Kenergy: Ryan Gosling reinvent himself as Ken in new Barbie movie

Ryan Gosling as Ken in Barbie

Ryan Gosling, the renowned actor known for his roles in films like "The Notebook" and "Drive," has been making waves on the internet recently. His portrayal of Ken in "Barbie" has received rave reviews, with some critics even suggesting it surpasses Robbie's portrayal of Barbie.

Gosling, who had previously been recognized as an icon for the 'Sigma Male' trend due to his stoic and mysterious characters in films, has recently embraced a new persona that has captivated the internet: Kenergy. This term refers to his role as Ken in Greta Gerwig's highly anticipated Barbie adaptation, a fantasy comedy inspired by the popular Barbie fashion dolls. 

According to Dr. Travers, Kenergy is a positive framing of masculinity, characterized by traits such as a supportive role in relationships and pride in appearance, which are often toxically portrayed as "weak" in men.

His portrayal of Ken, a character traditionally seen as secondary to Barbie, has been met with enthusiasm and interest. Gosling's approach to the role has been characterized by humor, self-awareness, and a genuine love for the character, making Ken more relatable and beloved than ever before.

Ken and Barbie

In the movie, Barbie and Ken journey from the perfect space of Barbie Land into the real world. Gosling's character, Ken, is portrayed as a beach-loving character who always carries his yellow rollerblades with him. The plot follows Barbie and Ken as they navigate the complexities and challenges of the real world, with Barbie experiencing an existential crisis. 

He channeled his character and laid a path forward for every Ken to feel seen. His performance was so convincing that it became the subversive center of the movie. When Barbie, played by Margot Robbie, decides to venture into the real world to solve her existential crisis, Ken tags along and learns about the human world.

Simu Liu, Margot Robbie, and Ryan Gosling

The Barbie movie also featured a diverse cast of actors playing different versions of Ken, including Kingsley Ben-Adir, Scott Evans, and Simu Liu. However, Gosling was the first choice for the role of Ken by the director and co-writer Greta Gerwig, despite never having met him before.

Gosling, defended his casting by stating that he found connections between his childhood self and the character of Ken. Gosling's portrayal of Ken was not without controversy, as some critics questioned his suitability for the role. However, Gosling responded to these criticisms by challenging the critics' understanding of the character, stating that if they truly cared about Ken, they would know that nobody cared about Ken.

Ken and Barbie

Gosling's performance as Ken is marked by a blend of toughness and tenderness, reflecting the character's journey from toxic masculinity to mutual appreciation. His portrayal has been praised for its depth and humor, making it one of the most rounded and poignant performances of his career. Gosling's Ken serves as the emotional center of the film, providing a unique perspective on masculinity and its complexities. 

The Barbie movie, while primarily targeted at adults due to its PG-13 rating and exploration of deeper themes, offers valuable insights for boys and men. Ken's storyline, in particular, presents a potential crossover for male audiences, as it explores the pressures and standards that men often face.

His nuanced depiction of Ken's journey from insecurity to self-discovery provides a fresh perspective on masculinity, making it a must-watch for both male and female audiences.