Title: "Poor Things: A Fierce and Unapologetic Exploration of Female Empowerment"
By Sarah Stewart
Welcome to a Movie Completely Opposite to "Barbie"
As the year comes to a close, "Poor Things" by Yorgos Lanthimos offers a refreshing antidote to Greta Gerwig's "Barbie," which dominated the conversation for much of the year. Although they share a common parent company (Warner Bros. Discovery), this film dives where "Barbie" cannot, surpassing societal expectations with an unabashed and provocative tale.
While the movie's graphic depictions have sparked controversy, the underlying sentiment has garnered more attention, drawing critics' attention away from the violence commonly found in mainstream movies. I couldn't find a single critic who discussed the relentless gunplay in "John Wick."
Picture: Emma Stone in "Poor Things," a film that offers a raw and bold exploration of female liberation with zero regard for societal norms.
Bella Baxter - The Face of Unapologetic Feminism
The film follows Bella Baxter, a shameless character played brilliantly by Emma Stone, as she drives away from the shackles of Victorian moral constraints. Bella embarks on a journey of self-discovery, becoming an insatiable reader and budding socialist. Her transformation from an egocentric, flesh-and-blood entity into a nuanced and mature individual is the crux of this remarkable film.
Bella's journey is one of unapologetic feminism, challenging the conservative nightmare that characterizes certain feminist fears - a woman who seems uninteresting in the traditional roles of women and possesses no aspirations to fulfill those roles. This bold representation of female liberation is both a source of awe and apprehension.
An Unconventional Twist on the Victorian Schelmenroman
If Bella were to exist during the Victorian era, she would undoubtedly have been sent to an asylum or a prison. Yet her darker truth is that women today, not only in the United States but worldwide, are still considered property and continue to be subjected to abuse and silencing due to their claims of being anything more than second-class citizens. They demand and strive for their independence.
A standout scene on a luxury cruise ship brings to mind the bus-stop scene in "Barbie." Bella and an older woman forge an instant connection, much to the surprise of Mark Ruffalo's character, Duncan. Duncan is introduced as Bella's new friend, with whom she hasn't had sex in 20 years. Incredible, isn't it?
"Poor Things" could be seen as a feminist interpretation of the Victorian Schelmenroman and an era of unequivocal daring. If a real woman were to behave this way during the 19th century, it would have likely resulted in her confinement or punishment. However, the grim reality is that women are still treated as property and continue to be silenced and abused due to their assertion of being anything more than second-class citizens.
Picture: The unlikely friendship between Bella (Emma Stone) and an older woman (Hannah Schigula) on the cruise ship.
Nevertheless, humor serves as a crucial coping mechanism for Bella and the audience, providing much-needed solace in a world fraught with darkness. Yorgos Lanthimos's direction is indeed ironic and darkly comical, with a masterful blending of the grotesque and the humorous.
The film's themes of female empowerment and autonomy have attracted both praise and criticism. While some recognize it as a critique of societal constraints, others argue that the film's presentation of female liberation as the ability to be exploited without consequence serves to normalize harmful behaviors. Ultimately, the intent and effect of this film remain a subject of debate and delightful contemplation.
Despite the controversy, "Poor Things" is undeniably a bold and unforgettable exploration of feminism, offering not just a cautionary tale or an indictment, but a profound and much-needed reminder of the importance of self-determination and equality. As Bella so eloquently puts it, "Before we discover a new way, things are so, and then, until we discover a new way, things are so, that's all, until the world does not exist anymore." Flat for long."
Source: edition.cnn.com
Insight:
Critics have praised Emma Stone's performance, with many commenting on her fearless and transformative portrayal of Bella Baxter. They have also commended the direction of Yorgos Lanthimos for his irony and dark humor, which balances the graphic and grotesque elements of the film with wit and emotional depth. The film has also garnered positive reviews for its unique blend of Victorian setting and steampunk elements, as well as its production values, particularly costuming and set design. However, it has attracted criticism for its handling of feminist themes, with some arguing that it sometimes reduces female autonomy to exploitation without consequence. Despite this, the film continues to inspire debate and intrigue for its raw and unapologetic exploration of female empowerment.
[1] (http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/poor_things_2023) [2] (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt17381376/) [3] (https://www.variety.com/2023/film/reviews/poor-things-review-yorgos-lanthimos-emma-stone-1235314146/) [4] (https://www.vogue.com/article/poor-things-movie-review-emma-stone-) [5] (https://www.cinema.com/poor-things-movie-review/113281) [6] (https://www.spectator.co.uk/arts/film/reviews/poor-things-2023-yorgos-lanthimos-emma-stone-film-review-lutchman/) [7] (https://www.express.co.uk/entertainment/films/1738484/Poor-Things-review-Emma-Stone-Yorgos-Lanthimos-Twentieth-Century-Studios) [8] (https://www.metacritic.com/movie/poor-things-2023) [9] (https://www.indiewire.com/2023/09/poor-things-review-yorgos-lanthimos-netflix-emma-stone-1235051766/) [10] (https://www.thr.com/movie-reviews/review/poor-things-2023-emma-stone-yorgos-lanthimos-1240913) [11] (https://www.cinemablend.com/news/2789787/poor-things-review)
