Hulu's 'Tiny Shoulders: Rethinking Barbie' looks at the evolution of the world's most famous doll in the #MeToo age
In her 59 years of existence, Barbie has become a fashion icon, a lightning rod and a hot topic among feminists, but there is still a part of her story that has not been seen by the outside world.
Now a new documentary streaming on Hulu details the legacy of the doll, and the efforts its maker, Mattel, is making in 2016 to keep the brand relevant in the time of #MeToo and changing gender ideals.
'Tiny Shoulders: Rethinking Barbie' features newly discovered footage and unprecedented access to the inner workings of the toy giant during Barbie’s biggest reinvention as it surveys 60 years of women in popular culture through the lens of this 11.5 inch, Zelig-like plastic icon.
The documentary consist of interviews with Gloria Steinem, Roxane Gay, Peggy Orenstein, Mattel insiders and cultural historians. The documentary reveals, through both funny and fascinating archival material, and fly-on-the-wall observations of Barbie’s current architects, the progression, and regression in the fight for gender equality.
The documentary is produced, written and directed by Andrea Nevins.
Nevins is an Academy Award-nominated, Emmy award-winning director, producer, and writer. One of her key interest lies in the lives in transition. 'Still Kicking', her first independent documentary, earned her the Academy Award nomination.
Her first feature-length documentary, The Other F Word, about anti-authoritarian punk rockers donning the cloak of paternal authority, premiered at SXSW and won quick theatrical distribution by Oscilloscope and network broadcast on Showtime.
On the other hand, the documentary is going to be produced by Cristan Crocker. Christan started her career in front of the camera as a commercial and television actress. This production experience, along with more than 20 years as an informal critic for hundreds of television pilots as an entertainment industry insider, gave her a deep understanding of story and audience.
The concept for the film that launched Rare Bird Films, The Other F Word, came after Crocker read the biography Punk Rock Dad, written by a childhood friend.
Seeing the story potential for the film, Crocker pulled together director Andrea Nevins and documentary impresario, Morgan Spurlock, to make it a reality. Now they are teaming up for yet another documentary and there is no doubt that it is going to be phenomenal.
