Poor Things (2023)
Visual spectacle of a generation.
Presentation:
"How much character do you want?” “Yes." A film perhaps known most for its cinematography and art style, and arguably the auteur’s magnum opus. The culmination of Yorgos Lanthimos’ signature moves are implemented into one film - ultra wides, fish eyes, zooms, this time with incomplete coverage lenses, tilt shift and radial blur Petzval lenses. At times distracting, even nauseating, I felt my eyes wandering all over the place. The color is rich and oversaturated by design with Ektachrome film stocks. Quirky sets and lovely constumes add to the art deco flair, this is a film where the production art department might have done more than the director and cast. In some ways this looks like if Salvador Dali could shoot a film, mixing Frankenstein and You Won’t Be Alone. The film clearly tries to fish for every Oscar achievement: Diversity, sexual orientation, female empowerment. Many should find it distracting but I felt it appropriate given the coming of age story. The quips on capitalism and socialism however were laughably forced. At its core the story explores humanity and society through a coming of age tale. Emma stone is superb and Ruffalo is wonderfully awful. There are abundant moments of quirkiness, humor and even charm at times. All this despite the sex, nudity and nihilistic cynicism.
Conclusion
Although this film is actually rife with “political” agendas, it doesn’t detract too much from what is at its core an exploration of freedom and finding yourself. And it’s done in a fun and weird way. You either hate this, love this or think it’s obnoxious. It’s not exactly a fantastic story but a showcase of talents. It’s still a unique experience nonetheless and different than anything you’ll experience from a film. I’d compare it to this generation’s Pan’s Labyrinth, but the only problem keep Bella Baxter from being iconic is that everything is too complex. That’s not a bad thing, and on the other hand it’s excites the world of cinema making its own landmark in cinema. The reason critics don’t rate it higher is because there isn’t a substantial core drama to latch onto, focusing on themes and stretched satirical storytelling instead. But if that stops you from enjoying this, then poor you.
Recommendations
Mirrors of a double life.