Greta Gerwig's Barbie and David Fincher's Fight Club may appear to be completely different films at first glance. Fight Club is often perceived as a celebration of macho ideals, but it is actually a critique of toxic masculinity. On the other hand, Barbie, based on the popular fashion dolls, is primarily associated with traditionally feminine characteristics. Despite the 25-year gap between the two films, the main difference lies in how they convey their messages. Fight Club ends tragically, with the main character wreaking havoc upon society. In contrast, Barbie empowers its characters and provides a path towards self-discovery.
However, both films share a common goal – criticizing a society where men hold more power.
There is yet another similarity between the two films that has sparked a great deal of debate and discussion among audiences. Margot Robbie's lines in Barbie bear a striking resemblance to Brad Pitt's lines in Fight Club. This has placed Gerwig in further trouble, following the backlash she received for featuring a Chevrolet commercial in the middle of her movie.
Already facing criticism for the inclusion of the car ad, Greta Gerwig's Barbie now faces potential backlash for another scene.
In this particular scene, Barbie advises Ken with the following statement: "You're not your girlfriend. You're not your house. You're not your mink. You're not even beach. Maybe all the things you thought made you, you, aren't really you." Some viewers believe that this dialogue echoes the sentiments expressed by Brad Pitt's character, Tyler Durden, in the 1999 film: "You are not your job, you're not how much money you have in the bank. You are not the car you drive. You're not the contents of your wallet. You are not your fucking khakis. You are all singing, all dancing crap of the world."
A social media user commented on an Instagram post that compared the two dialogues, stating, "Every masterpiece has its cheap copy.
" The similarity between these lines is evident, as both encourage questioning the factors that define our identities. They urge us to look beyond societal expectations and material possessions.
Ultimately, Barbie reinvents and modernizes Fight Club's key message for contemporary audiences. In the film, Ken faces a major dilemma when he realizes that his entire identity revolves around impressing Barbie and other Kens. However, when Barbie repeatedly rejects his advances, he begins to question this mindset. He learns that being with her is not everything and that there is more to life. Barbie's advice revolves around staying true to oneself and emphasizes that individuals are more than just their belongings, occupations, or others' expectations.
It is a powerful message for everyone, highlighting the power we all possess to shape our own identities. Both Barbie and Fight Club can be streamed on Amazon Prime Video.