At the 2024 Academy Awards, Ryan Gosling delivered a memorable performance as Ken from the movie 'Barbie.' His performance not only entertained the audience but also offered a lesson for working-class men. In an opinion piece by Betsey Stevenson for Bloomberg, she highlights how Ken's identity crisis mirrors the narrative of American working-class men struggling with the shifting economy [26c01ecb].
Stevenson argues that Ken's character represents the challenges faced by many working-class men in today's society. As the economy evolves, traditional jobs are disappearing, leaving many men feeling lost and uncertain about their roles and identities. Ken's journey of self-discovery and finding meaning in a changing world resonates with the experiences of working-class men who are grappling with anger, hurt, and confusion.
By portraying Ken's struggle on the big screen, Ryan Gosling brings attention to the issues faced by working-class men. His performance serves as a reminder that the shifting economy requires society to provide support and opportunities for these men to adapt and find new paths to fulfillment.
The 2024 Oscars not only showcased the glamour and talent of Hollywood but also provided a platform for meaningful discussions about societal issues. Ryan Gosling's portrayal of Ken in 'Barbie' offered a valuable lesson for working-class men, highlighting the need for understanding and support in the face of economic change.
In a recent article by Caitlin Huston for the Hollywood Reporter, it is revealed that choreographer Mandy Moore led the performance of the 'I'm Just Ken' number at the Oscars, featuring Ryan Gosling and 62 Kens [ca78f394]. The goal of the performance was to create a rock concert atmosphere with a stage filled with 'hundreds of Kens.' The dancers had about a week of rehearsal and one full run-through before the live performance. The number paid homage to the film 'Gentlemen Prefer Blondes' and included street-style dancing and Barbie cardboard cut-outs.
Ryan Gosling was accompanied on stage by songwriters and producers Mark Ronson and Andrew Wyatt, as well as guitarist Wolfgang Van Halen and Slash. The performance received a standing ovation from the audience. The decision to include Margot Robbie, Greta Gerwig, America Ferrera, and Emma Stone in the number was made by Ryan Gosling and choreographer Mandy Moore. Ryan also decided to grab the cameraman's hand at the end of the performance to break the fourth wall.
The performance was a collaboration between different creative teams and was a departure from the scene in the film. The Oscars performance was a big swing for Ryan Gosling and received a positive response from the audience.
In a recent article by Janell Hobson for Ms. Magazine, the lack of representation and inclusivity for women of color at the 2024 Oscars is discussed [d9c6e7c4]. Hobson highlights the irony of Christopher Nolan's film 'Barbenheimer' riding on the success of Barbie, a film that satirized racially palatable but stereotypical depictions of Black life. The article criticizes the preference for showy performances over quieter ones and the lack of recognition for women of color in leading roles.
Hobson calls for more opportunities and support for diverse stories and talents, emphasizing the need to place more women of color at the center of film narratives. She also calls out the cultural gatekeepers for doing the bare minimum of race and gender inclusivity. The article points out the Oscars' history of only two women of color winning Best Actress compared to a dozen supporting actress winners of color.
The 2024 Oscars have sparked discussions about race, gender, and inclusivity in the film industry. While Ryan Gosling's performance as Ken shed light on the struggles of working-class men, the lack of representation for women of color remains a pressing issue that needs to be addressed.
The Oscars serve as a platform not only to celebrate talent but also to reflect on the industry's progress and shortcomings. The call for more diversity and inclusivity in film narratives continues to grow louder, urging cultural gatekeepers to take meaningful action and provide equal opportunities for all voices to be heard.
Sharon Stone, in a recent interview with Film Stories, details her failed attempt to pitch a Barbie movie in the 1990s [e9f3fbc8]. Stone and a producer friend approached the studio with the then-CEO of Mattel on their side, but they were thrown out and criticized for trying to destroy the American icon. Stone describes the proposed opening scene, where Barbie arrives at Mattel in her Barbie car and is treated as the most important member of the company. However, the studio didn't think Barbie should be portrayed as powerful. Stone's pitch was ahead of its time, as subsequent attempts to make a Barbie movie also failed until Margot Robbie's successful portrayal. Stone believes that a Barbie movie would have no trouble getting greenlit now.
Ryan Gosling's performance as Ken at the 2024 Oscars highlighted the struggles of working-class men in a changing economy. However, the lack of representation for women of color at the Oscars remains a pressing issue. Sharon Stone's failed attempt to pitch a Barbie movie in the 1990s sheds light on the challenges faced in bringing diverse narratives to the big screen. The film industry must continue to strive for inclusivity and equal opportunities for all voices to be heard.
Shakira expressed her dislike for the 'Barbie' movie in an interview with Allure. She mentioned that her sons, Milan and Sasha, felt that the movie was emasculating and she agreed to a certain extent. Shakira believes in empowering women without robbing men of their masculinity. Despite the movie's success and critical acclaim, there were dissenting voices, including director Oliver Stone, who initially criticized Ryan Gosling for his involvement in the film but later apologized after watching it. The 'Barbie' movie earned over $1 billion at the box office worldwide and received eight Academy Award nominations. [d0d31f8c]
Despite its critical and commercial success, Barbie continues to garner criticism for its portrayal of men in the Warner Bros. fantasy comedy. Grammy-winning singer Shakira expressed her agreement with her sons' qualms about the movie, stating that it was emasculating to a certain extent. She believes in empowering women without robbing men of their masculine traits. Other public figures, such as political commentator Bill Maher and filmmaker Werner Herzog, have also criticized the film for its feminist overtones. However, Barbie has been widely praised for its themes of female empowerment and inclusion. The film became the highest-grossing Warner Bros. movie of all time, winning multiple awards. Talks of a potential sequel are ongoing between Warner Bros. and director Greta Gerwig.
Ryan Gosling meticulously planned every detail of his Oscars performance for the song 'I'm Just Ken.' He collaborated with Greta Gerwig, Oscars producer Molly McNearney, choreographer Mandy Moore, and co-songwriter Andrew Wyatt through Zoom meetings. The performance included elements like a pink suit, 62 dancing Kens, a Slash guitar solo, and an homage to Marilyn Monroe's 'Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend.' Gosling rehearsed for four weeks, with two six-hour days for recording and rehearsals. The original Kens from Barbie, including Kingsley Ben-Adir, Scott Evans, and Ncuti Gatwa, participated in the performance. The performance was a huge success and showcased Gosling's directing skills [a79bdd08].