Pobres Criaturas

I was full of trepidation when seeing The Favourite back in 2018 because I love Yorgos films in his native Greek and I wondered how the weird wave would translate into the English language. The answer is very well. This had been dubbed a feminist Frankenstein and upon viewing I can see why. What's interesting though is Bella creates herself, without giving too much away almost literally creates herself and in the sense she grows with experience. We see countless men try and fail to take ownership of her: control of her body, her mind and mostly her sexuality. I really enjoyed joining her for the adventure and it reminded me of why we should feel wonder at the world, feel compassion for the less fortunate and want to help one another. The aesthetics in this film are really a class apart. We see London, Paris and Lisbon, at once recognisable but also completely altered in the directors imagination. I wouldn't say it's my favourite of Yorgos films but it's very very good.

The movie explores the women's condition in our society trough the story of a girl who comes back to life. All her experience are a metaphore of real life, it makes you think what it is happening around us. Emma Stone is superlative in her role, Willem Defoe and Mark Ruffalo are the perfect supporting cast. The last point is about the director: he is able to show the story in a brilliant way passing from the back comedy (Tim Burton's style) to some dramatic scenes. The photography is changing during the movie, scenes are shown from different point of views. Also the music is perfect, it creates the atmosphere. The final result is an original movie, which analyses deeply our current.

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.**

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.

Clearly a lot of people enjoyed this grotesque movie, but it wasn't for me. Some of the scenes in it made me feel sick, and maybe they were supposed to, but it seemed unnecessary. Don't even get me started on how pretentious the movie was.

I also found this movie very frustrating because the acting was good, the sets and costuming were good, and some scenes used striking cinematography. These things all made me feel like I should've liked the movie, but I don't. It could have been put to much better use.

The sex and nudity is beyond gratuitous. I'm usually not bothered by sex scenes in movies, but for this particular film it felt perverted. Maybe the director has a weird fetish.

Ultimately, this film made me want to crack my own head open and pour bleach over my brain. It's one of those movies I'd like to block out. I don't think I'll ever watch anything else by Lanthimos.