Poor Things: A peculiar, puffy paradigm shift
⏱ 5 min
Enlightenment
That’s the first word that comes to mind. Emma Stone's artful depiction of her character, Bella Baxter, in the black-comedy fantasy 'Poor Things' (2023), directed by Yorgos Lanthimos, was sensational!
Embracing the abnormal, and normalising it in turn. The cosmic fish-eye lens rounded the cinematography, circulating the scenes of the film into a Neo-surrealist reality, never seen before.
A poetic dance between what is known, combined with the infinite possibilities of what could be: the brain of one and the body of another.
World
It’s time to challenge perception. Question the norms and unravel reality as we know it.
Unconventional sciences and self-consciousness form a vortex of whimsicality. A two hour and twenty-two minute journey of transcendence.
Quirkiness, Insanity, Laughter
A joyous bubble of perception, unafraid of poking at the rules casted by society. Breaking free from stigmas of judgement.
Ruminating in the chaos: LOUD, broken plates, smashing on the floor, while a goat “Baa’s”, and a woman… (appearing like a woman)… sings like a baby, enunciating “Waaa!’s”, and at times, screams barely detectable words, masquerading as language.
Elements
The spirited, vivacious carnation of Bella Baxter, whose description transcends words, is graced with alt-compositions by Jerskin Fendrix.
Her costumes too, designed by Holly Waddington, radiated puffy-couture excellence. Following the director’s vision to capture the same level of extraversion that our dear collaborator Hari does in is inflated wearable sculptures.
Identity
Metamorphosis: from young to old. This story frames the journey of development and growth. Learning through doing, making, living, breathing, and feeling. All of which encapsulate the fullness of life.
Over and over again
Sex, sex, sex, sex, sex, and more… sex. But not in the sexy way, more so in the self-discovery sense. Connecting one’s body, to other bodies, over and over again.
Nudity
Escaping the narrative of sexuality, and feeling into the breadths of sensuality. Compassion. Empathy. Understanding. Crying. Sobbing. Confusion. Jealousy. Insensitivity. Narcissism. Self-infatuation.
Bella
Bella’s character is ultimately quite charming; is it because of anything she does in particular?
Not exactly. More so, it’s through the overarching energy of her not paying any attention to CONVENTION.
This isn’t because she’s daring to be different… she just is. In her world, she’s surreal, eccentric, and this is mirrored throughout her awakening. Allowing us to appreciate the idea that the circle of life as queer in all of its fullness. Subversive.
Poor Things is available to watch in Cinemas from 12th January 2024. Tune in for a playful experience of absurdity and utmost wit!
