Poor Things - Beauty in Finding Yourself

This like the movie itself is a film of parts. The beginning was strange to say the least. The middle was captivating with Bella's jorney. The third act was Bella deciding who she truly wanted to be.

I don't want to get into heavy spoilers with these reviews. Just my overall thoughts and feelings, touching on the themes and small moments.

Let's start with the things I liked...first off, the visual look and aesthetic of the movie. The opening scene started with sharp and brilliant color. Once the story really begins it's in black and white. Given the Dr. Frankenstein science in the start, it has an old Hollywood look with flickering film. When Bella begins her adventure, it switches to what almost feels like Technicolor. It reminded me of the Wizard of Oz when Dorothy left Kansas and entered this whole new world.

The one thing I didn't enjoy was the fish eye lens use. While I understand it was used to convey emotion and the overall feeling of the scene, it kind of took me out of the movie. The artistry behind it was a bit much, but aside from those shots, the cinematography was absolutely stunning.

Emma Stone earned that Academy Award for her portrayal of Bella. Going from her childlike persona to the brilliant person she became at the end was nothing short of spectacular. She brought so much depth to the role. A young woman trying to find herself, seeing the world for the first time.

I did want to hit Mark Ruffalo's Duncan Wedderburn...with a bus. He was attracted to the wide-eyed and innocent version, but the strong willed version that wanted to learn and see the world, not so much. The men in her life tended to be possessive of her. Even her own "father" kept her at home, rarely letting her go out and see what the world had to offer.

The movie is all about Bella's journey. Her trying to choose her own path despite the roadblocks and people that were constantly trying to stifle her voice. It's when she meets an elderly lady that taught her what's between her ears is more important than what's between your legs.

She shaped her world after that. Becoming who she wanted to be despite not knowing who she was before.

The future is hers.

4/5