The plot sounds innocuous enough: A young woman runs off with a lawyer (Mark Ruffalo), though promised in marriage to a science assistant Ramy Youssef), after an unorthodox scientist brings her back to life.
Ah, brings back to life… through an unborn infant’s brain transplant! It’s a Frankenstein story with several twists. Dr. Godwin Baxter (Willem Dafoe), “Always carve with compassion,” is in monstrous facial stitching while his “creation” is a lovely unblemished Bella (Emma Stone).
Director James Whale introduced Frankenstein’s monster in the 1931 classic standing with his back to the camera; director Lanthimos pays homage; first shot in the film replicates, but in colour, that impressive debut.
Noteworthy, however, is that the main influence was really Francis Ford Coppola’s Bram Stoker’s Dracula (1992).
Bella Baxter is full grown when we meet her, but she’s like an infant taking baby steps, speaking language in baby-talk, and through trial and error picking up how to behave in society.
She learns that Australia is far away with dangerous people and animals. In her evolution Bella has no shame about anything because she’s so new. On the other hand, she defines a woman’s autonomy as the ability to be exploited and be uncaring. Empathy becomes contemptuous rage.
During filming four lenses were used. Commanding eyeful attention was the distinctive fish-eye for heightening key moments.
The film is a black and white/colour hybrid, like current Oscar nominees Oppenheimer, Maestro, and The Zone of Interest.
Lanthimos has his voyeuristic sex moments via what his cast is directed to perform. It is too long for what it has to say. There were at least three good climaxes where the film could or should have ended.
Movie: Poor Things
Duration: 141 mins
Director: Yorgos Lanthimos
Starring: Emma Stone, Willem Dafoe, Mark Ruffalo, Ramy Youssef
Reviewed by Lawrenty
