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Lanthimos (again) used a script by Tony McNamara based on the Victorian novel by Scottish writer Alasdair Grey. The novel, as the London Review of Books wrote, is lively, funny and raunchy. The director of “Poor Creatures” has managed to retain all of these qualities. They are embodied by the protagonist: Bella Baxter (Emma Stone). The beneficiary (or, if you prefer, victim) of modern neurosurgery is a grown woman with the quiet mind of a child.
Bella is growing up at a fast pace and without any prejudices, especially regarding her sexuality. Which initially makes her the subject of unhealthy interest among scholars – including the inventive father Godwin Baxter (Willem Dafoe) and all sorts of sexual fetishists, especially the cynical lawyer Duncan Wedderburn (Mark Ruffalo). However, Bella quickly recovers and takes matters into her own hands. She embarks on a journey of self-discovery, overturning ridiculous, but culturally entrenched, beliefs about femininity along the way.
Emma Stone and Mark Ruffalo in “Bad Things”
“Poor creatures”: There will be disapproving voices
There were likely voices of disapproval of Bella's sexual discontent, and accusations that Lanthimos equated the feminine element with lust. The pursuit of pleasure is of course not the most important aspect of equality, but the fact that the Greek director gives his heroine the right to feel it without consequences (in other words, in a manly way) is still rare and liberating.
The Greek director's work – at least since the Oscar-nominated “Fang” – is authentic Feat of strength. “Poor things” don't change his course. They are perfectly behaved, they arouse the curiosity of the presented world. It is a fantasy world, although its roots go back to the Victorian era. With real places on the map, but in a sci-fi setting, with colors and contrasts enhanced by set designer James Price and cinematographer Robbie Ryan. No wonder it's a world that's just coming to fruition, seen through the eyes of a child who doesn't yet have many points of reference.
Willem Dafoe in “Bad Things”
“Poor Creatures”: Great costumes
Holly Waddington's costumes, winner of a BIFA award for 'Lady M', fit her perfectly. William Oldroyd. There, Catherine's dresses were her armor. Here, in Poor Creatures, Bella's extravagant clothing expresses her attitude toward tradition. Hanging between a corset and short shorts. Elegant, but not restrictive. She changes throughout the film in line with the development of the heroine.
Who are the titular poor creatures in this fantasy road movie? The freaks that God brought back (conquered) Baxter (whom Bella called God) to life (and those whose lives he took)? Animal hybrids living on the estate of a scientist and creatures submerged in vats of formaldehyde filling his laboratory? Women – victims of their sensuality and the madness it arouses in men who try to tame them, castrate them and keep them under lock and key? Or maybe people in general? Doomed to suffer, forever torn between nature and culture, torn between instincts and good breeding?
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