The Concept
“Besides, a life without freedom to choose is not worth having.”Bella Baxter
“Poor Things” is a cinematic tapestry woven with various cultural and historical threads blends a mix of cultural, historical, and mythical elements that deepen its story.
The film, an adaptation of the novel by Alasdair Gray, tells the story of Bella Baxter, a woman brought back to life with the brain of an infant, who embarks on a journey of self-discovery and defiance against societal norms.
Lanthimos's direction in “Poor Things” brilliantly incorporates influences from various epochs and art forms, making the film a rich visual and intellectual experience.
For instance, the concept of the Grand Tour, a 17th Century custom where young aristocrats traveled across Europe to absorb cultural legacies, parallels Bella’s personal journey. Her travels and experiences symbolize a grand tour of human emotions and societal roles, reflecting a deep quest for identity and meaning in a constraining Victorian society.
The film’s aesthetic and thematic layers also draw comparisons to Hieronymus Bosch’s painting “The Garden of Earthly Delights”. Just as Bosch’s work depicts a surreal, intricate vision of paradise and damnation, “Poor Things” presents a fantastical, yet disturbing vista of human life, teeming with grotesque realities and eccentricities. Bella’s resurrection and subsequent adventures can be seen as a move from innocence to experience, mirroring the triptych’s journey from Eden to a haunting earthly existence and eventual hellish consequences.
Moreover, the influence of Fritz Lang's “Metropolis” is palpable in the film’s critique of modernity and technology. Bella, much like the created humanoid of Lang’s narrative, symbolizes the intersection of human vulnerability and the mechanical, showcasing the dangers and ethical dilemmas of scientific advancement. Lanthimos uses this parallel to enhance the film's exploration of autonomy, consciousness, and the definition of being human in a rapidly evolving world.
The Lighthouse of Alexandria, another historical reference in the film, symbolizes enlightenment and guidance amid chaos. Bella, navigating through her reconstructed life, seeks light amidst her confusing existence, much like sailors would look towards the lighthouse for direction. This metaphor extends to her role in the narrative, serving as a beacon that challenges the dark waters of societal expectations and gender roles.
Visually, “Poor Things” is a feast of unusual and symbolic costumes that reflect the characters’ complex narratives and the film's thematic richness. These costumes not only signify the characters’ societal statuses and inner transformations but also add a layer of commentary on the period’s fashion as an extension of personal identity and liberty, as mentioned in the article “Unfurling the Unusual Costumes of Poor Things” written by Melena Ryzik.
The painting “Nude Girl Standing with Long Black Hair & Blue-Black Drape” was used as a reference for Bella’s apperarance linking her character to the concept of the muse and subject in art, who is both observed and observer, passive yet powerful.
Through “Poor Things”, Lanthimos not only crafts a narrative about the bizarre and the surreal but also invites viewers to reflect on the essence of humanity and freedom. The film becomes a grand tour itself, not just through geography but through history, art, and the human psyche, making Bella not merely a character in a story but a profound statement on life itself.
The music is also an important component of this journey, as the soundtrack complements its rich, multi-layered narrative, with an orchestration of sound that blends classical and modern elements making the movie experience even more immersive.
Crafted as a valuable tool for scholars, students, and fans alike, this project aims to shed light on the universe of our chosen connections for the concept of “Poor Things”.
The materials for this project can be accessed through this Github repository.
