Barbie is officially on Netflix, and the film is a great reminder to watch couple Greta Gerwig and Noah Baumbach's first project together. Released in theaters in 2023, more than a year later, Barbie reached the Top 10 on Netflix in the US. The film is a cultural phenomenon, rekindling nostalgic childhoods and cherished memories everywhere while also addressing the complicated cultural perception of the iconic doll. Barbie has an epic cast of characters: led by Margot Robbie, Ryan Gosling and America Ferrera, the film was so successful that Mattel now has 45 films in development based on its toys.
Gerwig and Baumbach co-wrote the Barbie script, while Gerwig directed it. However, this film is not the first time that Greta Gerwig and Noah Baumbach have made a film together. In truth, Gerwig and Baumbach's first film collaboration was the independent comedy-drama film Frances Ha. Frances Ha may look totally different from Barbie at first sight. However, the two films have a lot in common, despite the stark contrasts in directorial choices, genres and audiences. BarbieThe arrival of Gerwig and Baumbach on Netflix indicates that now is the time to rewatch Gerwig and Baumbach's first film and compare notes.
Frances Ha is one of Greta Gerwig's first big projects - what the film is about
Frances Ha portrays a struggling 27-year-old dancer
Although Gerwig has written a few films before Frances HaThis dramatic comedy is without a doubt his greatest breakthrough as a screenwriter. Frances Ha portrays the titular character, played by Gerwig, struggling to find her place in this world after her roommate and close friend, Sophie, leaves her Brooklyn apartment, which means that Frances can no longer afford it. Frances jumps from scene to scene, trying to survive. Frances lives in Chinatown with two other friends; she returns home to Sacramento for a time; she impulsively decides to travel to Paris for a few days.
Frances also goes from job to job when the dance company she works for lets her go just before Christmas. She works as a waitress, resident assistant, choreographer and accountant. This film is also a black and white comedy, a notable stylistic choice that affects the film's perspective. Furthermore, Frances Ha is relatable and moving as it explores the importance of female friendships. Gerwig and Baumbach have collaborated on several films since Frances Habut the first of these certainly set the tone for his eccentric yet resonant future projects.
How Greta Gerwig and Noah Baumbach's Collaborations Have Evolved Since Frances Ha
Gerwig & Baumbach designs have become more popular, but many reasons remain
Gerwig and Baumbach have demonstrated some variety in their notable projects since Frances Habut there was still consistency between them. They co-wrote the 2015 comedy Lady Americaabout two future stepsisters unexpectedly coming together. Gerwig continued to explore the dynamics between women in Bird Lady (between mother and daughter) and Little Women (between sisters). Meanwhile, Baumbach also notably explored various types of relationships in Marriage story and White Noise — the latter in which Gerwig also stars.
Barbie is the first film Gerwig and Baumbach have co-written together since Lady America, illustrating the big differences between his first two films and this great success. On the one hand, Baumbach directed Frances Ha and Lady Americawhile Gerwig directed Barbie. Each has their own stylistic decisions, and differences are evident between Baumbach's directorial ideas and Gerwig's. Furthermore, despite some common themes, each film tells its own story. Frances Ha it's about a struggling dancer; Lady America is about two future stepsisters who become friends; Barbie is a live-action film based on the famous Mattel doll.
How Frances Ha's influence is felt on Barbie
The power of friendship between women
Frances Ha and Barbiein particular, they present notable differences. Frances Ha is a black and white independent comedy-drama written for a specific audience. On the other hand, Barbie has a large audience, given that it is a live-action adaptation of the beloved Mattel doll. However, They also share many things in common, particularly highlighting the importance of female friendships. Barbieland is on the verge of falling apart at the hands of their Kens, but the women work together to save their home, something they couldn't do without each other.
The Barbies' work together with Gloria and Sasha reflects Frances and Sophie's new friendship.
In Frances HaSophie and Frances break up, but in the end, Sophie has also struggled without Frances, albeit in a different way. The Barbies that work with Gloria and Sasha reflect Frances and Sophie's new friendship. It is fascinating to see that despite the stark contrasts between Frances Ha and Barbie, Greta Gerwig and Noah Baumbach's writing styles are noticeable in both films. Gerwig and Baumbach are in the early stages of development Barbie 2So it will be exciting to see how the filmmakers decide to approach this theme in the sequel.