to Supportive Friends and Teamwork.
The Pink Jumpsuit Uniforms are symbols for this theme.
Finish the quote and identify which theme it relates to...
“You are so _______________________and it kills me that you don’t think you’re good enough.” - Gloria
“You are so beautiful and so smart and it kills me that you don’t think you’re good enough.”
Relates to supportive friends as Gloria is helping Barbie feel better.
This structural detail involves looking back at previous events that a character has experienced. It provides insight into the characters’ thoughts and emotions, which gives depth to the characters and plot. One example is the memories from Gloria playing with her dolls.
Flashbacks
The convention is used in the film to show Barbie's flat feet.
An extreme close-up shot.
This plot point demonstrates supportive friends. Two main characters are involved. It is in the climax of the film.
Gloria compliments and encourages Barbie after she has her existential crisis.
This symbol relates to low self-esteem and breaking stereotypes.
Barbie's flat feet and cellulite are symbols for this theme. Barbie discovers she is no longer perfect and has low self-esteem.
Finish the quote and identify which theme it relates to...
“Men hate ______________________. It's the one thing we can all agree on.” – Sasha
“Men hate women and women hate women. It's the one thing we can all agree on.” – Sasha
Relates to gender stereotypes and discrimination.
This structural detail refers to the use of two settings that are contrasted; one is bright and pink and the other setting is complicated. Barbie Land and the Real World are the two settings.
Dual Worlds
The convention is used in the orientation of the film to show the Barbie Dreamhouses.
Establishing Shot
This plot point illustrates the theme of stereotypes and discrimination. It is shown in the complication of the film when Barbie is at the Mattel building.
Barbie is looked down upon for being a women by the Mattel CEO and board members. They try to get Barbie back into her 'box.'
This symbol relates to Gender stereotypes and toxic masculinity.
Ken's fur coat is a symbol for stereotypes and toxic masculinity. He wears this after discovering the Patriarchy.
Finish the quote AND discuss which theme they relate to...
“I'm a man with no power, does that make me a woman?” – Aaron Dinkins
“I'm a man with no power, does that make me a woman?” – Aaron Dinkins
Relates to gender stereotypes and discrimination.
This structural detail refers to the journey characters undergo, showing their development over the story. Barbie and Ken both face these.
Character Arcs
This feature is uses sound to reflect the mood of each scene, emphasise the themes, add humour and fun and reinforce the film’s feminist message. It involves artists, such as Lizzo, Dua Lipa, Billie Eilish, Tame Impala and Nicki Minaj.
Soundtrack music (non-diegetic sound).
This plot point relates to the overarching theme of self-identity and discovery. It is shown in the resolution with the two main characters.
Barbie comforts Ken and he discovers who he is. Barbie has discovered who she is with the help of others. She returns to the real world and lives as a human.
These symbols represent the journey of Self-discovery.
The roller-skates and pink car used during the journey to the real world are symbols of self-discovery. This is because the characters travel to the dual world and learn more about themselves.
Finish the quote AND discuss which theme they relate to...
“There’s no ‘just Ken.’ That’s why I was created. I only exist within the __________________. Without it, I’m just a little ________________.”
“There’s no ‘just Ken.’ That’s why I was created. I only exist within the warmth of your gaze. Without it, I’m just a little blond guy who can’t do flips.”
Relates to low self-esteem and self-discovery.
This structural detail engages the audience by acknowledging the film’s fictionality, often with humour. In 'Barbie' it involves the voice of the narrator making a joke about Margot Robbie being cast as Barbie.
Breaking the fourth wall.
Identify ONE of the director's views and values that relates to self-esteem.
The director believes that the audience must: