“In The Dollhouse” is a short series created by Dina Goldstein, that delves into the lives of Barbie and Ken, one of the most famous couples to grace most of our playroom floors, televisions, books and game consoles as children. The two barbie dolls are used here to depict the story of a relatively young couple getting to grips with living with one another and learning to deal with each others habits. To some, it might seem significant that barbie dolls were used, due to their seemingly perfect stereotype. It definitely makes the intended message a lot more effective.
Set in the home of a young couple, the short sketch depicts the lives of a new couple who’ve suffered under the hands of marital strains as time has passed, highlighting the importance of maintaining a healthy and happy bond once married and living together.
With each clip revealing the growing disapproval the female has of her partner, he appears either oblivious or uncaring, slowly expressing this other side to him more openly. From his increased vanity, to him not being afraid to show emotion, we see a slight twist on the traditional roles we as a society are so used to; almost as if they have swapped characteristics or genders.
A dramatic twist in the last few scenes both shock and encourage the reader to consider the various secrets and cold truths that might possibly lie behind the closed doors and curtains of some relationships. Pink and cheerful the colours may be, but deep down there’s definitely more than what might meet the eye in this extraordinary sketch!