Morning Read

 

A Morning Read

Photo Illustration by Inez and Vinoodh

The toymaker Mattel wanted “Barbie” to be a summer blockbuster to kick off its new wave of brand-extension movies. Greta Gerwig, the filmmaker, wanted “Barbie” to be a work of art.

“There’s a point in the movie where the Kens are riding invisible horses from their beach battle to the Mojo Dojo Casa Houses,” she said, “and I think to myself, every time: Why did they let us do this?” July 12, 2023