Christine Vachon Talks ‘Superstar’ Barbie Controversy: ‘Mattel Did Pay a Visit to Our Office’
variety.comMarta Balaga Before Greta Gerwig’s “Barbie,” there was “Superstar: The Karen Carpenter Story.” “Mattel did pay a visit to our office,” said acclaimed producer Christine Vachon at Karlovy Vary Film Festival.
Back in 1987, she was helping out on the Todd Haynes and Cynthia Schneider-produced movie. The now-banned film, dedicated to Carpenter’s tragic life and her untimely passing, featured dolls instead of actors. “Todd bought all these toys in garage sales.
There were Barbies, but also all these Barbie rip-offs, so he was able to prove to Mattel that it was off brand,” Vachon said in conversation with Variety international features editor Leo Barraclough.
While he appeased the famous company, Carpenter’s family was less pleased, filing a lawsuit against the director. “The reason he didn’t seek permission for these songs was because he didn’t expect it would blow up the way it did,” Vachon said. “The movie made a tremendous splash, until we got a true cease-and-desist order.
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