Perhaps one of the most anticipated films of the year and a soundtrack that I couldn’t stop listening to, Barbie was even better the second time around at the Savannah Film Fest. The Barbie Movie had big enough hype to take over the world and, in a way, it did. From a massive marketing budget to familiar faces making it onto big screens everywhere, we couldn’t escape the mission of the Barbie film. From the very beginning, it was going to be big–just reference the size of Margot Robbie in the opening scene.
While some of the excitement has died down from the summer, we still see the impact left behind by the film. The character of Barie has always been an icon of fashion, but more recently she has transitioned into an icon of feminism as well. The film confronts issues and struggles women face in their daily life head-on and they manage to slip in some light and silly dialogue to take the edge off.
However, I think it is about time we discuss the masterpiece of the soundtrack. In what is very possibly the most star-studded lineup I’ve seen for a film, I took the time to relisten to the tracks and felt compelled after my second viewing to express their significance to the overarching purpose of the piece. The creators knew what they were doing when curating the music, characterizing the scenes and immersing the viewer completely in the atmosphere of BarbieLand and forcing us to empathize with Barbie (and, in doing so, women everywhere).
By far the one that sets the tone for the film the best was “Dance the Night Away” by Dua Lipa. The film employs the song almost as a means to introduce the dynamics of BarbieLand, showing the fun pops of color and the glittering life in their society. We bare witness to the how the Kens think and behave in comparison, their competitive nature for the Barbies’ attention. This sets up foreshadowing for the future of the film. Not to mention the fantastic rhythm and catchiness, I added this to one too many playlists this summer simply because of the fun energy it brings.
“Speed Drive” by Charli XCX similarly carried the same excitable energy and tone of the film. Direct references to Barbie by name and the nostalgic take on iconic songs of the past, we feel familiarized as the audience with the rules of BarbieLand. Barbie is the center of attention, inherently everything is about her. In an ideal world, all girls would get to feel that special. The layeredness of the music itself, despite possessing the ditzy bubblegum pop feel, makes the movies worthy of time and reflection.
Then, of course, “What Was I Made For?” by Billie Eilish needs to be discussed here. The lyricism alone would have sold me, but combined with the montage of what it means to be a woman and to grow up with the influence of girlhood. The choice of visuals in combination with the writing was so impactful. I cried in the theater the first time and I can tell you I teared up again the second time around. There is something so beautiful about feeling seen and heard on your screen–even more so to be able to carry it with you in your pocket to listen to through your headphones.
