‘Poor Things’ rich in vision, execution
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Filmmaker Yorgos Lanthimos released "Poor Things," one of the most fantastical and visually striking films of the previous year, in December 2023.
The R-rated film takes place in the late 19th century (the 1880s) when Dr. Godwin Baxter (Willem Dafoe) brings dead woman Bella Baxter (Emma Stone) back to life.
Bella was with child when she plummeted off a bridge to her death by her own hand.
She then finds the beginning stages of her new life difficult because the doctor implanted the brain of her deceased baby in her head rather than repairing her own.
Lanthimos depicts this exposition in the film using varying camera techniques, color on screen and dream-like imagery on set.
When he uses a fisheye lens, Lanthimos shows us Bella's new life almost through the eyes of a child, full of wonder.
The director's use of color adds depth to the film through the juxtaposition between black and white scenes and color scenes. The graduation from the void of color in the film to almost technicolor offers a visual representation of Bella's discovery of the outside world after living under the care of Dr. Godwin Baxter for so long.
Viewers see how disgusting and apathetic the doctor can be at the outset of the story. He, like Bella, is a living experiment; the doctor had a parent just like himself, a mad scientist.
The audience learns that Dr. Godwin Baxter cannot properly burp due to his father making that bodily function impossible in an experiment. So, he must use gas chambers to pump air/gas into his body to "burp" out a dishwater colored bubble that often pops over others in the room with the doctor.
Lanthimos' detailed imagery was a very impactful way to convey what life with Bella and the doctor is truly like.
He continued to use tools like camera techniques, color, and imagery to weave a fantastical film that takes the viewer along on Bella's journey to discover freedom and the world as she is after her new life began.
The audience sees Bella in mostly avant-garde attire throughout the discovery portion of her journey. This use of color, attire keeps eyes glued to the screen to take everything in while also adding a sense of wonder in this beautiful movie.
Bella's travels also follow the overarching theme of the hero's journey that "Poor Things" hammers home.
The film is truly for those looking for an inspirational and strong female lead.
Bella Baxter does what women do best; she takes what is given to her (the brain of an infant) and doubles it to make it greater.
She makes her discoveries of life's hardship and joy on land and on sea. And when she runs out of steam as well as money, she tackles that issue on her own.
Bella interacts, uses, and disposes of many people and romantic partners along the way.
But, she, like any other imperfect being, can still inspire many.
Watch this 2 hour, 21 minute film to find out.
Rating: A
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Brooke Crouse is the City Editor for the Lewistown Sentinel.