“Poor Things” the emancipation of a beautiful corpse

vor 3 months

Giorgos Lanthimos takes us on a bizarre ride through a world full of love, violence and dogs with stitched on duck heads. The beauty of Pure Things lies in between the variety of emotions it catapults the audience through. You will catch yourself crying to a van gogh-esque sky and laughing about a corpse being stabbed in the face.

It is a fairy tale like story about exploring the world with all of its good and wicked facettes, through the lenses of an innocent and naive woman, searching for her own place in it.

In “Poor Things,” Dr. Godwin Baxter, a brilliant scientist portrayed by Willem Dafoe, successfully revives the body of a young woman named Bella Baxter. Despite having no memory of her past life, Bella, played by Emma Stone, experiences a unique journey of self-discovery. The narrative explores her mental development from infancy to adulthood and her fascination with the sensations of her resurrected body. Bella, despite having a caring assistant named Max, is more drawn to the mysterious Duncan. This dynamic leads Bella on an exploration journey, adding complexity to her character and the relationships within the storyline.

Director Yorgos Lanthimos, known for unconventional films like “The Lobster,” crafts “Poor Things” as an arthouse experience. Unlike mainstream films, Lanthimos allows viewers to interpret scenes and twists independently, creating a thought-provoking atmosphere. “Poor Things” overtly advocates for women’s rights, aligning the narrative with a feminist perspective. The story, penned by a 19-year-old woman, mirrors themes from Frankenstein, emphasizing Bella’s transformation from innocence to embracing power without societal shame.

The film boldly tackles themes of lust and sex, with Emma Stone’s performance raising questions about societal acceptance, particularly in conservative circles. The exploration of these themes adds depth to the storyline and prompts reflection on societal norms. Emma Stone, in an interview with Vanity Fair, acknowledges the complexity of her character. Describing Bella as a challenging role, Stone emphasizes the unique qualities that make her character stand out. The interview offers insights into the intricacies of portraying Bella in “Poor Things.“

The movie presents a stunning and colorful fairy tale-like picture. Despite its unconventional approach, the film adds a pornographic and R-rated spin on the classic Frankenstein theme. This blend of genres contributes to the uniqueness of the movie, marking a departure from director Yorgos Lanthimos’ previous works. The film’s exploration of provocative themes, coupled with Emma Stone’s standout performance, raises questions about the potential impact on her career. Stone’s portrayal of Bella and the film’s overall reception may influence her chances at prestigious awards, including the possibility of an Oscar nomination.

It stands out as Giorgos Lanthimos’ first book adaptation. Despite this departure from his usual style, the film retains common themes found in his previous works—displaying the most ordinary aspects of life as thrilling and new to discover. This innovation contributes to the film’s uniqueness and establishes Lanthimos as a director pushing artistic boundaries. “Poor Things” is described as a standout film that evokes a range of emotions from the audience. The narrative, character dynamics, and thematic exploration contribute to an overload of emotions, elevating Giorgos Lanthimos’ name to new heights in the film industry.