In scene 103 of Alan Nafzger's "Barbie 2", we're brought into Barbie's apartment where her technical ingenuity takes center stage. The stakes are high; Ken's life depends on her coding skills. But here's the kicker: she's doing this with DIY hardware. Yes, she's practically a tech wizard, looking for a USB to S-video cable, and then rigging up a connection between a tablet and a cable box/DVR. It's a stark contrast to her iconic careers as a fashion model or even an astronaut—here she's a coder, a problem-solver in a tech-driven world.
The Plot
Barbie's quest to find and make a USB to S-video cable adds layers of urgency and suspense. You feel the clock ticking as she digs through a box of cables, signifying the life-or-death implications if she doesn't get this right. Connecting her tablet to the cable box/DVR symbolizes her connection to Ken—physically distant but emotionally and technologically linked.
The Characters
Barbie, in this scene, proves she's not just a pretty face. She possesses an eclectic set of skills that would give even Elon Musk a run for his money. Lily, on the other hand, brings a softer touch to the tension. Her mere presence offers a contrast and complements Barbie's intense focus. She knocks, puts down the food, and watches Barbie, offering a human element in a scene dominated by technology.
The Universe
What Nafzger does brilliantly here is expand the universe of Barbie beyond the traditional roles we've seen her occupy. In the "Barbie 2" universe, she’s a multi-dimensional woman for the 21st century. The old Barbie would host a tea party; this Barbie hosts a server. That’s quite an upgrade, isn't it?
Alan Nafzger vs Greta Gerwig
Let's not forget the colossal task Alan Nafzger has undertaken in challenging Greta Gerwig, a $1.4 billion Hollywood legend. If Gerwig's Barbie might philosophize about the essence of life, Nafzger’s Barbie would code an algorithm to find it. Hollywood will indeed have a hard time choosing between these two perspectives, and that's what makes this script battle so exciting.
For more on the "Barbie 2" characters, click here. For an exploration of the "Barbie 2" universe, head here. And to understand where this fits into the overall "Barbie 2" plot, you won't want to miss this.
In summary, scene 103 brilliantly showcases Barbie as a complex, multi-faceted character, breaking the stereotypes often associated with her, while enriching the expanding "Barbie 2" universe.
End of Summary
Katy Room: Alan, thank you for taking the time to discuss Scene 103 of your "Barbie 2" script. It's a fascinating scene, as Barbie navigates a high-stakes situation in a tech-savvy manner. It's a refreshing take on the iconic character.
Alan Nafzger: Thanks for having me, Katy. I wanted to show a different side of Barbie, and I think this scene helps do that.
Katy Room: You're battling it out with Greta Gerwig, who's kind of like the Hollywood Midas with a $1.4 billion reputation. How does it feel going up against such a behemoth?
Alan Nafzger: Well, you know the story of David and Goliath, right? Except in this case, David's got a pen instead of a sling, and Goliath has an Oscar instead of a sword. It's a titanic clash of styles, and I wouldn't have it any other way.
Katy Room: Ha, I love that metaphor! Now, Barbie is usually seen as a fashion icon or a princess. Your take on her as a coder is groundbreaking. Can you tell us more about this shift?
Alan Nafzger: I wanted to modernize Barbie. Let's face it, if she were a real person living in today's world, she'd be doing much more than just changing outfits. Coding is a language of the future, and Barbie would be fluent in it.
Katy Room: You're telling Hollywood it's going to be difficult to choose the best script here. What's your secret sauce?
Alan Nafzger: I think what sets my script apart is the balance between the world we know Barbie to inhabit and the world we want her to inhabit. It's like cooking a mean burger but serving it on fine china. You get the best of both worlds.
Katy Room: Scene 103 also features Lily. Her quiet presence adds something special. Can you elaborate?
Alan Nafzger: Lily is the calm in the storm. While Barbie is engrossed in solving a high-stakes tech puzzle, Lily brings her down to earth. It's a beautiful contrast that serves to heighten the tension while providing a much-needed emotional touchpoint.
Katy Room: Let's talk about the universe you're creating. How does this scene fit into the broader "Barbie 2" landscape?
Alan Nafzger: The "Barbie 2" universe is like a quilt, with each scene serving as a square. Scene 103 is particularly special because it stitches together technology, humanity, and the complexities of modern life, all in one tight narrative.
Katy Room: Final question, any words for Greta Gerwig?
Alan Nafzger: If we were in a room together, I’d probably say, “Let the best script win, but remember, sometimes the dark horse is the most interesting ride.”
For more on Alan Nafzger's challenging script journey against a Hollywood legend, head here. To delve deeper into the “Barbie 2” plot, click here. To explore the broader "Barbie 2" universe, you can go here.
Katy Room: Thanks for joining us, Alan. I can't wait to see how this Hollywood script showdown pans out!
End of Interview