Tiny Shoulders: Rethinking Barbie

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Tiny Shoulders: Rethinking Barbie
Directed byAndrea Blaugrund Nevins
Produced by
  • Andrea Blaugrund Nevins
  • Cristan Crocker
Starring
CinematographyGeoffrey Franklin
Edited byAzin Samari
Music byCraig Richey
Production
company
Rare Bird Films
Distributed byHulu
Release dates
  • April 25, 2018 (2018-04-25) (TFF)
  • April 27, 2018 (2018-04-27)
Running time
92 minutes
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish

Tiny Shoulders: Rethinking Barbie is an American documentary film that premiered on April 27, 2018 on Hulu.[1] Directed, written, and produced by Andrea Blaugrund Nevins, it explores the creation of the Barbie doll, the effect it has had on culture, and its evolution over the decades.[2] For years, Barbie for some can spark unrealistic expectations for younger girls and even cause body image issues.[3] According to Time, this petite, tall and curvy doll known as Barbie, constitutes as a major figure of the feminist movement and symbolizes male oppression. She has sparked debate and controversy for a variety of reasons which this documentary aims to capture.[4]

Premise[edit]

Tiny Shoulders: Rethinking Barbie takes "a retrospective look at the doll’s unexpected origins and what she represents today — part fashion icon, part lightning rod. It included interviews with Gloria Steinem, Roxane Gay, Peggy Orenstein, Mattel insiders, cultural historians, and others and feature newly discovered footage and unprecedented access to the inner workings of Mattel during Barbie’s biggest reinvention."[5]

Production[edit]

Development[edit]

On July 27, 2017, it was announced at the annual Television Critics Association summer press tour that Hulu had greenlit a feature documentary from Andrea Blaugrund Nevins and her production company Rare Bird Films. Nevins is producing alongside Cristan Crocker and the film is expected to include interviews with people such as Gloria Steinem, Roxane Gay, Peggy Orenstein.[6]

Release[edit]

Marketing[edit]

On April 5, 2018, Hulu released the first trailer for the film.[7]

Premiere[edit]

On April 25, 2018, the film held its world premiere during the annual Tribeca Film Festival at the Festival Hub at Spring Studios in New York City. Its premiere was part of the festival's "Spotlight Documentary" series of films that were being screened.[8][9][10]

Distribution[edit]

On May 9, 2018, it was announced that Entertainment One had secured international distribution rights for the film.[11]

Reception[edit]

Tiny Shoulders: Rethinking Barbie has been met with a positive response from critics. On the review aggregation website Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds an 81% approval rating with an average rating of 7.2/10 based on 16 reviews. The site's critical consensus reads, "A thoughtful rumination on beauty standards and feminism, Tiny Shoulders goes beyond plastic observations to create an even-handed examination of Barbie's role in the broader culture."[12]

See also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ Gilbert, Sophie (May 1, 2018). "Can Barbie Really Have It All?". The Atlantic.
  2. ^ "The creators of 'Tiny Shoulders: Rethinking Barbie' on remaking America's doll just before #MeToo". Los Angeles Times. April 27, 2018.
  3. ^ Barrie, Joshua (January 29, 2017). "The hidden danger of kids playing with Barbie dolls – revealed by an expert". mirror.
  4. ^ "It's a Doll's Life: Barbie's Controversies and Triumphs". Time. 28 January 2016.
  5. ^ Hipes, Patrick (July 27, 2017). "Hulu Dressing Up 'Barbie' Documentary For 2018 – TCA". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved February 2, 2018.
  6. ^ Stanhope, Kate (July 27, 2017). "Barbie Documentary Greenlighted at Hulu". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved February 2, 2018.
  7. ^ Stipp, Christopher (April 7, 2018). "This Week In Trailers: Surfer: Teen Confronts Fear, New Town Utopia, Racer and the Jailbird, Tiny Shoulders: Rethinking Barbie, Granny Project". /Film. Retrieved April 10, 2018.
  8. ^ Cox, Gordon (March 7, 2018). "Tribeca Film Festival Unveils 2018 Slate". Variety. Retrieved March 16, 2018.
  9. ^ Alcinii, Daniele (March 7, 2018). "Liz Garbus' "The Fourth Estate" to close Tribeca '18". Realscreen. Retrieved March 16, 2018.
  10. ^ "Tiny Shoulders: Rethinking Barbie | 2018 Tribeca Film Festival". Tribeca Film Festival. Archived from the original on October 24, 2018. Retrieved March 16, 2018.
  11. ^ White, Peter (May 9, 2018). "eOne Picks Up Global Rights To Hulu Feature Doc Tiny Shoulders: Rethinking Barbie". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved May 10, 2018.
  12. ^ "Tiny Shoulders, Rethinking Barbie". Rotten Tomatoes. Fandango. Retrieved October 30, 2021.

External links[edit]

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