I was recently listening to a roundtable where Greta Gerwig was recounting her experience making the blockbuster film, Barbie, offering a glimpse into the high-stakes world of directing major films. Her journey with producing the movie is not just a story of cinematic creativity but a masterclass in navigating the uncharted territory of Hollywood, particularly as one of the few women directing a film of this budget size.
Greta shared her mantra throughout making the film, akin to a high-speed chase: “Drive it like you stole it.” The making of the movie wasn’t just about speed; it was also about audacity. In an industry where hesitance can be your downfall, Gerwig’s approach was to floor the gas pedal, being courageous about big decisions and calculated risk-taking.
“Well, instead of trying to tiptoe around it, what if we just stepped in it?’ And the whole undertaking was definitely like ‘Drive it like you stole it.’ Go, go, go. Don’t tell them, don’t tell them where we’re going.”
It’s a vivid metaphor for any creative endeavor where the opportunity is rare, and the stakes are high.
Gerwig’s insights are particularly resonant for women in any field. When you finally get the “green light” on a project you believe in, there’s an instinctual push to not just aimlessly proceed, but to sprint forward. It’s a race against doubt - both internal and external. Women often find themselves in similar situations, themselves over performing to sustain their hard-earned spots, constantly proving their success isn’t a fluke. You can’t look back, because if you stop just for one second, they might take it away from you.
Her strategy was also about evading the Hollywood echo chamber. Working in Los Angeles can be like navigating a hall of mirrors, where every reflection is a judgment of your work.
”I get to use the studio system but I don’t have to live in it,” Gerwig said. “And I’m conscious of not wanting to be too attached to what Hollywood thinks is a good or bad idea because I don’t want to know if my idea is ridiculous. And when you live in L.A., you know everybody. They all know each other’s lawyers. I often don’t know who the powerful person in the room is.”
By distancing herself, Gerwig avoided the noise so as to not distract her own internal convictions of what she believed was right for the movie. Staying true to your vision is difficult especially in an industry that can often feel like a crowded, opinionated party where everyone knows your name. Gerwig ensured her own convictions and instincts remained at the forefront, unfazed by the skepticism around her.
“There was some of that,” Gerwig said. “Some, ‘You need what? Why do we need a dream ballet here?’ I was like, ‘Because it will be a delight.’ But there’s always a moment, with every movie, where they say, ‘You could cut this, you could cut that,’ and I end up saying, ‘Or we could cut the whole movie. We could just cut the movie. We don’t have to do it.’”
Many women adopt a "covert spy" persona, tactically navigating to shield their initial vision and conviction from public scrutiny and doubt. This strategic approach is about preserving the integrity of their ideas, ensuring they're not derailed by external skepticism. Gerwig's choice to distance herself from the Hollywood scene exemplifies this. By stepping away from LA's authority, she maintained creative autonomy, free from the pressure to conform to ideas that might not come from the right places. Which brings me to another underlying truth: women often find themselves finely tuned to authority, yet they must sometimes sidestep it to truly innovate and lead on their own terms.
Greta Gerwig's experience with "Barbie” echoes the universal challenges of creative ventures. It's a tale that resonates deeply with anyone who's ever fought to bring a unique vision to life, particularly highlighting the hurdles women face in leadership. Gerwig's story serves as an inspiring reminder for those daring to venture into uncharted territories or champion projects they passionately believe in from the start. It takes a blend of audacity, humor, and unwavering conviction to continue driving forward, no matter how much gas it takes to get to the other side.