Poor Things, our review of the new movie by Yorgos Lanthimos
Poor Things, the new film by Yorgos Lanthimos starring Emma Stone, Mark Ruffalo, and Willem Dafoe. In Ita cinemas since January, the movie is a "refreshing breeze" in cinematic innovation, aesthetics, and content. Out now our review.
Bella Baxter (portayed terrifically by Emma Stone) is the beautiful creature of Dr. Godwin Baxter (Willem Dafoe) brought back to life by the troubled surgeon’s experiments. It is a rebirth of soul and thought made possible by the brain transplant of an unborn child. The artistic nod to Tim Burton is inevitable, although the Greek director infuses it with a vibrant world of color, steering clear of the darker elements, and making the reference to a classic like “Dr. Frankenstein” all the more welcome.
However, Bella doesn’t exhibit a repulsive appearance; far from it. She embodies intelligence and insightfulness, symbolizing the innocence of those who, reentering life with unwavering naiveté, are bound to confront the “dark side” of humanity and the world. As time goes by, the main character matures, learns, experiences, understands, and discovers herself through interactions with others. Crucial for her growth is the Casanova lawyer Duncan Wedderburn (portrayed by the extraordinary and unexpected Mark Ruffalo), an arrogant bourgeois who enables Bella to explore and learn about the beauties and misfortunes of the world.
Poor Things – Mark Ruffalo alias Duncan Wedderburn
Poor Things, The Review
A “refreshing breeze” in cinematic innovation, aesthetics, and content. Yorgos Lanthimos directs and co-writes this film with Tony McNamara, providing numerous moments of entertainment while also provoking thought. The film boldly breaks free from societal norms, aiming to rediscover the primal sense of wonder inherent in childhood exploration. “It’s a charming attraction to purity, to something that remains untarnished”, reflects Emma Stone on the film. “It’s a desire to reclaim a part of ourselves reminiscent of our past innocence, urging us to rediscover that purity within.”
Bella’s character as a symbol of emancipation for women
Not just that. This is a brave story because it addresses what it means to be a resolute and free woman. A woman who never worries about what others may think; she simply doesn’t assume to be their property. She rejects the constraints of her stepfather, the concerns of her future husband (Ramy Youssef as Max McCandless), the obsessive jealousies of the narcissistic dandy Wedderburn, and the cynicism of the adventurer Harry Astley (Jerrod Carmichael). She does so through progressive awareness achieved by studying and emancipating the female body. In “Poor Things,” the portrayal of female sexuality is extremely contemporary as it successfully explores sex free of taboos and, above all, guilt.
Poor Things – Emma Stone alias Bella Baxter
The male characters
Exploring themes of sexuality and societal norms, the movie delves into men’s intrinsic desire for control and possession over women, reflecting an outdated and patriarchal mindset. McNamara characterizes the film as a biting satire on male behavior: “‘Poor Things’ thoroughly dissects how men perceive women, the pressure they impose, and their belief that women exist to serve them” he explains. “We were acutely aware of the social dynamics within this narrative and their resonance with contemporary society”. The male characters, portrayed with nuance and vulnerability by the actors, stand in contrast to the resilient female protagonists Bella and Martha Von Kurtzroc (played by the legendary Hanna Schygulla). These women embody authenticity and humanity, embracing life and nurturing healthy interpersonal connections.
Poor Things – Emma Stone and Willem Dafoe (Dr. Godwin)
The movie’s aesthetics
The film’s aesthetics demand attention. Lanthimos meticulously crafted the set design, lighting, and camerawork. Set designers James Price and Shona Heath wowed audiences with their imaginative reimagining of cities, infused with distinctive steampunk elements. The result is an ever-present surreal atmosphere, oscillating between bygone eras and dystopian futures.
Lanthimos‘s notable sense of humor, shines through in the film as well. Utilizing imaginative set design, he creates a fantastical rendition of the metaphorical “The Island of Dr. Moreau”, inhabited by charmingly peculiar animals with eccentric crossbreeds. This distorted portrayal, enhanced by the use of a quadrangular lens, aims to depict society and life through the lens of human distortion.
Photography
The cinematography paints a picture with impressionistic tones, a delicate interplay of light and shadow, and vibrant colors that mirror the main characters’ quest for self-discovery. “Poor Things” is a film to savor for its uniqueness, irony, and its ability to explore the depths of the human psyche. Mark Ruffalo’s sentiment, echoing the words of George Bernard Shaw, suggests that laughter is the gateway to deeper truths. Indeed, humor emerges as a powerful mechanism for individuals to confront their inner selves and forge their own paths.
