The Unconventional Heroine
Poor Things finds its source in the 1992 novel of the same name by Alistair Gray. The film develops into a unique and peculiar film. The feeling of watching is like seeing a dream come true. It is brought to light by the story’s focus on the heroine, Bella Baxter. She goes through an unusually quick transformation, almost like a Frankenstein’s monster. Her inventor, Dr. Goodwin Baxter, becomes a major character in this surreal story. To continue this cycle, Dr. Baxter decided to design his human experiment. The resuscitation of Bella is the central question of this scientific project. She goes through a special process of resurrection. Bella’s unborn child’s brain is removed by Dr. Baxter, who then implants it into her head. Bella exhibits traits like an uneven walk in a very young child when we first meet her. Her use of words like “Bud blood, Bud blood” highlights how undeveloped and immature her communication abilities are. Through Bella’s journey, the idea of self-parenting is profoundly reinterpreted. She essentially becomes her mother in the purest form. The spectators are given the chance to see her as she matures and gradually takes charge of her own life.
Bella’s voyage acquires a unique resonance. There have been analogies drawn between the two stories and the well-known Barbie figurine due to their shared theme. It’s important to recognize the clear differences between Barbie and Bella. Barbie represents traditional beauty and perfection, whereas Bella goes beyond what is expected of a woman in society. Bella accepts her quirks fearlessly and isn’t constrained by social conventions. Bella’s character is elevated to a degree of genuineness by this differentiation. As so, it subverts gender stereotypes in a way that is distinct from the well-known narrative trajectory exemplified by the ubiquitous Barbie. The core of Poor Things is a story about a peculiar and outlandish version of the well-known Barbie, as Christy Lamir pointed out in her review included on Roger Ebert’s website. But distilling the film to a mere analogy is insufficient to capture its great nuance and complexity. Bella’s existence develops under the authoritarian authority of her father when she is first brought under the care of Dr. Baxter. Surprisingly diverging from the traditional Frankenstein story, Dr. Baxter’s emotional landscape takes a wild turn as he falls in love with his unusual offspring. The attachment shows up as a reluctance to let Bella go into the world.
Even though Bella first submits to Dr. Baxter’s authority, a metamorphosis takes place in her developing awareness. Her longing for a more fulfilling and wider existence starts to seep into her mentality. Against the grain of the classic Frankenstein story, Bella yearns to be free of the constraints placed upon her. Fueled by natural curiosity and a developing mind, she realizes she has to leave Dr. Baxter’s territory and interact with the wider range of human experience. Her declaration, “Understand me, never lived outside God’s house,” captures the decisive moment when Bella decides to break out from the protected life that her creator has carefully planned for her. It is a moving example of her tenacity. Bella’s cognitive abilities, which are often associated with tiny children, come with some obstacles, but they also provide her with some freedom. A toddler’s natural state of cognitive development is characterized by an unbridled genuineness. The developmental stage is characterized by a lack of inhibition and bravery in expressing one’s uniqueness. Similar to this developmental model, she follows a similar path. This way, Bella’s possession of a childish mind becomes both a struggle and a means of gaining access to a certain kind of freedom.
Bonding and Rejection
Bella meets Dr. Baxter’s student Max McCandles just before she leaves. Curiosity takes on a human form when Bella is around, capturing her spirit and fostering their growing bond. As their friendship progresses, Bella indicates that she wants to strengthen their bond. But Max chooses to reject this idea, drawing a line in their developing dynamic. The story takes a surprising turn when Bella meets Duncan Wedderburn. Duncan takes an active role in developing their friendship, in contrast to Max’s cautious reaction. The nuances of these developments will be examined in later chapters, providing light on the complexities inherent in Bella’s interpersonal relationships and the divergent trajectories they assume. The complexities of this turning point in Bella’s life, in particular her interactions with Max and Duncan, deserve more investigation.
Bella’s horizons grow as she experiences rapid and significant cognitive growth. Her boldness in saying, “I keep it in my mouth if it is revolting,” highlights her steadfast will to maintain her independence despite discomfort. Her quick agency development is fueled by her persistence, and this leads to a tangible sense of discontent with the patriarchal limitations that keep her inside the social structure. Bella’s first motivation for leaving her family’s house was an intense desire for independence. The irony, though, emerges when she discovers that she is trapped inside Duncan’s expectations and assumptions about who she is. Instead of freeing herself from one type of tyranny in society, she unintentionally submits to another. The contrast draws attention to the intricate relationship that develops between personal choice and external factors in forming Bella’s developing story, as her search for independence paradoxically results in an unanticipated entanglement with an alternative expression of societal expectations.
Along the way, Bella meets Martha and Harry, two other travelers who are like-minded souls. Bella’s cognitive growth accelerates and expands even more quickly thanks to the transforming power of literature. Bella responds in the positive when Martha and Harry ask her whether she would like to see what the real world is like, which sparks her intense interest. Bella’s character is affected by her intellectual awakening in several ways. Her language becomes increasingly complicated as a reflection of the growing intricacies of her mental architecture. She simultaneously becomes an avid reader and acquires an insatiable taste for literature, as well as a renewed interest in the craft of argument. These academic endeavors represent a significant shift from her previous condition of being.
Resistance to Transformation
Not everyone, though, is open to Bella’s transformation. Duncan says he’s not happy with how her character has changed. His dislike is based on his desire for a younger Bella, highlighting a social critique and satirical commentary on an unsettling trend in which some people tend to dehumanize women by emphasizing an innocent beauty over the qualities of a responsible, grown-up adult. As a result, Bella’s story emerges as an engaging examination of the conflicts that arise between cultural expectations and intellectual development. the opposition to the infantilization and objectification of women. During a meeting with Bella, Duncan remarks on her increased preparedness and bemoans what he sees as the decline in her once-cutesy whimsical traits, saying, “You’re always ready now. You’re becoming less endearingly whimsical.” As opposed to the expected reaction of submission, Bella takes a position of resistance very quickly. Wurn starts to irritate her, and she starts to stand up for herself when he tries to change her into a more submissive version of herself. Bella’s response, “And your sad face makes me discover angry feelings for you,” denotes a break from passive acceptance and emphasizes her increasing assertiveness and resistance to being controlled emotionally.
It becomes clear that Bella is a character who will not give up on any aspect of her life. Nonetheless, the story subtly recognizes the difficulties that come with upholding such firm beliefs in the complicated actual world. Bella’s unwavering attitude and the realistic concessions that are frequently required by reality contrast sharply, offering a moving remark on the inevitable challenge that people have when trying to strike a balance between their authenticity and the demands of society. Bella’s trip ends up serving as a metaphor for the larger difficulties faced by people trying to maintain their individuality and morality in the face of the complicated and multifaceted actual world. Poor Things transports viewers to a world of fantasy and oddities abounding in set design. The visual style of the film in conjunction with its cinematography. The use of vignette shots is particularly noteworthy as a unique artistic decision. This impression is further enhanced by Yorgos Lanthimos’s purposeful use of a vignetted wide lens, which creates an atmosphere akin to a doorway that immerses the viewer in another reality.
One notable feature of the film’s cinematography is the use of ultrawide views, which are purposefully used to represent Bella’s ever-expanding worldview and her unquenchable need to take in everything around her. Such an artistic approach becomes a visual representation of Bella’s development both mentally and emotionally, fitting in well with her quest to fully comprehend and be immersed in life. Bella’s transformation isn’t limited to her inner world; it also affects how she looks on the outside. As she ventures farther into her studies, her costume changes to reflect the development of her mind, going from plain and innocent white gowns to elaborate and colorful outfits. The film’s surreal atmosphere is cultivated by the juxtaposition of outrageous clothes and unusual plot aspects, creating an unreal impression that permeates the story.
Reality Amidst Quirkiness
Notwithstanding the peculiarities of the film, the fundamental theme maintains a connection to reality. The story acts as a stabilizing force amidst the fanciful and quirky components. As so, it sustains a profound link to the human experience, guaranteeing that the audience is firmly grounded in the emotional resonance of the characters and their desire for self-understanding and connection, regardless of how fanciful the components get. How Poor Things depicts personal situations has been a source of significant controversy in our society ever since the film’s premiere at the film festival. The conversation that is still going on over these kinds of scenarios is a reflection of a larger, more contemporary social discussion. As people’s understanding of the potentially exploitative nature of Hollywood techniques has grown, the debate has changed, especially about the discomfort. There are certain risks that actors must occasionally overcome while filming intimate sequences. There has been a noticeable backlash against the idea that these kinds of sequences are essential to stories as a result of a change in viewer awareness.
The historical propensities of the film industry to engage in exploitative acts have led to a critical analysis of the ethical implications of how intimacy is portrayed on screen. An increasing body of opinion is opposed to the presence of personal sequences in stories, leading to a reevaluation of their function and need as a result of this analysis. Several assessments have been examining and breaking down the ramifications and intricacies surrounding how intimacy is portrayed in films to add to this continuing conversation. The obvious and ostentatious character of the personal sequences in Poor Things has unavoidably drawn the attention of both critics and spectators given this socio-cultural context. These moments’ enhanced stylization and heightened presentation prompt concerns about their possible problematic character. In a time when ethical concerns in filmmaking are receiving more attention than ever before, assessing the suitability and significance of these moments about the larger storyline becomes a crucial part of the critical conversation around the film.
Development and Discomfort
Many people are uneasy about Bella’s relationships because of the way her character was first developed. It makes sense that this idea causes discomfort as it goes against accepted notions of adulthood and raises moral questions about how intimacy is portrayed. But it’s important to recognize that Bella’s investigation of intimacy is a fundamental aspect of her fast-tracked transition to maturity. As part of her complex evolution, Bella actively seeks out this component of the human experience, in contrast to the idea that it is imposed upon her. Her first self-examination comes before her interaction with others, signifying the transforming influence of close connections on her development. Emma Stone makes clear that Bella’s broad desire to broaden her horizons includes more than just the study of intimacy.
Most importantly, Bella’s sexual orientation plays a crucial role in the story. This aspect goes beyond simple portrayal in private moments; it is deeply entwined with her development as an intellectual. Bella has more ambitions than just material things. She wants to travel the world, try different foods, and read a wide range of books. A tempest of ideas swirls in the back of her mind and heart. As Bella’s journey is described, it becomes clear that lust is only one aspect of her complex development. Most importantly, it’s a space in which she retains authority. The story highlights that her body is hers to liberate, with her sovereignty over it emerging as a major motif. Essentially, Bella’s story’s examination of intimacy acts as a prism through which the film explores difficult subjects like individuality, development, and the complexity of the human experience.
Turning Point
Bella’s stay at the brothel is a turning point in her journey to learn about and broaden her knowledge of intimacy. Immersion in a female community plays a crucial role in Bella’s personal development. In this unusual environment, Bella finds a kind of freedom and enjoyment that corresponds with her unmet desires. Bella gains a sense of agency from the ladies at the brothel who function as mentors, teaching her important lessons on how to actively pursue and achieve her goals. Bella emerges as a figure who defies social conventions and conventional gender roles to embody socialist and feminist principles. Her story follows a unique path into the world of female pleasure, questioning accepted norms and promoting a paradigm in which women value their independence. The way she was treated by the males in her life stands in sharp contrast to her deviation from the social norm.
What’s especially interesting is how Duncan reacts when he learns of Bella’s sudden growth and independence. Duncan is incredibly miserable, as seen by his unease about Bella’s independence. His wish to preserve her naivety, infantile manner, and subservience contrasts sharply with Bella’s aggressive quest for self-actualization and independence. The glaring contradiction between Bella’s goals and Duncan’s highlights the stress in their relationship. Bella’s decision to reject Duncan’s plan for her is a crucial turning point in the story. Unafraid to follow her path, she refuses to live a life predetermined by the expectations of others. By doing this, she represents the spirit of individual autonomy and self-determination and becomes a symbol of resistance against patriarchal standards. Bella’s journey presents a compelling examination of the nuances surrounding female autonomy and the rejection of repressive ideas, especially in light of her experiences in the brothel.
The film cleverly alludes to A Streetcar Named Desire, evoking a comparison with the well-known sequence in which Stanley loudly calls out to Stella at the foot of the stairs, finally winning her over and letting him back into her life. But Bella’s story deviates noticeably from this pattern as it progresses. Bella, in contrast to Stella, demonstrates a firm unwillingness to give in to outside pressure, which strengthens her independence and resilience in the face of social expectations. Though they evoke a feeling of absurdity rather than overt titillation, the film’s most personal sequences serve as a metaphor for Bella’s overall development. Rather than being overtly sexual, the sequences are essential to showing Bella’s metamorphosis since they provide subtle insights into her changing personality. Unlike the Hollywood approach to personal sequences, which is sometimes arbitrary, the film uses them purposefully and avoids needless sensationalism.
Dual Perspective
One unique feature that makes Poor Things stand out is Stone’s active role as a producer. Stone’s ability to work as both an actress and a producer gave her a special perspective on the entire filming process. She had unparalleled control over the film’s content thanks to the insider view; she could decide how personal situations were shown and how much she felt comfortable participating in them. From previous traditions, when females typically lacked agency in selecting the character of their on-screen depictions, empowerment marks a substantial difference. The actress Stone admits this change in dynamics, saying, “I’ve gotten to be very privy to the whole process that I wouldn’t have if I were just acting in it.” The assertion highlights the novel power dynamics that may arise when actors assume producer responsibilities, providing them with a hitherto unattainable degree of influence and control over their representations. Poor Things is made unique not just by its transforming dynamic but also by a larger trend in the film business toward giving females more control and freedom to create their own stories on screen.
The film is set in a whimsically reimagined Victorian era, but despite its historical setting, it has a profoundly modern resonance because Bella’s story transcends time and unites women from different generations in their quest for self-discovery and freedom from the limitations placed on them by men who want to keep them within social norms. Despite the magical environment, Bella’s quest reflects a timeless issue that has persisted throughout history: the continuous fight for independence and freedom from patriarchal constraints. The central theme of Bella’s storyline offers a timeless lesson: in the face of the world’s omnipresent darkness and evil, one should never back down from lighting one’s candle. Her story serves as a monument to the innate power that every individual possesses by highlighting the agency and control people have over their own lives. The sentence “You are in control, my son,” which highlights the narrative’s central theme of empowerment and self-determination, is a masterful way to convey the notion.
It’s crucial to realize that the film’s sequences, although garnering significant attention from the media, do not constitute the central focus of the story. Instead, it provides a thoughtful examination of several aspects of personal development. Bella’s journey is highlighted in a way that goes beyond the dramatic aspects and includes a more comprehensive examination of self-awareness, independence, and fortitude. The film’s central absurdity is a heartbreaking statement on how silly it is that a basic premise—a woman’s yearning for agency—is nonetheless seen as unique or uncommon. The story’s surrealistic quality highlights the ridiculousness of such a viewpoint in the present period and emphasizes society’s ongoing resistance to completely accept and mainstream the concept of women desiring autonomy. By doing this, the film not only amuses viewers but also encourages introspection by getting them to think about the cultural views that endure throughout time.
Bibliography
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