Margot Robbie not only starred in but also produced the hugely successful comedy film Barbie last year. The movie not only became a mainstream blockbuster but also a cultural phenomenon, with audiences flocking to theaters dressed in pink to pay homage to the iconic toy doll. Barbie tackled important issues surrounding gender and the doll's cultural significance. 

Directed by Greta Gerwig, known for her social commentary and satirical take on pop culture, the film cleverly referenced events such as the 'Release the Snyder Cut' campaign and included several nods to filmmaker Stanley Kubrick, particularly the opening sequence inspired by 2001: A Space Odyssey.

Barbie, portrayed by Margot Robbie, broke away from the traditional stereotypes associated with dolls for girls, which typically depicted them as caring for babies. The film showcased Barbie's versatility, portraying her as a character with ambitions beyond motherhood. Gerwig paid homage to Kubrick's renowned opening sequence in 2001: A Space Odyssey to depict the evolution of Barbie dolls, capturing every detail, including the operatic music.

But the Kubrick references didn't end there. Margot Robbie revealed that Barbie also included a reference to Kubrick's The Shining.

In a scene where Stereotypical Barbie, played by Robbie, is in a car with America Ferrera and Ariana Greenblatt's characters, one of them asks if they are 'shining,' a clear allusion to Kubrick's horror classic.

Robbie spoke highly of Gerwig's love for cinema and how she would reference films like The Red Shoes and His Girl Friday to convey her vision to the creative teams. Barbie was produced by Warner Brothers, the same studio behind Kubrick's The Shining.

Apart from the Kubrick references, Barbie also incorporated other pop culture nods. The film explores themes of womanhood, the impact of patriarchy, and the pitfalls of extreme ideologies in a lighthearted and comedic manner.

It tells the story of Barbie, who contemplates the meaning of life and death after reliving the same day in Barbieland. The movie is a fantasy comedy set in Barbieland, a fictional toy world where children determine the personalities of the Barbie dolls. The Barbies hold power, while the Kens lack agency.