Since its release in theaters two weeks ago, “Barbie” has crossed the billion-dollar mark as director Greta Gerwig broke the record for the highest-grossing female director. Jenkins, director of “Barbie.” Wonder Woman.
The film’s producer, Warner Bros. Pictures, reported $459 million from theaters in North America and $572.1 million worldwide over the weekend, bringing the total to $1.0315 billion.
The Margot Robbie-produced film has been the top-grossing film for three weeks and is still holding on, and the earnings pace is faster than any other film in the “studio”. “Harry Potter” series, according to reports from the network, CNN and British newspaper, The Guardian.
It is true that these numbers about the film raised many questions and debates whether the cinema was worth watching and the buzz around it became part of the reviews of many art critics and media, but there is another question. Here we ask: What is the secret to the popularity of the movie “Barbie”?
Controversy over the toy and its suitability for children
This is the first appearance of the “Barbie” doll, which hit the market 64 years ago – on the big screen. Basically, this toy, which appeared on the scene in 1959, has been controversial since its inception. , especially as there is ongoing debate over whether the toy is suitable for women, young girls who want to play with age-appropriate toys, not toys for the mature woman, with the “ideal slim” body image, an image that Western media has tried to export since the 1920s.
At this point, Andy Zeisler, author of the book “We Were Feminists Once”, wrote a blog published by the American newspaper “The New York Times” on the occasion of the opening of the film, as he said “Barbie” represents a flash point in the question of how she has been in the last 64 years. Women? As different models are created for Barbie, especially from a skinny blonde girl in a pink dress, different versions and debates – and perhaps confusion of choice – about sizes, colors, professions, clothes and additional “accessories” have intensified. Among the lovers of this toy.
Zeisler cited the 2018 documentary Tiny Shoulders: Rethinking Barbie, in which one of the guests was Barbie fan and head of public relations Michelle Schedoni. The American toy company “Mattel”, (or as it describes itself as a “Barbie promoter”), titled this documentary, believes that “Barbie carries generations of beauty standards and feminist analysis on her tiny shoulders” and this is what led her to reframe the doll; It can vary completely, or more sporty, or in color depending on the debates around it or the efforts of its manufacturers to provide a product that satisfies different tastes.
For her part, Maria Teresa Hart, the author of “The Doll”, believes that this popularity is related to the desire of some people, “to return to their doll box and relive the moments they lived in their childhood bedroom.”
“Barbie” promotes an “ideal” city in which Barbie does a great job on an equal footing with men (Source: IMDB)
A city fit for a girl
The events of the film take us to the land of Barbie – from the point of view of workers – every Barbie has a wonderful job on an equal footing with men, and actress Helen Mirren says. Sarcastic Voice: “All issues related to feminism and women’s rights have been resolved,” the magazine said. Times” in America’s film presentation.
The magazine pointed out that the film offered a better picture of “Barbie” showing her beauty and confidence in the evenings, even as “Ken” was a comfortable dance partner and wanted to search for answers in the real world. , “Ken” was just a “sidekick” in Barbie’s dream life.
The article saw that “Barbie” could criticize the current tense life of gender relations, while also providing support for girls and providing a unique musical connection.
The film’s production company “Warner Bros” and toy company “Mattel” have collaborated with several companies, in conjunction with the film, an extensive display of Barbie products this summer; Like: luxury fashion company Bloomingdale’s, American ice cream chains introduced pink products to Pinkberry, and the pink trend has spread to Barbie Pasta and Xbox Barbie.
The American magazine report adds, “The high grossing of the Barbie movie is not necessarily due to the fact that you can’t cross a street in a big city without seeing an ad for Barbie, but more so because of her pink color. Barbie boldly engages in feminine beauty, targeting a female audience, which “doesn’t happen much in Hollywood. Big-budget films marketed to male audiences, including Barbie’s box office rivals Oppenheimer and Mission Impossible.”
Popular singers participate
Before “Barbie” was released in theaters, there was a lot of controversy surrounding the album track featuring the movie’s popular stars; American rapper Lizzo, Nicki Minaj, Ice Spice, singer Charli XCX, and American singer Billie Eilish were produced by famous producer Mark Ronson, and the introduction of these famous names could be another factor in the attraction. The film, and the fun music aspect of the film will make some viewers look for fun and excitement.
The movie “Barbie” managed to hold the top spot at the box office for weeks on end (Source: IMDB)
Political debates
Political debate has also been fueled by the film, with a map that critics say is the “nine-dash line” a maritime boundary rejected by an international tribunal in The Hague, but used by China to assert its claim to much of South China. Sea, the Vietnamese and the Philippines – which are in dispute with China over its territorial claims in the South China Sea – have blocked the film from being shown in the country because of the map.
Although the production company confirmed that it was merely a “childish painting in transparent colors” and that those responsible for the work “did not intend any kind of statement or political stance”, questions remained about the relationship between Hollywood and Hollywood. Beijing, and the amount of concessions that some “studios” can make. films to reach its largest market.
Psychological reasons
There are also psychological reasons discussed by Psychology Today, a website specializing in psychology and mental health, which, while the writer spoke about the difficulty of creating a story, spoke of the longing of some moviegoers for a perfect pink Barbie world. It would last longer in an ideal world, as the philosopher Bence Nanai said, “After all, what kind of conflict and stalemate could there be in a perfect world every day?”
And he concluded, “Here the film takes a different direction, as Barbie faces decisions that we all sympathize with, namely: choosing to stay (in Barbie Land) or go out into the real world to fix things, which she considered familiar decisions, and something we know all too well, and something completely strange. We face in our lives when there is a choice between
DUBAI, 26th September / WAM / “Dubai Events Calendar” – the city’s official site for events – has announced a prestigious line-up of events, live music, cultural and sporting activities in various parts of Dubai. Next October.
The events witnessed by the Emirate of Dubai in October range from sporting events such as the “Dubai Fitness Challenge” to fascinating cultural events such as the “Festival.
The world-renowned musical “Matilda”, produced by the Royal Shakespeare Company, will be presented at the Dubai Opera from October 3 to 12, and the Sufi rock musical will return to Southeast Asia, where Junoon will present its new live performance. Azadi Tour on October 6th stage at the Coca Cola Arena.
On October 12, American rap star Denzel Curry will perform a set of his most popular songs on stage, “Bla Bla Dubai”. American band KISS will perform their most popular songs at the Coca-Cola Arena on October 13 as part of their world tour, while Filipino pop band Ben&Ben will perform their live concert on October 14 at the Coca-Cola Arena.
The biggest house music festival across Dubai is set to take place over three days from October 13 to 15 at three different locations in the city.
Egyptian artist Amr Diab will perform his first concert on October 20 at the Coca-Cola Arena. Meanwhile, Egyptian artist Angham will perform a concert at the Dubai Opera on October 20.
International star Sean Paul is gearing up to perform at the Coca-Cola Arena on October 21. Meanwhile, Indian singer Neha Kakkar will return to Dubai to perform at Coca-Cola Arena on October 22, while international British rapper Dizzy Rascal will perform at Emirates Golf Club and South African comedian Trevor Noah will perform at Emirates Golf Club. Laughter filled the Coca-Cola arena on October 3.
Art lovers can attend the first edition of the “Festival
Four talented magicians will perform “BEYOND” at The Agenda on October 28th and 29th.
The Trip Fest festival – one of the most important and largest music festivals – offers its fans a date on October 21 at the Sevens Stadium in Dubai, where many of the world’s most famous artists will perform musical works.
The Dubai Women’s Triathlon – the first competition dedicated solely to women in the Middle East – returns for its sixth edition, which is eagerly awaited by sports enthusiasts as it offers an opportunity to explore Dubai’s most famous attractions. The waters of the Arabian Gulf, then run through the “Dubai Water Canal” and cycle through the Jumeirah Beach Residences on October 22.
The public can participate in the “Dubai Harbor Night Run” races on October 25, where during the races they can enjoy spectacular views of “Palm Jumeirah”, “Dubai Marina”, “Jumeirah Beach Residence” and “Ain Dubai”.
The new edition of the “Dubai Fitness Challenge” – an annual event launched by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Governing Council – will be launched from October 28 to November 26. An open invitation to everyone to commit to 30 minutes of physical activity every day for 30 days.
The My Dubai City Half Marathon will take place on October 29, passing through some of the world’s most famous sites and areas that mark Downtown Dubai.
Dubai: “The Gulf” Gulf art directors and producers were recommended as key tools and pillars for this work, emphasizing the importance of the content of the artwork and its honesty in conveying the reality, customs, traditions and environment in which it is produced. Awards, including the Oscars, are now the best opportunity for Arab artworks. Nomination and access to this international award and other major awards from previous years.
Within the activities of the “Youth Media Forum”, “What does an Arab film need to reach the Oscars?” It came during the session.
The session was moderated by Emirati film producer Badina Qasim, founder of “Cinema Aqil”, the first local cinema in the Emirates and the Gulf region, which was attended by director and producer Abdullah Boushahri and Emirati director and producer Nahla Al-Fahd.
At the beginning of the session, Boudina Kasem asked about the possibilities of relying on international festivals to showcase the success of Arab films? While stressing the importance of the Oscars, he emphasized that there are other ways to determine the extent to which a film deserves awards and public interest, such as digital platforms and social media.
He also spoke about Arab film’s journey with the Oscars: “Many Arab films have applied and been nominated for the Oscars over the years, but none of them have won,” stressing that we need stories and narratives that reflect us. Reality, our experiences and our originality.
Abdullah Busheri said: Oscar is a dream for any director and producer, but in my opinion it is a station, not the final destination. A stop on the winning streak, simply being nominated or winning it is considered a quality leap in the artistic career of any director or producer, and before the Oscar race, content and filmmaking should be the main focus. The tools for success are so that the story or novel is honest and reveals the reality, the environment and the human environment. , and reflects his human suffering to reach the world.
Emirati director and producer Nahla Al-Fahd touched on the tools that help an Arab film reach and succeed at the Oscars, the most important of which is exposure, and good publicity and media marketing for it both domestically and internationally. Her documentary, Hijab, won several awards and was shown extensively in the United States. , along with a huge media and advertising campaign there, and he added: An Arab film winning an Oscar is still far away, but it is difficult not impossible.
Many artists had a will that he recommended before his death, which he directed his heirs to carry out. Our 10 Greatest Artists Have Ten Wills, including a strange one, which the comedy star suggested. Naguib al-Rihani 15 days before his death, he suggested his relatives and friends to put a picture of him as the famous “Kashkish Bey” character on his grave, as he explained that he did not taste success until he played this character..
Comedian, Saeed Saleh, before his death, suggested that his wife and daughter be buried in his hometown in Menofia Governorate. In fact, he was buried in Maheria village in Menofia. He requested the same bequest late. Artist Farouk El-Fishawi suggested that he be buried next to his father, mother and siblings in the family cemetery in Sars El-Lyan town in Menofia Governorate..
As for the strange wills, they were made by artist Saba, who asked that no one mourn her death and that those at her funeral should sing and dance. Her departure was not meant to be a happy day, but a sad one, as artist Ahmed Ramsi suggested before his death that she be buried at sea in one of the cemeteries on the north coast where she spent the last years of her life.
The artist Warda Al-Jaziria also suggested something unusual, as she asked the writer Mahmoud Marouf to dedicate herself to writing a series about her life story, and she stipulated that the singer Angam or Amal Maher should deliver it because she was so impressed by their voices. He suggested burial in his native Algeria. .
A strange will was left by artist Amar Munib to his wife Iman al-Alfi, where he asked his sister Amina not to allow him to attend her funeral or console her until she repented to God. Amina Munib was involved in 4 fraud cases for seizing more than £20 million under the pretext of trading money she extorted from her victims in Dubai and Egypt to save her respectable family name..
One useful will that we hope all artists will do is the will of the late artist Sana Jamil, who suggested that her belongings, including tapes of her films, plays, serials and costumes, be placed in the Library of Alexandria. , which is exactly what her husband, the late great author Lewis Gries, actually practiced. .
Artist Laila Murad asked her family not to spread the news of her death before she was buried and suggested that she should pray at the Sayeda Naqisia Mosque and no strangers should pray. However, it is strange that Husein Sedgi, who starred in Laila Murad’s famous film “The Beach of Love”, advised the family to burn his pictures, according to the artist’s choice. Except for Saif al-Islam Khalid bin al-Walid,” said his wife, Fatima al-Maghribi.
