Poor Things

Clearly a lot of people enjoyed this grotesque movie, but it wasn't for me. Some of the scenes in it made me feel sick, and maybe they were supposed to, but it seemed unnecessary. Don't even get me started on how pretentious the movie was.

I also found this movie very frustrating because the acting was good, the sets and costuming were good, and some scenes used striking cinematography. These things all made me feel like I should've liked the movie, but I don't. It could have been put to much better use.

The sex and nudity is beyond gratuitous. I'm usually not bothered by sex scenes in movies, but for this particular film it felt perverted. Maybe the director has a weird fetish.

Ultimately, this film made me want to crack my own head open and pour bleach over my brain. It's one of those movies I'd like to block out. I don't think I'll ever watch anything else by Lanthimos.

"Poor Things" is a film that definitely lives up to its title. Adapted from the novel by Alasdair Gray, it's a bizarre blend of science fiction, dark comedy, and feminist critique.

The "weird" factor starts right at the beginning. We meet Dr. Godwin Baxter (Willem Dafoe), a mad scientist obsessed with reviving the dead. His latest project: a beautiful young woman named Bella (Emma Stone) who, thanks to some unconventional brain surgery, possesses both childlike innocence and uninhibited desires. Throw in a menagerie of hybrid animals, quirky characters, and a darkly comedic Victorian setting, and you've got a recipe for something truly strange.

But is it good weird, or just plain weird?

Fans of director Yorgos Lanthimos (known for his offbeat films like "The Lobster" and "The Favourite") will likely find themselves right at home. He delivers his signature brand of absurdist humor and unsettling social commentary. The film is visually striking, with a dreamlike quality that perfectly complements the bizarre narrative.

However, those who prefer a more conventional story might be left scratching their heads. The plot takes some unexpected turns, and the humor is definitely on the dry, deadpan side.

So, should you see "Poor Things"?

If you're looking for a unique and thought-provoking film experience, then definitely give it a shot. Just be prepared for something a little out there.

Here's a quick breakdown:

Pros: Visually stunning, great performances (especially Stone and Dafoe), clever dark humor, unique story Cons: Very strange (might not be for everyone), unconventional plot, dry humor Ultimately, "Poor Things" is a film that will stay with you long after the credits roll. Whether you love it or hate it, there's no denying it's a memorable experience.

I was full of trepidation when seeing The Favourite back in 2018 because I love Yorgos films in his native Greek and I wondered how the weird wave would translate into the English language. The answer is very well. This had been dubbed a feminist Frankenstein and upon viewing I can see why. What's interesting though is Bella creates herself, without giving too much away almost literally creates herself and in the sense she grows with experience. We see countless men try and fail to take ownership of her: control of her body, her mind and mostly her sexuality. I really enjoyed joining her for the adventure and it reminded me of why we should feel wonder at the world, feel compassion for the less fortunate and want to help one another. The aesthetics in this film are really a class apart. We see London, Paris and Lisbon, at once recognisable but also completely altered in the directors imagination. I wouldn't say it's my favourite of Yorgos films but it's very very good.

This is a very unusual movie. I enjoyed watching it, even though it felt awkward at times (as promised by the creators and many reviewers). In my opinion, many users who gave it a 1/10, missed the point. For sure, it is a movie for very mature and sophisticated audiences. It contains a lot of ugly truths about the world, so don't watch it if those bother you. (Don't watch it with teenagers, either, wait until they are 20 or 21.) I appreciated the creative direction, cinematography, and Emma Stone's acting talent. The plot covers multiple aspects of privilege and abuse in thought-provoking ways. On a very high level, you could say that it has some similarities to Barbie, but a very different approach. It is almost the anti-Barbie. The contrast between these two 2023 movies is definitely worth a class discussion in some graduate course of film criticism.

The film Poor Things (2023) stands out as a unique yet very peculiar jewel in Hollywood cinema, marked by its creative storytelling and striking visual aesthetics. The film immediately grabs your attention with its very unusual and weird artistic elements.

The cinematography is nothing short of amazing, introducing a blend of black and white scenes that add a layer of complexity and depth and colored scenes. The cinematography is consistently innovative, with techniques that often repeat, for instance, 360 degree shots (fisheye shot), fast zoom-ins and zoom-outs, medium full shots, overhead shots, and Scorsese-like quick pans from left to right. This type of cinematography added more dynamism to the visual experience. The film's use of CGI added an extra layer of surrealism as per its theme. The dance scenes are even more captivating.

One of the film's most striking features is its unusual yet compelling use of sound and music. The vintage lo-fi, bending, peculiar vibe of the soundtrack complements the visual narrative perfectly, while the experimental use of musical instruments like the oboe as a bass element in certain scenes is nothing short of innovative. Moreover, the violin orchestra music with Interstellar-like organs plays a pivotal role in enhancing the storytelling. I really liked how the film handled the climactic moments, especially with the powerful use of a single, sustained music note. This technique, like a scene from the film 'Tenet' (2020), brings a distinct and dramatic impact to the crucial moments of the movie.

The narrative structure of 'Poor Things' is intriguingly unconventional. Emma Stone's performance is a standout, bringing depth and nuance to her character. Bella's character, living in a patriarchal world, adds a feminist perspective to the film, infused with humor and wit. Her unique accent and quirky personality greatly enhance the charm of the film. The dialogue, while peculiar, is engaging and often humorous. This type of humor in the cinema theater resonated well with audiences. And of course, the rest of the cast like Mark Ruffalo, Willem Dafoe and others made a meaningful contribution to the film that tells the very peculiar and unconventional story.

In terms of thematic elements, 'Poor Things' shares similarities with Scorsese's 'The Wolf of Wall Street,' particularly with its more frequent and explicit use of sex scenes.

Throughout the film, the initially strange elements gradually become "the new normal", demonstrating the film's power to shift the viewer's perception. The film's direction is effectively balanced, allowing for the unique elements without being too overwhelming for the viewer.

In summary, 'Poor Things' is a film that pushes the boundaries of conventional visual storytelling. Its originality, combined with a strong cast, innovative cinematography, and a bizarre, out of the box narrative, makes it a remarkable cinematic achievement. However, from the emotional impact, it did not resonate with me.