Yorgos Lanthimos’ latest film Poor Things stars Emma Stone in a transformative role that challenges conventional storytelling. Set in a baroque, fantastical world, this narrative reimagines the Frankenstein tale, exploring themes of identity, freedom, and the female experience in a male-dominated society. Garnering critical acclaim, the film marks a bold new direction in Lanthimos’ cinematic journey.
Emma Stone stars in Poor Things, a groundbreaking film directed by Yorgos Lanthimos that challenges Hollywood’s traditional conventions of modesty. The film presents a unique twist on the Frankenstein narrative, featuring Stone as Bella, a naive creature who undergoes a journey of emotional and sexual discovery in a male-dominated world. This 2-hour, 21-minute fantasy film has already achieved significant acclaim, securing the prestigious Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival and two Golden Globe awards.
Poor Things is set in an ornate, baroque universe and marks a departure from the 18th-century black comedy of Lanthimos’ previous film, The Favourite. Alongside Emma Stone, the film features renowned actors such as Willem Dafoe and Mark Ruffalo. Stone, who also served as a producer for the film, delivers a performance that has been touted as Oscar-worthy, following her acclaimed role in La La Land (2016).
In the movie, Bella, portrayed by Stone, is a chimera with the physical form of an adult woman but the mental capacity of an infant. She is the creation of an enigmatic scientist named “God,” or Godwin Baxter (played by Willem Dafoe), who keeps her secluded in his large London home, which doubles as a laboratory. The story takes a turn when Bella escapes with a man (played by Mark Ruffalo) to explore the world, journeying from Lisbon to Paris and Alexandria. Through her experiences, Bella encounters pleasure, sex, and a range of emotions, unburdened by prejudice.
The film’s director, Yorgos Lanthimos, highlights the contemporary relevance of this retrofuturistic world, noting its exploration of freedom, the societal roles of women and men, and the unprejudiced perspective of the main character. He emphasizes the unvarnished depiction of Bella’s sexual education as a crucial element of the film, underscoring the lack of shame in both the character and Emma Stone’s portrayal, especially in the sex scenes.
Intimacy coordinators have become increasingly prominent in the film industry, particularly in scenes involving sexual content. This role, which was initially perceived as potentially intrusive by some filmmakers, has evolved to be seen as a valuable asset in ensuring the comfort and safety of actors during sensitive scenes. Yorgos Lanthimos, a director known for his unique and often dark style, as evidenced in films like The Lobster and Dogtooth, has embraced this practice. A frequent participant in prestigious film festivals like Cannes and Venice, Lanthimos often collaborates with American actors and shoots in English. His creative partnership with actress Emma Stone is noteworthy, especially in their acclaimed film The Favorite, which won the Jury Prize at Venice in 2018. This film also featured Rachel Weisz and Olivia Colman, with Colman earning an Oscar for her performance.
With AFP
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