Poor Things

"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.

Yorgos Lanthimos's latest offering, "Poor Things," is a cinematic rollercoaster that throws absurdity, social commentary, and dark humor into a blender and hits puree. It's a film that will leave you bewildered, amused, and maybe a little bit grossed out, but undeniably entertained.

The story centers around Bella Baxter (played with delightful naiveté by Emma Stone), a Frankensteinian creation brought to life by the eccentric Dr. Godwin (Mark Rylance). Reborn with the brain of a drowned child and the body of a young woman, Bella is thrust into a world that both fascinates and confuses her. Her childlike innocence clashes hilariously with the societal mores of the 19th century, leading to a series of outrageous situations that push the boundaries of good taste and propriety.

Lanthimos, known for his penchant for the bizarre, doesn't shy away from the grotesque in "Poor Things." Bodily fluids flow freely, sexual encounters are depicted with a bluntness that borders on the pornographic, and violence erupts with unexpected ferocity. Yet, amidst the chaos, there's a darkly comedic undercurrent that keeps the film from becoming merely shocking. Lanthimos uses humor to highlight the absurdity of social norms and the hypocrisy of those who uphold them.

The film's visuals are equally striking. Robbie Ryan's cinematography blends dreamlike beauty with unsettling distortions, creating a world that feels both familiar and alien. The production design is sumptuous, with meticulously crafted sets and costumes that transport us to a fantastical version of Victorian England.

"Poor Things" is not a film for everyone. Its offbeat humor, graphic content, and unconventional narrative will likely alienate some viewers. However, for those willing to embrace its strangeness, the film offers a unique and thought-provoking experience. It's a wild ride, but one that ultimately leaves you pondering the nature of humanity, the meaning of life, and the absurdity of the world we live in.

**Here are some additional points to consider:**

* The film has been praised for its performances, with particular acclaim for Emma Stone's portrayal of Bella.

* Some critics have found the film's humor to be too crass or mean-spirited.

* The film's pacing can be uneven, with some scenes dragging and others feeling rushed.

* Despite its flaws, "Poor Things" is a visually stunning and intellectually stimulating film that is sure to spark conversation.

**Overall, I recommend "Poor Things" to fans of Yorgos Lanthimos's work and those who enjoy offbeat comedies with a dark edge. Just be prepared for a wild ride.**

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.

My view is that you should watch this movie with a mind open to fantasy, sexuality and ignorance.

It is a fun movie to watch. The cinematics are imaginative and fantastical. In contrast, the plot is in stark opposition to the magical scenery which, gives this film an interesting allure.

Mark Ruffalo gives it 100% and I give him a 10.

Emma Stone is amazingly venerable and strong. Of Course.

Willem Dafoe looks horrid, but he is a necessary evil in his role.

There is a good amount of sexual content but it is done is a very, matter of fact, way. There is nudity of men and women so if that is not what you want to see, you may want to pass.