Barbie has taken the box office by storm, capturing the hearts of audiences worldwide. As the film garners critical acclaim, it’s becoming clear that it could be a strong contender for various Oscar categories, including Best Production Design, Best Costume Design, and Best Makeup and Hairstyling. Recently, the production designer Sarah Greenwood and set decorator Katie Spencer gave insights into the making of Barbie Land. Among the fascinating details revealed was the inspiration behind one of the movie’s eerie locations: Weird Barbie’s house, a nod to the iconic Bates house from Alfred Hitchcock’s legendary horror masterpiece, Psycho.
From Barbie Land to Psycho House: A Twisted Connection
Greenwood and Spencer worked tirelessly to bring the magical world of Barbie Land to life on the big screen. However, it was Weird Barbie’s house that drew intrigue and excitement as it harkened back to one of the most memorable locations in cinematic history. Greenwood shared, “One of my early references is that you go up the stairs, and there’s the Psycho house, and we brought in other elements. Its design was deliberately skewed with everything pushed out of shape and out of order.”
The Enigmatic Weird Barbie: A Character with a Twist
For those who haven’t yet seen Barbie, Weird Barbie is portrayed by the talented Kate McKinnon. With a funky haircut and a distinct scent reminiscent of a basement, Weird Barbie is presented as a character who can be made “weird” by kids playing too intensely with her. As the inspiration behind her house becomes evident, the connection to the eerie Bates house adds an extra layer of intrigue to Weird Barbie’s character and her surroundings.
Barbie: A Journey from Barbie Land to the Real World
Directed by the talented Greta Gerwig, who co-wrote the screenplay with Noah Baumbach, Barbie takes viewers on a colorful and captivating journey. The movie revolves around Barbie and Ken, who live a seemingly perfect life in Barbie Land. However, when they venture into the real world, they encounter both joys and challenges of living among humans, leading to a heartwarming and entertaining tale.
An All-Star Cast Brings Barbie to Life
The film boasts an impressive ensemble cast that adds depth and charm to the story. Alongside Kate McKinnon, the stellar lineup includes Margot Robbie, Ryan Gosling, Issa Rae, Alexandra Shipp, Emma Mackey, Hari Nef, and many more, making Barbie a star-studded cinematic delight.
A Psycho Easter Egg for Film Enthusiasts
The inclusion of a Psycho Easter egg in Barbie adds a delightful surprise for film enthusiasts. As the Barbie movie continues to captivate audiences, this subtle homage to Alfred Hitchcock’s classic adds an extra layer of enjoyment for movie buffs and fans alike.
Barbie has proven to be a delightful and captivating film, and with the added touch of the Psycho house inspiration, it promises to be an even more memorable cinematic experience for audiences of all ages.
