In the garden: Spatial reflections on Susanna and the Barbie movie

Abstract

The narratives of Susanna and the Barbie film have nothing in common at first glance. However, in both narratives, the garden plays a central role in the plotline. In Susanna, the garden locates the scene where the elders inappropriately approach Susanna who refuses them, setting the court events into motion and the need for Daniel to investigate. In Barbie, the garden scene is the opening scene of the film. Girls break dolls setting the tone for Barbie as a positive role model, exemplifying more possibilities for women than just being mere mothers. This signifies a creation narrative that is set into motion. Both these garden scenes are reminiscent of the Garden of Eden. It is within the intersection of how these narratives are positioned that provides the opportunity to compare them.

Intradisciplinary and/or interdisciplinary implications: This article aims to investigate the intersection between these narratives as ‘subversive narratives’, but particularly seen in the light of the ‘garden or paradise’ motif. Feminism is used in conjunction with spatial theory as it offers a lens to reflect on the power relations found within the production of space found in the narratives. Accordingly, the article aims to explore the feminism that underpins the notions of space in the narratives.