By Petra Terzi
Publisher, Filmmaker, Writer, Producer
Yorgos Lanthimos has once again worked his magic, upholding Greece’s legacy as the cradle and architect of theater. By perpetuating the trend set by Greek directors in the Weird Wave, he follows in the footsteps of Alexandros Avranas’ “Miss Violence,” which won the Silver Lion in 2013. Ten years later, Lanthimos’ latest work, “Poor Things,” has been awarded the Golden Lion at the Venice Festival.
“Poor Things” presents a complex and controversial narrative that has garnered mixed reactions in terms of its portrayal of women’s empowerment and freedom. The film’s approach to women’s liberation through sexual freedom can be perceived as misogynistic by some viewers. Additionally, it contains provocative statements about children’s sexuality which can be unsettling and contentious.
In terms of creativity and originality, the film shows influences from notable films. There are scenes that seem to draw inspiration from Alejandro González Iñárritu’s “Bardo,” as well as visual elements reminiscent of Luc Besson’s “The Fifth Element,” particularly in its depiction of spaceships and air taxis. While these references might enrich the narrative’s cinematic quality, they could also be seen as a lack of originality in terms of fantasy and creation.
In “Poor Things,” director Lanthimos employs canted camera angles and concave frames, creating a voyeuristic and chaotic visual experience. The film is a visual feast, with its over-the-top costumes and décor, despite the more gruesome scenes involving gore and unsettling moments like Bella’s interaction with an apple. It blends retro-futurist Victoriana and fantastical elements, highlighted by Bella’s gothic wardrobe and a bizarre array of animal experiments.
Scripted by Tony McNamara, the film is laced with refined humor, while Lanthimos’ direction adds a bold, whimsical touch, especially in portraying Bella’s liberated sexual exploration. However, this aspect of the film raises questions about the portrayal of female agency and the male gaze, as Bella’s character sometimes seems to perform more for the secret lens’ benefit than her own empowerment.
“Poor Things” navigates a complex path, trying to balance edgy content with feminist themes. It delves into women’s ongoing battles with power and societal norms, with Bella’s journey evolving into a tale of wisdom, empathy, and joy, punctuated by Hollywood’s requisite sexualization. At its best, the film is a subversive and multifaceted spectacle, offering much more than just its overt sexuality.
