Barbie – From Natalie Portman’s friend in No Strings Attached to director's chair, Greta Gerwig's evolution

Not only has her latest directorial venture become the first film of the year to cross the billion-dollar mark, but it also stands as the first such accomplishment for a solo female filmmaker

Natalie Portman and Greta Gerwig in No Strings Attached

Greta Gerwig has achieved a momentous double triumph in 2023. Not only has her latest directorial venture become the first film of the year to cross the billion-dollar mark, but it also stands as the first such accomplishment for a solo female filmmaker. This historic feat is a testament to Gerwig's talent and vision.

Before she created her own cinematic worlds, Greta Gerwig explored them as an actress. Now, she revisits some of her most cherished supporting roles, sharing candid memories and insights with Variety. Join us on this nostalgic journey through Gerwig's early screen life.

ALSO READ: Barbie - Ryan Gosling gets musical by dropping 'Ken the EP' with three tracks, including a festival take

No Strings Attached

This rom-com was released in 2011. It tells a story about Adam and Emma, who have known each other since childhood and later fall in love. Greta Gerwig played the friend and roommate of Emma named Patrice. Her most loved dialogue is, “It’s like a crime scene in my pants”. She shared that she had a great working experience with Natalie Portman and she loved her performance in May December.

White Noise

In this dark-comedy, Greta played the lead role of Babbette opposite Adam Driver. The film is directed by Greta’s husband Noah Baumbach, who has also co-written Barbie. The dialogue she remembered is, “Murray says that we are fragile creatures surrounded by hostile facts”. She shared that she had quite fun while shooting the film, and she loves to do writing, directing, acting, all of it. It makes her feel like a part of who she is.

ALSO READ: Golden Globes 2024 - From Barbie to Only Murders in the Building, here are all the top nominees

Frances Ha

In this 2012 film, she also played the lead role of Frances, and this is also directed by Noah Baumbach, and once again co-stars Adam Driver. Greta remembers the dialogue, “Don’t treat me like I'm a three-hour brunch friend”. Recalling that she has acted in three Baumbach films, Greta said that she loved acting in his projects.

Barbie

Although she directed the film, it's interesting to know that she still remembers the dialogues! Her favourite dialogue from the film is, “Humans only have one ending, ideas live forever”. While remembering her childhood, Greta shared that her mother did not like the Barbie dolls, but she loved them. She shared that Margot Robbie's performance is absolutely unbiased and deceptive, because according to her, Robbie makes anything look so effortless.

Watch Kadak Singh, Chamak, Scam 2003, Duranga 2 and more on OTTplay, by subscribing to the Jhakaas monthly pack which provides access to 19 OTTs at just ₹49 for the first month.

Share