LOGLINE: Compelled by politics, Ken launches himself into space toward the planet Mars and he needs Barbie to survive when things go wrong.
Oct 6th, 2023 - 2:19 PM - MY ORIGINAL NOTES
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1BKucg3qpV26tC0ViVTlPNzepZDejZXBf/view?usp=sharing
Ken is a charismatic, ambitious, and visionary entrepreneur, a hybrid of Elon Musk and Jerry Seinfeld with a libertarian edge. He could also be another Jordan Noone. He's the founder of New Space Company, determined to make it to Mars no matter the political or corporate hurdles. His sense of humor is sharp, witty, and sometimes edgy, often using it to defuse tense situations or to make an incisive point about government inefficiency or societal norms. The character is the epitome of the rugged individualist, representing innovation, courage, and the libertarian spirit. However, his drive and ambition sometimes blind him to the needs and contributions of others, particularly Barbie, creating a tension that the movie explores.
Barbie is not just a pretty face; she's a beacon of resilience, ingenuity, and emotional intelligence. She's every bit as capable as Ken, albeit in different ways. When Ken goes off on his Mars mission, leaving Barbie in a precarious situation on Earth, she shows her adaptability and resourcefulness. Barbie exhibits enormous compassion, whether it's for the elderly women at Royal Estates or for Ken himself. She brings the human element into the narrative, serving as the emotional core of the movie. While Ken is flying off to Mars, Barbie is the one who makes sure everything on Earth is grounded.
Barbie's lawyer is a voice of caution and legal wisdom in the movie. The character is a nod to the complex legal entanglements that often accompany great endeavors and serves as a vehicle for introducing the concept of marriage by proxy and disappearance off the radar, a critical plot point.
HAL is the highly advanced AI system that controls Ken's spacecraft and operations at New Space Company. Although a machine, HAL has a personality, programmed to make decisions that prioritize the mission but also to interact with Ken in a way that minimizes isolation in space. HAL represents the peak of private-sector innovation and serves as a contrast to government inefficiency.
These characters serve as the face of bureaucratic inertia, corruption, and inefficiency. They are more interested in maintaining their power and public image than in true progress or justice. They represent the antagonistic force against which Ken and Barbie must struggle, embodying the movie's libertarian critique of government. FBI Agents and Other Government Workers - These characters are the ground soldiers for the bureaucratic machinery. They may not be inherently corrupt but are cogs in a flawed system, dutifully executing orders that are not always just or efficient.
A racially diverse team skilled in everything from aerospace engineering to AI. They are the unsung heroes who get arrested but continue to believe in the mission. They represent the collective effort behind individual success and also add to the libertarian narrative by being efficient and competent compared to their government counterparts.
The owner of Old Space Company serves as a contrast to Ken and represents the older generation of space entrepreneurs who have become too entrenched in their ways, reluctant to innovate or take significant risks. This character has a vested interest in maintaining the status quo and is willing to use their considerable influence to hinder Ken's ambitious Mars mission. Unlike Ken, who is driven by a libertarian spirit and a desire for progress, the owner is more focused on protecting market share and sustaining a cozy relationship with government officials. This character brings into focus the tension between traditional, established players in the industry and the disruptive newcomers like Ken.
The all-white and slothful engineering team at Old Space Company symbolizes the lack of diversity and inclusivity in traditional corporate settings. These engineers are highly skilled but have been working in a bubble, following the same procedures and philosophies for years. Their reluctance to adopt new methods or consider fresh perspectives serves as a critique of the stagnation that can occur in organizations that do not evolve. They are not necessarily villains but serve as foils to the diverse team at New Space Company. Their conservatism in engineering design and execution contrasts sharply with the innovative, multicultural approach at New Space Company, and their eventual downfall serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of complacency and resistance to change.
A mix of colorful personalities, these elderly characters offer comic relief but also serve to ground the movie emotionally. They help to bring out Barbie’s compassionate side and her various skills, from teaching to emergency management.
The True Power lies with... THE LADIES at Table 5
These women can easily be the narrators they dine together at table 5 and no one dares interfere with this....
Wanda (WW2 Nurse, 101): Dorothy is a centenarian who worked as a triage nurse during World War II. Graduating college in 1942, she brings the wisdom of the "Greatest Generation" to the group. Dorothy's sharp and observant, with a memory that serves as a living history book. Her background provides her with a unique perspective on adversity, sacrifice, and resilience. Her character grounds the film in history and adds a sobering, yet inspiring lens through which the audience can view the unfolding events.
Cherie (Retired PE Teacher, 80s): Betty is a powerhouse of energy and optimism, even in her 80s. In her youth, she missed out on the Olympics because women weren’t allowed to compete in basketball. Betty's a little hard of hearing but doesn't let that slow her down. She's still physically active and takes the lead in any activities involving movement. Betty serves as a symbol of thwarted dreams and unrealized potential due to societal restrictions but remains a source of infectious enthusiasm.
L.T. (Oil Man's Wife, 70s): Married to an oil magnate, Marian has lived a life of luxury but is no stranger to philanthropy. She's the financial force behind the community’s "Fantasy of Lights" Christmas event at the local college. A southern belle at heart, Marian’s charm masks a savvy, calculating mind, skilled at maneuvering social politics. She brings a bit of high society into the group and serves as a contrast to the other ladies who come from humbler origins.
Victoria (Wealthy Widow, 90s): Gloria is a thrice-widowed woman who was married to three different doctors. She's elegant and well-spoken, carrying herself with a grace that reflects her affluent background. Though wealthy, Gloria’s personal tragedies have made her empathetic and kind-hearted. Her character shows that wealth and comfort don’t shield one from the trials of life, adding layers of complexity to the group dynamics.
Carmen (Cuban émigré, 70s): In 1960, Carmen fled Cuba on a makeshift raft, a perilous journey that cost her infant son his life. Since then, Carmen has committed herself to creating a memorial garden at the Royal Estates (RE), a tribute to her lost child. Her character adds a layer of grit and determination to the group, showing the lengths to which a mother will go to honor her child. Carmen offers an international perspective and serves as a stark reminder of the different struggles that brought each of these women to where they are today.
An 8-year-old living with her great-grandmother at Royal Estates. She serves as a foil to the elderly residents, embodying youthful exuberance and modern-day awareness. Her attempts to reveal Barbie's identity add a layer of tension and urgency to the storyline.
Lily's great-grandmother, let's call her Edna, is an 80-year-old woman with a spirit that defies her age. Widowed for a decade, Edna has lived through significant historical events and social changes but remains stubbornly optimistic. She carries a wisdom forged from years of overcoming adversity, yet her eyes still glint with a mischievous youthfulness. When tragedy struck and Lily lost her mother and grandmother, Edna didn't think twice before taking her great-granddaughter under her wing. Fiercely protective, she resists any suggestion to separate from Lily, viewing their bond as not just familial but also as a moral duty to provide Lily the love and security she needs.
Edna is a nuanced character; she can be both strong-willed and gentle, a matriarch who commands respect but also knows when to offer a listening ear or a warm hug. Her background is layered with a mix of hardship and joy, which has made her resilient and empathetic. Her age and life experience make her somewhat of a moral compass in the community, and she has a way of delivering old-world wisdom that resonates even with the younger generations. Her character symbolizes the enduring strength of women across age groups, standing as an emotional pillar for Lily while providing a grounded perspective amidst the chaos surrounding Barbie and Ken's high-stakes endeavors.
Alice (Facility Director): Alice is the no-nonsense leader at Royal Estates (RE). She has a keen eye for detail and a heart of gold, although she keeps her softer side well-hidden. Her pragmatic outlook makes her cautious but fair, and she's earned the residents' respect—even if they sometimes find her intimidating. Alice suspects Barbie is hiding from an abusive situation, illustrating her instinctual understanding of human behavior despite her tough exterior.
Mel (Cook): Melissa is a lively soul who loves experimenting with recipes much to the residents' delight or dismay, depending on the day. She has a warm personality but is a bit of a chatterbox, often using her time in the kitchen as a pulpit to discuss her views on everything from politics to pop culture. Her untimely accident with a fall and a broken hip opens the door for Barbie's culinary skills to shine.
Wayne (Maintenance Man): Bill has been with RE for decades, and there isn’t a nook or cranny he doesn’t know about. He's the go-to guy for everything from fixing leaks to setting up holiday decorations. Bill has a laid-back attitude, and he's a bit of a joker, always ready with a one-liner to lighten the mood. His knowledge of the facility’s infrastructure becomes invaluable when the tornado hits.
Cindy & Tina (Maids): Cindy and Tina are two young women who handle the cleaning duties at RE. They are both part-time college students and share a close friendship, often seen giggling and whispering as they go about their tasks. Cindy is majoring in psychology and has a tendency to analyze the residents, while Tina is an art student who sees beauty in the everyday objects she cleans. Their youthful perspective adds a generational contrast to the older residents.
Andy (Gardener): Andy is a quiet and introspective man who finds peace in working with plants. He tends the garden at RE, particularly Carmen's memorial plot. With a background in botany, he occasionally offers educational tidbits about the flora around the facility, though he generally keeps to himself. Andy's solitary nature masks a deep well of wisdom that comes to the forefront in unexpected moments.