By Keith Walther | Rose Law Group Reporter
Many people may dismiss this movie as some strange softcore pornography, but there is significant comically layered depth that puts it in a category unto its own. “Poor Things” is a whimsical fantasy at times, and other times an unfiltered, raw look at human nature that is sure to make viewers uncomfortable. Led by an unforgettable performance from Emma Stone, this is a unique, attention-grabbing story destined for Oscar consideration.
Recently resurrected by the disfigured Dr. Godwin Baxter (Willem Dafoe), Bella Baxter (Emma Stone) has a fully grown adult sized body, but with an infant’s brain. As Bella struggles to learn basic motor skills and language, the mad scientist recruits one of his students Max McCandles (Ramy Youssef) to assist and chart her progression. Wanting to break free and experience all the world has to offer, Bella runs off with Duncan Wedderburn (Mark Ruffalo) who has become quite smitten with her.
After exploring the physical sensations of her body, Bella seeks to stimulate her mind and expand her independence while ignoring social norms. This is maddening for the jealous Duncan who seeks to control her, leading to a mental break and a split. Witnessing the cruelty that exists in humans fails to dissuade Bella from her desires to make the world a better place.
Adapted from the Alasdair Gray novel of the same name, “Poor Things” is helmed by Oscar nominated director Yorgos Lanthimos (“The Favourite”). He should receive another nomination for this visually imaginative and stunning production. The complex artistry is like watching a painting come to life with some of the most exquisite cinematography exhibited in films all year. Yorgos’ style for this movie was influenced by films like “Young Frankenstein,” and about the first half of the film is in black and white symbolic of the main character’s beginning stages of life. When the main character sets off to explore the strange world around her, he shifts to an explosion of vibrant color similar to when Dorothy first sets foot in Oz. Matching the nature of the story, Yorgos employs experimental cinematography, using extreme wide-angle lenses, 16mm lenses on a 35mm camera, or even a 4mm lens to provide that dramatic vignette effect. This gives the film an ethereal, almost alternate reality vibe to it, further accentuated by the inventive costuming and elaborate makeup, both of which will also likely be nominated.
Yorgos creates a film that is deeply and even comically philosophical as he delves into the basic nature of men and women, which can be cruel, manipulative, and deviant at times. “Poor Things” is ultimately what “Barbie” wished it could have been, but the Greek director was not hesitant to show the reanimation of a woman with a child’s exploratory brain in an unfiltered way. The graphic nudity and sex scenes may have been a bit shocking and gratuitous after a while, but they weren’t filmed with the intent of objectification.
Emma Stone should be applauded for fully committing herself to this unique role and portraying the lead character the way it was intended. She perfectly embodies the mentality and physical movements of a newborn infant, learning at a phenomenal rate, improving her mobility and speech progressively throughout the film. Stone imbues her character with that childlike, unfiltered curiosity of the outside world in addition to her own body, ignoring danger and societal norms, creating hilariously awkward moments that parents will find relatable. She takes considerable risk with this performance, but she holds nothing back, which will undoubtedly make her a strong contender to win her second Oscar for Best Actress (Stone previously won for 2016’s “La La Land”).
Mark Ruffalo portrays the wealthy playboy, who becomes enamored with the beautiful yet unsophisticated and naïve main character. His performance is outstanding as his character devolves into a detestable control freak, whose obsession and insecurities drive him to reckless actions and self-inflicted anguish. This is a far cry from his role as the Hulk in the Marvel productions, but it shows his incredible versatility.
Speaking of versatility, no one surpasses that of Willem Dafoe who once again plays a unique character that very few others could attempt. The 4-time Oscar nominee had to spend a total of six hours in the makeup chair every day to put on and then remove this facial mask of scars. On the surface, his character is reminiscent of Marlon Brado’s character in “The Island of Dr. Moreau,” but his cold scientific demeanor gives way to an emotional, fatherly type of bond with the main character that makes it exceedingly difficult to let her venture out beyond his protection. He somehow maintains his serious disposition despite the random bits of humor he’s involved in, like physically belching bubbles of gas whenever he eats.
The film is quirky, funny, philosophical, sexually uncomfortable, and downright strange, but its creativity, visually stunning artistry, and compelling acting make it one of the more enjoyable and talked about films of the year. “Poor Things” has already been nominated for 7 Golden Globes and 13 Critics Choice Awards, so expect a similar haul when the Oscar nominations are announced in about a month.
This movie earns:
