Discovering the Magic of Barbie’s Outdoor Adventures in Venice Beach
The iconic Los Angeles strip serves as a mirror image to the utopia of Barbie Land. (Warning: minor spoilers ahead.)
24 July 2023
Life in Barbie‘s world is plastic, fantastic, and very pink. However, after one of the dolls (Margot Robbie) experiences an existential crisis, she leaves her colorful home behind and travels to the gritty reality of Venice Beach. The transition fills Barbie with curiosity and wonder. There are real visual and thematic contrasts between the dual realms, which become even more apparent when the accompanying Ken (Ryan Gosling) learns that men run this world. As Barbie explores, she realizes that, despite its flaws, the real world may be more appealing than artificiality.
While much of the fantastical story was filmed on sets, production designer Sarah Greenwood and set decorator Katie Spencer also utilized actual locations around Los Angeles, including Venice Beach and Century City. The actors spent two-and-a-half weeks shooting several key scenes, including one where Barbie and Ken appear on the Venice boardwalk in neon Lycra and rollerblades. Here, Greenwood and Spencer discuss how they drew inspiration from Venice and Palm Springs for Barbie Land, the experience of filming with Robbie and Gosling on location, and their favorite spots in LA.
In Barbie, Barbie Land functions as a utopian mirror universe to California’s Venice Beach.
Creating the Distinction Between Barbie Land and the Real World
Sarah Greenwood: It was a unique challenge to determine the essence of Barbie Land and its connection to the real world. It may seem straightforward in the final cut, but it involved intricate planning. Our understanding of real LA, as indicated in the script, helped us create a juxtaposition between real LA and Barbie Land, where the two worlds interconnect. We incorporated elements from LA into Barbie Land, yet subverted them to establish a constant dialogue between the two.
Katie Spencer: Essentially, Barbie Land represents the utopian version of what Venice Beach or LA could have been.
Following an existential crisis, Barbie leaves Barbie Land for Venice Beach with Ken in tow.
Incorporating Real Elements into Barbie Land
SG: We integrated elements such as the Venice Beach lifeguard stations into Barbie Land. The goal was to cherry-pick the best aspects of the real world and transform them for Barbie’s universe.
KS: Venice Beach was essential; its reflective nature made it an ideal counterpart for Barbie Land, serving as a cracked mirror of reality.
SG: Venice features beautiful palm trees, albeit graffitied, while our palm trees in Barbie Land are whimsically pink. Our sand is perfectly pink, contrasting with the gritty reality of Venice Beach. This contrast encapsulates the essence of both worlds.
“The characters are like aliens who have landed on Earth,” says production designer Sarah Greenwood of Barbie and Ken’s lycra-clad arrival in Venice Beach.
Filming in Venice Beach
SG: The unique rollerblading scenes with Margot and Ryan were delightful to shoot! We went scouting with Margot, who inconspicuously blended in during the preparation with casual wear. Ironically, when we shot the scene, they became a spectacle, akin to aliens observing a new world. Barbie and Ken diverge in their exploration, ultimately leading to different interpretations of their surroundings.
Favorite Venues During Filming
SG: While scouting, we chose Shutters on the Beach for its charm. Margot lives in Venice, and we frequently visited Gjusta Bakery for its fantastic culinary offerings.
KS: We also discovered an old diner called Chez Jay, conveniently located near the Loews Hotel, where we could unwind after long shooting hours over delightful red wine.
SG: Additionally, we dined at Musso & Frank Grill, a classic Hollywood establishment, renowned for its martinis, frequented by legends like Charlie Chaplin.
Filming Significant Scenes
SG: We constructed the bus stop scene outside Venice Town Hall and transformed it into the police department. To maintain authenticity, even the school Barbie visits had to convey proximity to the ocean, which lead us to shoot about a mile away from Venice.
It was crucial for every place Barbie visits in the real world to maintain a coastal essence.
The Concept of Century City
KS: Century City exudes a starkly masculine atmosphere, creating a notable contrast with Barbie Land. The idea was to highlight its industrial and harsh design, reflecting traditional patriarchal elements.
SG: Ken develops a misguided impression of the patriarchy, misunderstanding its essence as merely associated with horses and mini-fridges.
Bringing the Mattel Headquarters to Life
SG: We utilized a Bank of America to represent Mattel HQ, situated in downtown LA. The backdrop outside the boardroom incorporates various iconic elements like snowy mountains and the Hollywood sign, illustrating a whimsical vision of the Emerald City.
Inspiration for Barbie Land Design
SG: We aimed to simplify the visual complexity inherent in a literal Mattel Dream House. Our intent was to create a beautiful aesthetic that resonates with a child’s perspective, drawing inspiration from places like Palm Springs, particularly the Kaufmann House for its architectural charm and striking landscape.
KS: Looking back, it was wise not to lean too heavily on palm springs initially; a more moderate approach allowed for a more refined vision.
