Barbie Nation essays

Barbie Nation essays Susan Sterns film Barbie Nation: An Unauthorized Tour provides an in depth look at the world of Barbie that most people would never know about. The audience is taken on a tour of the country and different Barbie collectors that are found all over the world. The film opens with an out of focus, very colorful shot that is difficult to figure out what it is. As the camera moves back it is revealed that they are Barbie shoes in an aquarium. From this bizarre opening image the film shows shots of some of the early Barbie commercials, Barbie auctions where some dolls are sold for more than four thousand dollars, and shots of gay pride marches. In these marches they show men dressed up like Barbie dolls while they march. All of these shots, along with the music in the background give the viewer an impression that the film will be an odd view on Barbie. The film uses voiceover narration to help give the audience more information. It is very well done in the film. While using narration to provide the viewer with information that they wouldnt be able to get from the movie alone, the filmmakers are able to keep the voiceover from getting in the way of the action in the film. One of the main sequences in the film showed the Barbie art gallery. This scene helped to add to the overall bizarre feeling of the film. The art show was used to give a more in depth look at some of the more strange areas of Barbie. The filmmakers kept the shots of each individual Barbie art piece moving fast enough to keep the viewer interested. Mixed in with the shots of the Barbie art were interview segments getting the reactions of people in the museum to each piece. The main focus was on the Barbie on the crucifix and one ladies reaction to it. Between shots of other Barbies, such as homicide Barbie, homeless Barbie, hooker Barbie, and sweatshop Barbie, the focus was always bought back to the crucifix Barbie. With the musi...