necrogl

They say that a director repeats in each of his films the same film, consciously or not, versions of the same situation that he has in his mind.

Lanthimos has a large filmography to show off. His great asset remains the excellent colleagues in every department who managed to develop themselves alongside him and to highlight in the best way his universe. Here, we have the steampunk, achronical, black comedy "Poor Things."

I will attempt more of a philosophical critique on the film, which is technically and interpretatively excellent, with bold cinematic choices that take the medium a little further. The references to philosophy are numerous in the film (Diogenes, Nietzsche). As well as the social messages it has to pass.

In my own approach, I see the title: "Poor Things" as a paraphrase for "Human Beings." I found several similarities in the way the film unfolds with "The Favourite", in terms of editing, characters and script.

The film in its various chapters (it follows the structure of a book) deals with almost all issues: life, society, family (the director's favorite subject for deconstruction), religion. God left his creatures half-finished, half-crazy, to thresh and spread havoc and madness on a plain which he rightfully offered them. He's not sure about them but he's also curious to see how they will end up and so he lets them be. God's attitude is therefore irresponsible according to philosophy.

I certainly loved every role and had fun with the film, although perhaps it could have been slightly shorter, a feeling shared by several friends who watched it.

I don't know how Dafoe manages in every role (and after so many films) to always come out so modest and balanced. I loved his performance as Dr. God. Already the name calls us for philosophical approaches. Emma seemed to have done a great job portraying Bella in her various stages and I think she rightfully deserves an Oscar, as does Robbie Ryan, director of photography, for what he accomplished in such a demanding script. He managed to completely harmonize with Yorgo's style and to take on difficult and demanding camera movements. I was also surprised by Ruffalo, who dared to do something different from what we are used to, kudos to him. With this film he takes a more Burtonian and grotesque turn.

The comedy scenes are successful, they make you laugh effortlessly and relax, compensating for the awkward scenes of brutal violence. Of course, there was no lack of self-injury and self-irony, a key component of Yorgo's heroes.

Self-referentiality, as well as his love for his fans, leads him to give us scenes-references, either to his previous films, or to directors he loves. I found hidden references to: "The Favourite," "The Lobster," and "Dogtooth." There may be definitely others.

The film ends up with an absurd garden, Eden, and the creatures that live in it. Leaving the "human" this time in charge and you only have to guess what's going to happen next.

Lanthimos deserves the credits from every point of view. He has managed to win over Hollywood and find his audience with completely unconventional, if stylized, films but also to mature himself as a director and become better over the years, without, of course, completely leaving behind his old patterns and his obsessions.

This film is a truly brave cinematic effort at an age where interesting films are hardly made anymore.

I'm a film director myself and I can say that this movie surprised me in a profound way, it is an unbelievable achievement that I envied. 76 minutes without a single spoken word is a really hard choice for a filmmaker, if he wants to make his script watchable and profitable, to say the least. Leda herself, as a theme, is a really hard one.

Still, the movie manages to convey so many messages and hidden meanings at its bay. This is independent arthouse at its best.

The silence choice spares an homage to the silence of Leda herself and of her own story, which holds for us only speculations about her real life. Apart from the fact that we know she was the Queen of Sparta and that Zeus wanted to mate with her so badly.

The movie attempts bravely to give an explanation on what happened to the enigmatic Leda after the birth of the two eggs and before (the eggs were including: Helen of Troy, Clytemnestra, Castor and Pollux.) The Swan here holds a character of its own. As brutal as Zeus at times, but also soft when it comes to seduction. Maybe this is one of the first attempts ever made by any artist, or historian, to give a road on the myth. That alone gets an extra point for me.

Cinematography takes off on a courageous black and white universe and the choices made by the director are creating an amazing experience and an alternative reality for the myth, which as a Greek I can say that it completely respects the myth.

Here, we also have an absolutely stunning performance by Adeline Thery that cannot be overlooked in the role of Leda. She was completely living it. And to think that the filming lasted for so many years! She is truly a method actress. She completely immersed into the character's life.

I believe that Samuel Tressler IV did a great job in communicating his vision, he has a lot of future ahead. Difficult missions make the great directors.

If you are a normal guy watching "normal" movies maybe this movie is not for you, but if you are a real cinephile who wants to escape from the "normal" crap this is your movie.

Watch it with the first opportunity that you'll get and you'll never regret it. Watch it in the biggest screen that you can find and the experience becomes even better.

What are we but figures made of a mysterious stone that one day someone will manage to decipher?

"Home Fronts" is a film made of testimonials of support to Ukraine and its current struggle with Russia. It is a story warmly told by the people of the local communities of Scotland.

People from different nationalities and backgrounds who are affected deeply by Russia's invasion in Ukraine.

They don't just stay in a discussion, they do something by setting a good example, actively caring for the people around them. I think that a good documentary should do that - push people into action and raise the awareness levels of a community.

One can feel the colors blue and yellow dominant in the film. I see it as an homage to the Ukrainian people.

I really liked the message of the movie. It leaves you with a hope that things will go better if we all unite and act together in situations like this.