Poor Things: Feminist or Misogynistic? (Movie Review)
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- Опубликовано: 22 май 2024
- TIMESTAMPS | CHAPTERS
00:00 Intro
01:51 Bella Baxter
03:00 Godwin William Dafoe
04:11 Max Candles Ramy Youseuf
04:47 Duncon Mark Ruffalo
05:55 Structure of the Movie
06:49 Bella and Duncon “Male Gaze”
9:54 Paris/Bella Dark Period
11:04 Bella Baxter vs Belle De Jour
16:19 The Brothel
18:00 Bella’s Development
18:42 Did we need that twist at the end?
21:00 Final Scenes/Thoughts
Reviewing and Discussing Poor Things-Brought back to life by an unorthodox scientist, a young woman runs off with a lawyer on a whirlwind adventure across the continents. Free from the prejudices of her times, she grows steadfast in her purpose to stand for equality and liberation.
#yorgoslanthimos #poorthings #emmastone 
Развлечения
So many people that Criticise this film from a Feminist perspective say things like 'the Brothel Sequence is Portrayed as Empowering!😮 Urrggh! Clearly this is a Man's Perspective of what a Woman could Enjoy!'
This TOTALLY MISSES THE POINT. She neither views the Brothel as Destructive or Empowering: it is Useful, but Disappointing. What she really enjoys in Paris are the Anatomy Classes and the Socialism.
@@yasminemahfuz7960 she also says she finds being alive 'fascinating'. Fascinating is an enigmatic word, it implies the Curiosity of a Scientist.
Have you never found something Fascinating, only to be Disappointed with it in the End?
She sees everything as an experiment.
Also, why has this film got to be "feminist"?
It didn't advertise itself as feminist. It was the positive reviews that described it as feminist (and it does recognisably draw influence from feminist critiques of society, so it is not unreasonable to describe it as such) not the PR, as far as I can tell.
It seems to me some critics who have read these reviews describing the film as feminist, take issue because it is not their personal variety of feminism (and there are lots of different varieties of feminism; it has always been a multi-schismed movement, even as early as the Pankhursts having opposing views on First World War conscription - Emmeline was for, Sylvia against, for reference) and then blame the film for their difference of opinion with other reviewers other how the film should be categorized!
I don't care if it fits the category or not; why does it matter? Can't it be judged on its own merits?
@@markpostgate2551 100%
@@markpostgate2551 Well said - this is a film written by a man based on a book written by a man, directed by a man and co-produced by men. Why did anyone ever expect it to be feminist? Of course, the whole basis of the film is that because Bella grows up without being conditioned over years by a patriarchal society, she behaves very differently than other women of her time & place, and it's interesting to me that this film could not have been made if Bella had been Ben, because he wouldn't have behaved noticeably differently than the men around him! I'm absolutely a feminist, and see this film as 1. A stunningly made, beautifully acted, hilarious and meaningful film and 2. a useful perspective on societies restrictions on the beliefs and behaviours of women - restrictions that are clearly happening as so called 'feminist' critics refuse to see Bella as a curious, self directed human wanting to experience and enjoy all aspects of life, but only in relation to the men in her life, as exploited victim. Is a woman who is apologetically interested in her own and other's sexual pleasure, with no shame, still such a terrifying thing, even on screen, even in the 21st Century?
I'm a bit of scientist myself.
Nice review! You know what I would have loved from this film - after her time with Duncan, I would have loved for her to go hang out with the older woman she met on the boat. I could see the two of them traveling together, having experiences, and discussing them - Bella could have learned a lot from her (and it would have had nothing to do with sex). She could have had her sexual awakening with Duncan in the first part and then spent the rest of the time expanding her mind. I know that this film was adapted from a book, so that dictates how the film plays out as well, but this would have been lovely to see.
Thank you Cindy 💕 and I didn’t think of that but that old lady was wasted . I would have preferred this option . The sex was so basic . I think even if they wanted to go this route they could’ve changed it up
Except it is not sex and then sex and then sex: it is three different stages she goes through; three different forms of arrangement - passionate sex as Duncan's mistress, transactional loveless sex from circumstantial necessity at the brothel, and dutiful enforced monogamy as a wife. These three are supposed to contrast each other. If the point is we are supposed to compare them then all three need to be present.
I agree the older woman was wasted, but if they hung out to expand her mind, I would say that learning more about sex and relationships would definitely be part of that mind expansion! Having said that I'm reminded of doing workshops on sexuality with other women in the '80's where the predominant benefit was to get women to understand how they had been conditioned and break free of that, learn about the actual physiological process of sexual pleasure and get them to work out and act on, what THEY actually wanted - but of course the sexual point of the film is that Bella has never suffered from that conditioning and already decides and acts on what SHE wants!
@@markpostgate2551 absolutely, but isn't it interesting that the passionate mistress sex came out as the most positive, liberating and in control? Well no, it's pretty clear that sex that is done with full consent and passion rather than duty or commercial gain has always been best for all concern, but it's worrying that people commenting on this film don't seem to distinguish between them...
To be fair, Ruffalo's character is "bad", but I'd say the worst kind of male is 100% the last dude for sure. Ruffalo's character was crazy, yes, and predatorial, yes, but he had at the very least some sort of care or desire for Bella, but once the last dude got into the picture, I was scared.
Surely that was the point - that Ruffalo's 'seductive cad', was much less damaging to her than her 'respectable husband'! Respectable husbands are the most dangerous men to women still, and have been for thousands of years...
@@rachelsnee8926 Respectable husbands are the guys who drove Shere Hite into obscurity, setting back sexuality 100 years.
I've been watching a bunch of reviews youtube videos of this movie, because it's been a few days where people have been going crazy about this movie, both in good and bad ways, talking about the sex scenes and if it is or isn't possible for it to be feminist being directed by a man, and this is probably the most relatable opinion i've watched so far. You're so right in everything, at least in compare to my take on the story!
Thank you 💕 yea I think yorgos was very careful but still honest to his own style. It’s definitely not a movie we are used to seeing every year so I think it took people by surprise
People who believe it can't be feminist if it was done by a man are not feminists - they're sexists
I really enjoyed this review! Your opinions were really well-thought-out and delivered in a really crisp, clear, and concise manner. Thank you for making it! I totally agree with the vast majority of the points you made (I saw Poor Things last night and really enjoyed it). That's all, just wanted to say I loved your video, and I hope you have a lovely day :D
Thank you Theo! the movie is a love it or hate it but it’s incredibly well made . I hope you have a good day too💕
I agree. It’s not the message but how it’s been told that’s special about the movie. The story feels like it was written a while ago because it was.
Maybe it felt fresh at the time. But today the ideas are not particularly revealing or new. We’ve seen this before.
The sex and nudity is of course a smart selling point. It’s part of making a good profit. Maybe I’m being a bit harsh because I had high expectations.
The visuals are really stunning and beautiful.
I think Yorgos took a massive risk and it paid off. I agree about the sex part I don’t think all of it was needed but it does make it easy to market .
Was it sold on the sex and nudity? These days anyone can get as much sex and nudity as they want on their phone 24/7, so I don't think the sex scenes were there to sell the film, I think they were there because women's sexuality and society's fear of it has been the major source of oppression of women for thousands of years, and so not dealing with that specifically would give the story very little to explore in terms of what a women who was not socialised by a patriarchal society might look like...
@@rachelsnee8926 100% RIGHT! Who was it who said, "Without male control of women's sexuality, patriarchy wouldn't be possible"?
Of all the online video reviews I've seen about this film--many of them--yours is the most insightful. I'm going to watch it again with new dimension!
I appreciate this comment and thank you for watching 👏🏿😊
Your analysis is really interesting. Will definitely check out the rest of your videos
Thank you 🙏🏾
You have just earned a new subscriber in me. This is the best Poor Things film review I have watched. Kudos to you.
Thank you Pedro and welcome 🙏🏾🔥🔥
Your analysis of this film has also brought out a broader spectrum of the most deeply felt opinions. So interesting. I'm subscribing and look forward to seeing the rest of your reviews!
Thank and welcome to my channel 🙏🏾🤩
His movies are sometimes kind of brutal and controversial, but this one seemed to have a ‘happy ‘ ending ..sort of. I liked it a great deal.
Very true he always has this grim or sad endings. I thought this was by far his most impressive movie
Your analysis is to the point. Well done.
Thank you so much 😊
I’ve seen a lot of reviews about this movie,but I can say yours is the best!
Thank you 🙏🏾
Wow, your review is fantastic! ❤Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts. You've made me appreciate the movie more. The actors' performances were awe-inspiring. I've always been a fan of Mark Ruffalo, and I also like Emma Stone because we share the exact birthday (November 6). But honestly, I wasn't a big fan of Emma's role in The Favorite, and some of the scenes in this movie reminded me of that. Although I didn't enjoy the parts of the movie that were set in Paris, I liked the rest of it. However, my favorite movie by this director is still The Lobster. I've seen all of his movies, but some of them are too graphic for me. Even so, I would still watch another movie by this director, even if I don't agree with everything he does.
When I first saw it I didn’t know what to think. It wasn’t at all what I was expecting so I was very mixed.
I like this director a lot so knowing what type of movies he makes i think he was really going allll in on this film .
I I didn’t mention it but the whole idea of approaching life as an experiment was interesting to me.
Apparently the book is told from candles perspective which I think would’ve worked also. I wish I read the book before the movie because apparently it’s totally different
@@alwayswatching2295 Yes the book puts the movie in a little different context. Now I'd like to hear Bella's side.
very well crafted review.
Thank you 🙏🏾
Thank you for making this . I totally have been seeing hate from it . I thought something was wrong with me because I actually liked it but this articulates it so well !
Thank you so much for watching !
I really appreciate your perspective on this film. I haven't finished watching it yet, I will again, on my own when the house is quiet.
I didn't know rhe director of Poor Things also directed the Lobster, I hadn't investigated the director yet as Emma Stone's performance in the trailer was so all encompassing.
I know the Lobster well and absolutely adore it!
Thank you Jessica 🤩 the lobster is still but favourite but poor things is impressive
@@alwayswatching2295 It really is.
I appreciate you using the word “mature” to describe Bella’s character progression. I have not been enjoying people’s (some of the Actors, too) use of the word “primitive” to describe her character’s early stages.
Very well done review, by the way. Thank you for sharing
Thank you 🙏🏾
Awesome review. I love the movie so much, I keep watching videos about it and reading about it nonstop. The story is so eye opening and incredibly stimulating. It really emphasises the importance of art (and the role it plays) in society.
Thank you 🙏🏾 a friend of mine commented that she liked how the movie approached life as an experiment and I can’t get that description out of my head
Thanks for your deep review. This was a profound movie, full of patriarcal and arquetypical characters. My father was an “Alfie” y and i was married to a “Duncan”. Hope some day i will met à “Max”
Thank you for watching 💕 and thanks for opening up. I hope to meet a max as well. At first he was a bit strict but he’s incredibly adaptable
I believe most women meet a lot of Maxes in their life but they don't notice them. For a reason.
@@batira What is the reason?
the same max who as attracted to her child-brain?
Loved the movie, I agree Christopher Abbot was the best, haha. Great vid as always!
He came out of nowhere but he nearly stole the show
This was a great film for sure I enjoyed it
Ay Lobster Gang! Haha. Sound like a good movie this one. Will give it a watch.
Lol, he was supposed to hit it and quit it, but he catching feelings. Haha. Your reviews are 👌
Lobster is a great movie 🍿
@@alwayswatching2295 Absolutely!
Yorgos peaked with either The Lobster or The Favourite.
I walked out of the cinema crying. Seemed pedophilic , abusive this movie just extremely uncomfortable
I didn’t walk out, but I was horrified. I just kept wondering why everyone was ok with this relationship between the baby-brained Bella and this creepy old guy. Like why is it totally fine that this woman who has the cognitive capacity of a 5 year old is suddenly getting whisked away for a sex vacation? This just points to larger and more disturbing issues in our culture. And I am not a prude in any way, as long as the people depicted would be able to consent! And Bella can’t at first.
I think the film tried to be satirical, but it didn't do enough to condenm this act. The message is too muddled in the end. I don't think it'll age well.
@@cassielcruzchavolla809apparently in the book the movie is based on the story is told through Max’s point of view, and is his inaccurate account of what happened. That makes so much more sense. I’m not sure why they would cut all that context out of the story. It seems important.
@@jenmhaSo you want a fantasy movie to agree with your morals?
@@Singularity606found the pedo!
Ramny was amazing in this film as well I love their walk together. I think she ( Bella ) calls him sweetly naive,
I wouldn’t have minded if the story was told from his perspective
Great analysis. Although I think it’s an extremely feminist movie. At some point thought Bella would understand the bad consequences of her unguided and uneducated behavior (neither Godwin nor the other guy thought her the difference between good and bad), but at the end it seems like the message is go and fuck all your lust permits you and then marry a weak man with no objection about that.
This girls happy ending is way far from reality and no good society would be built over the idea of unlimited freedom for the unconscious people.
Great movie, but the moral message, I am not sure.
The moral message benefits men and their lust at the end of the day that's my takeaway. Even her husband isn't exactly exempt from the pervasiveness in this movie
She as a woman discovers everything , and yes there was a lot of sex scenes but i think its because you are Watching everything al at once, if you think about most or some women in their life probably they have more sex than her haha and at the end she knows herself much more and the relation around her , the guy at first is like most guys , like they want to own her partner, but then he gets it, you dont own noone, bc relationships or love doesnt work like that, and he gets to be with her at the end bc it was her choice, i dont think by any means he was a weak men. And she gets to study medicine and to enter university when in that time womens werent alow to study that.
@@FruityHachi Why show violence on screen if you can just imply it? Why show depressing or traumatic things if you can just imply them? Why show anything at all if you can imply everything and make all films PG? Because when you actually show something you provoke a much stronger emotional reaction. Besides, sex scenes can be used for storytelling purposes just as any other kind of scene. Take "A History of Violence", for example. The two sex scenes in that film tell everything you need to know about the changes in the relationship between Viggo Mortensen and Maria Bello's characters.
@@FruityHachi I really don't think they could have made their point without showing as much of the sex as they did (which really isn't that much!) as the whole point was that she was unmarred by societal expectations and curious about sex just as she was curious about food, travel, dancing etc. Or do you think they should have only implied those too? Sex is a virtually universal human experience and a massive source of pleasure and connection (just like food is) so why should we treat it so differently - surely that's part of the what the film is saying?
@@arimonroe7060 when you say husband, do you mean the one who wanted to lock her up and have her clitoris surgically removed? I'm also curious that you see this as 'benefiting men and their lust' - surely it benefits women and their lust just as much?
Haven’t seen it yet might watch it
WOW! POOR THING ruins it's own weak message! The early story, it's visuals, Emma Stone & other strange characters were very intriguing for the first hr. but then everything stalled and slid slowly downhill when the story began to go nowhere. The movie starts to stumble along and even her character doesn't mature which made her performance begin to feel forced. Yes, and by adding the "never mentioned before" subplot just to create an abrupt conclusion after 2+20mins. of her clunking & fcking around was very disappointing! And by making SEX her ONLY passionate learning experience, it all seemed SHALLOW as a story and for her as a women. Her free-spirited pre-feminist non-conformist persona was weakened by a dead end 2 dimensional story.
We seemed to be watching different movies.
Her character definitely did mature in many ways. I'm not sure what the 'never mentioned before Subplot is'- do you mean the husband of her body/mother who was instrumental to her Origin Story, repeatedly mentioned?
Also, she has many Passionate Learning Experiences that aren't Sex.
@@rustyk4645 the husband was of no consequence before and little once he was introduced except as a device for the silly goat joke at the end. Still her walking better and reading philosophy did little to show any substantial growth in her. I guess not even trying to screw the cool Black guy was a sign of maturity. LOL! What she really learned was that she should have never left & that most men outside are dogs that can be used for sex and money. But unlike Dorothy leaving (black & white) Kansas for (colorful) OZ, her adventures never reached such levels of intrigue and excitement.
@@wendellwiggins3776 yep, we were Definitely watching different movies. I'm not sure what markers of Maturity you wanted to see, but she seemed to do just fine with the walking, talking and philosophy. From the beginning we are confronted with the tragic image of the pregnant woman who tried to kill herself begging the question 'What Monster Drove Her To This'- seems like a natural denouement, personally.
She only treats men like dogs who behave like dogs (unfortunately the Majority). And I have no idea what makes you think she regrets leaving God's house and exploring the world.
And quite frankly the story of this film is a HUNDRED times more intriguing and exciting than the saccharine platitudes of 'The Wizard Of Oz' (made in an era of Hollywood where women were exploited Ruthlessly behind the scenes).
Let's agree that I can watch this another 10 times and love it and you can stick to whatever Responsible Wholesome Fare you find palatable.
@@rustyk4645
My basic point is not really about her maturity levels, it's about this visually rich film's unexciting story not going anywhere emotionally. She just left home, figured out men were jerks but screwed around anyway, emotionless for money to survive, (which many found strange & awkwardly uncomfortable) only to returned home to the weak meek man she'd left just to make her real father into a pet male goat. The film I saw left me emotionless, unsympathetic and unintrigued by her & her journey.
A story told by men.
A culture without shame will spiral towards nihilism and sociopathy. That's where we are now.
Absolutely not@@barboralitvanova5111
first
It's the porn justifyed in this movie? Ist it in any main stream movie? I'm just happy I got a last min. Warning before I went to the movies with my 16 year d son.
Ideas and stories can be conveyed with out being so explicit on main stream material.
It's not cool!
Thank you! Every review I have read gushes about the great acting and the great directing. I have yet to read a review that tells the truth about this film. Yes, there was some very good acting, but in the end, it was little more than surrealistic, steam punk pornography. The peep-hole, fish-eye lens was over-used and should not have been shot from a third-person perspective. It was distracting and confusing. I'm glad I didn't see this movie with my mother. I left the theater feeling embarrassed, like I was leaving an adult book store. Two couples sitting behind me got up and left after the third or fourth sex scene.
Not at all justified, but the movie questions all the things we do in our society. And there is a lot of sex scenes and violent scenes, so if you can't take it, don't see it, and I really don't think this is a movie suitable for children
Hi, I would suggest you to check out the IMDB's parental guide on any movie you'd like to watch with him for detailed trigger warnings
There is no porn in this movie - as always a matter of definition. In my opinion the film is suitable for youngsters from between 12 to 14 approx. - but again depending on interest and development level.
On the other hand it might be awkward to be watched by parents and children - or even generally different generations together - no matter the age. This is yet another topic and a personal attitude thing.
@@taxana6
It is an 18 certificate. I wouldn't have said it was suitable for 12 year olds. I'm not even sure a 12 year old would get much from it; I don't think they would have developed the film literacy at that point... I could be wrong; I am trying to think of something I would have appreciated at 12 that was similar in maturity. But, you know teenage kids do see age certification on films as a challenge rather than a barrier; most kids will have seen an 18 certificate film before they are 13: I just think the 18 film they would be trying to see is more likely to be a violent super hero film, a horror or an actual straight out erotic soft porn flick, rather than a magic realist feminist allegory that just happens to have sex in it. Maybe at fourteen, they might be ready to appreciate it and recommend it to each other. I think they would be getting on for 16 at least before this would be a film they would recommend to each other.
But I agree that it is not porn; it isn't even erotica; the sex isn't there to titillate, nor is it gratuitous; it is there as a plot beat and it always provides plot relevant information. It is not, for example, like Secretary or 9 and a Half Weeks that someone might choose to see just to "top up the wa** bank" meaning the mental storage of imagery, memories and scenarios that could be summoned into the imagination at a later time for... ahem... purposes of private self-comforting, to put it as delicately as one can. It's not that explicit, and it always drives the plot forward.
However, as you say, I wouldn't want to watch it with a family member! That mutual embarrassment of both of you being aware that the other is watching this at the same time and knowing that you are watching it and may be speculating about how you are experiencing it would be a horribly cringe experience for all concerned.