Window shopping in barbie land: the kinetic and aesthetic pleasures of Barbie (Greta Gerwig, 2023)

This article explores the kinetic and aesthetic pleasures of girlhood in Barbie. Through technologies of glamour and consumerism, Barbie invites spectators to window shop in a dazzlingly spectacular pink, shimmering and youthful landscape. Gerwig's transportive camerawork, flowing choreography and glossy special effects allow spectators to visually and kinetically immerse themselves in a girly world of shimmering fashion, fun automated toys and candy coloured plastic architecture. This spectacular experience of window-shopping orients spectators to feel kinetic empathy with the delights and difficulties of consumer girlhood. I argue that the film both upholds and gently questions these pleasures as Barbie recognises the limits of her consumer power.