Nick Smith
Adjunct Lecturer Nick Smith wrote a chapter in a book that examines the cultural presence of Barbie, the legendary doll.
The book, “Barbie in the Media: The Transmedia Presence of Mattel’s Celebrity Doll,” is a groundbreaking exploration of the Mattel doll as a transmedia phenomenon. Each chapter considers toy maker Mattel’s corporate storytelling about and reinterpretations of the iconic doll by fans.
Mr. Smith’s chapter, “Barbie Takes Control: The Irony of Manipulation in Todd Haynes’ ‘Superstar,’” covers a cult biography of ill-fated singer Karen Carpenter, lead vocalist of the 1970s pop duo The Carpenters, who is largely portrayed by Barbie dolls in the documentary film. This information is shared by Smith with students enrolled in COMM 155: Rhetoric of Vision and Sound, COMM 309: Film Analysis and/or COMM 317: Production Management.
What distinguished the film, “Superstar: The Karen Carpenter Story,” was its postmodern approach that mixed news footage and interviews with reenactments of scenes from Carpenter’s life staged with Barbie dolls.
“Barbie in the Media” brings together interdisciplinary perspectives to study the rise, development and current status of Barbie media, enriching Barbie’s influence and circulation in our media,” explained Smith, of the Department of Communication.
The book, published by Palgrave Mcmillan, enhances the understanding of Barbie’s journey from toy aisles to screens, as well as its influence and circulation within the culture that transcends children’s toys.
