Nobody told me this was going to look like a Terry Gilliam movie. Anyways, inject this into my veins ASAP.
For over a year now, readers were wondering what was going on with Yorgos Lanthimos’ “Poor Things” and why it’s been delayed for this long. The just-released TEASER hints at lots of visual effects.
It looks dreamy, surreal, deadpan. But also unlike anything Lanthimos has released before. Gilliam influences, most definitely, and a hint of Jean-Pierre Jeunet’s films. Fish eyed lens, anachronistic sci-fi and some low-angled shots The visuals look stunning.
We also have a plot synopsis:
From filmmaker Yorgos Lanthimos and producer Emma Stone comes the incredible tale and fantastical evolution of Bella Baxter (Stone), a young woman brought back to life by the brilliant and unorthodox scientist Dr. Godwin Baxter (Willem Dafoe). Under Baxter’s protection, Bella is eager to learn. Hungry for the worldliness she is lacking, Bella runs off with Duncan Wedderburn (Mark Ruffalo), a slick and debauched lawyer, on a whirlwind adventure across the continents. Free from the prejudices of her times, Bella grows steadfast in her purpose to stand for equality and liberation.
Most had predicted a 2022 release for “Poor Things”. Now it’s come to the point where Lanthimos has two new movies in the can and ready to go this year, the other one titled “AND.”
Regardless, the film stars Emma Stone, Mark Ruffalo, Willem Dafoe, Ramy Youssef, Jerrod Carmichael and Christopher Abbott.
“Poor Things” was spitballed for a Cannes premiere, then it didn’t show up when the lineup was revealed. What happened? Searchlight dated the film for a September 8th release date. That means probably no TIFF, but Venice is still very much a possibility.
If you remember, Lanthimos’ last film, 2018’s “The Favorite,” was an absolute success with Oscar, critics and audiences. That one premiered at Venice. We’ve been highly anticipating what Lanthimos was going to serve us next, he’s one of the most interesting filmmakers working today.
Criterion's December lineup has some great additions to the library, but the title that jumped out at me is Werner Herzog's "Grizzly Man," which officially joins the Collection on December 8.