Barbie, the recent film starring Ryan Gosling and Margot Robbie, has received widespread praise and has broken numerous records at the box office. However, not everyone is a fan of the movie. Renowned director Oliver Stone is one of the prominent figures who has voiced his opposition to the film. Stone expressed his disapproval of Gosling's decision to star in Barbie, claiming that the actor is prioritizing money over artistic merit. Stone believes that Gosling should be working on more serious films and not be a part of the "infantilization" of Hollywood. He also criticized the film industry for focusing too much on fantasy and lacking substance.
Stone's criticism echoes that of other individuals, including political commentator Bill Maher. Maher denounced Barbie as a "preachy" and "man-hating" flick due to its portrayal of a patriarchal society. Despite the criticism, Barbie has received positive reviews and appreciation for its direction, script, production design, and the performances of its cast, particularly Gosling's portrayal of Ken.
The film has achieved great success at the box office, becoming the highest-grossing movie of 2023 and the 14th highest-grossing movie of all time, with a global box office receipt of $1.
446 billion. Despite the differing opinions, Barbie has captivated audiences and continues to be streamed on Max.