Film Review #49 - Poor Things (2023)



The film Poor Things (2023). a film by Yorgos Lanthimos, stands out as a unique yet very peculiar jewel in Hollywood cinema, marked by its creative storytelling and striking visual aesthetics. The film immediately grabs your attention with its very unusual and weird artistic elements.

The cinematography is nothing short of amazing, introducing a blend of black and white scenes that add a layer of complexity and depth and colored scenes. The cinematography is consistently innovative, with techniques that often repeat, for instance, 360 degree shots (fisheye shot), fast zoom-ins and zoom-outs, medium full shots, overhead shots, and Scorsese-like quick pans from left to right. This type of cinematography added more dynamism to the visual experience. The film's use of CGI added an extra layer of surrealism as per its theme. The dance scenes are even more captivating.

One of the film's most striking features is its unusual yet compelling use of sound and music. The vintage lo-fi, bending, peculiar vibe of the soundtrack complements the visual narrative perfectly, while the experimental use of musical instruments like the oboe as a bass element in certain scenes is nothing short of innovative. Moreover, the violin orchestra music with Interstellar-like organs plays a pivotal role in enhancing the storytelling. I really liked how the film handled the climactic moments, especially with the powerful use of a single, sustained music note. This technique, like a scene from the film Tenet (2020), brings a distinct and dramatic impact to the crucial moments of the movie.

The narrative structure of 'Poor Things' is intriguingly unconventional. Emma Stone's performance is a standout, bringing depth and nuance to her character. Bella's character, living in a patriarchal world, adds a feminist perspective to the film, infused with humor and wit. Her unique accent and quirky personality greatly enhance the charm of the film. The dialogue, while peculiar, is engaging and often humorous. This type of humor in the cinema theater resonated well with audiences. And of course, the rest of the cast like Mark Ruffalo, Willem Dafoe and others made a meaningful contribution to the film that tells the very peculiar and unconventional story.

In terms of thematic elements, 'Poor Things' shares similarities with Scorsese's 'The Wolf of Wall Street,' particularly with its more frequent and explicit use of sex scenes.

Throughout the film, the initially strange elements gradually become "the new normal", demonstrating the film's power to shift the viewer's perception. The film's direction is effectively balanced, allowing for the unique elements without being too overwhelming for the viewer.

In summary, 'Poor Things' is a film that pushes the boundaries of conventional visual storytelling. Its originality, combined with a strong cast, innovative cinematography, and a bizarre, out of the box narrative, makes it a remarkable cinematic achievement. However, from the emotional impact, it did not resonate with me.

Rating: 8/10

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