Bill Maher, the outspoken talk show host, is far from joining the ranks of those celebrating the monumental success of the Barbie movie, despite its resounding billion-dollar achievement.
While the world embraces the kinetic energy surrounding Barbie’s triumph, Maher’s perspective remains decidedly skeptical, as evidenced by his recent commentary on X/Twitter.
In a candid and critical evaluation, Maher penned a scathing assessment of the critically acclaimed fantasy comedy. From his vantage point, the film’s central purpose is anchored in an apparent crusade against the patriarchal order. Moreover, Maher contends that the movie fails to align with the current societal landscape, suggesting that its message might have been more fitting in bygone times. “I was hoping it wouldn’t be preachy, man-hating, and a #ZombieLie – alas, it was all three,” Maher tweeted, introducing a term he coined as “Zombie Lie.”
Explaining the concept of a Zombie Lie, Maher elucidated that it encompasses notions that were never true yet persistently perpetuated, or ideas that were once valid but have lost their relevance while being obstinately clung to. Barbie, in Maher’s view, falls within this category of a #ZombieLie.
A central facet of Maher’s critique revolves around the movie’s portrayal of patriarchal resistance. He pointedly highlights the irony of a Mattel board comprised of predominantly white men being depicted as perpetuating the patriarchy within the film, a portrayal that appears detached from reality. While conceding that the real-world Mattel board includes both men and women, Maher argues that the movie’s depiction of this dynamic is out of sync with the contemporary landscape. He deems the movie “so 2000-LATE” and urges for a more accurate reflection of the current state of affairs.
Maher acknowledged that Barbie was an entertaining cinematic experience, yet he remained steadfast in his assertion that the film’s narrative strays from an authentic representation of present-day societal norms. He recounted an exchange with a moviegoer in her 30s who purportedly opined, “I don’t know a single woman of any age who would act like that today.” According to Maher, the film’s creators missed the mark in staying faithful to the realities of the modern era, particularly in light of its feminist undertones.
Amid the fervor surrounding Barbie’s meteoric box office ascent, it has found itself ensnared in the crosshairs of criticism, particularly from conservative circles, due to its feminist themes. The movie weaves a narrative primarily focused on Margot Robbie’s Stereotypical Barbie, who confronts her flaws and embraces her womanhood while navigating the real world. Despite being met with resistance and contentious reviews from detractors, Barbie has undeniably etched its name in history, joining the ranks of billion-dollar blockbusters and cementing its status as a cinematic force.
As discussions abound regarding a potential sequel, with hints dropped by Margot Robbie and Mattel CEO Ynon Kreiz, the legacy of Barbie appears poised to endure. The film’s remarkable achievement has vaulted it into the echelons of the highest-grossing titles of 2023, securing its place alongside cinematic giants like The Super Mario Bros. Movie.
Amidst the cacophony of voices debating the film’s merits, Maher’s distinctive perspective remains a testament to the diverse reactions that art can elicit. As Barbie continues to captivate audiences and provoke discourse, its journey unfolds in the dynamic realm of cinema, where its impact is not solely confined to the silver screen but reverberates through discussions that span platforms and perspectives.
