The SYMBOLISM, MEANING, and BEAUTY of Poor Things Explained | Non-Spoiler Analysis

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  • Опубліковано 27 чер 2024
  • In this Poor Things video essay and Poor Things analysis, I take a deep dive into the new Poor Things movie, starring Emma Stone, Mark Ruffalo, Willem Dafoe, and Ramy Youssef. Directed by Yorgos Lanthimos, the film is a perfect blend of science fiction, fantasy, comedy, and drama, exploring themes of life, philosophy, and feminism. I believe this film is excellent in capturing the major themes of womanhood, consciousness, and liberation through great writing, acting, directing and filmmaking.
    Furthermore, in this Poor Things explained video (spoiler-free) and Lucas Blue Poor Things review, I'll delve into the film's symbolism and hidden meanings, uncovering Poor Things easter eggs, examining how it demonstrates satirical irony and societal criticism.
    This Poor Things review breaks down why Poor Things is perfect, what Poor Things means for the future of comedy, arthouse, romance, and drama movies, why Poor Things works, and what makes Poor Things so shocking. This is why I love Poor Things. Hope you enjoy!
    Director: Yorgos Lanthimos
    Cast: Emma Stone - Mark Ruffalo - Willem Dafoe - Ramy Youssef - Christopher Abbott
    CHAPTERS
    00:00 Intro & Agenda
    00:47 The Inspiration
    03:25 The Time Period
    05:04 The Message
    07:38 The Symbolism
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КОМЕНТАРІ • 822

  • @lucasblue20
    @lucasblue20  6 місяців тому +309

    Poor Things might be my very favorite movie of the year, I love it! What are your thoughts on the film, or do you plan to see it? Let me know below!

    • @judypolstra
      @judypolstra 6 місяців тому +7

      I'm going tomorrow-- can't wait!!

    • @donvandamnjohnsonlongfella1239
      @donvandamnjohnsonlongfella1239 6 місяців тому

      The ending sucks. He should have kept with the sexual perversion and made the idiot girl piss in the goat mans mouth. "Give him water." That or she should have given her Gods brain to the husbands body. That would have been two better endings then the flat lukewarm ending we received.

    • @grenademaster8981
      @grenademaster8981 5 місяців тому +9

      It is the best-looking overly-wrought and reductionist film of the year! It is the film equivalent of the toilet seat nailed to the wall of the art gallery.

    • @donvandamnjohnsonlongfella1239
      @donvandamnjohnsonlongfella1239 5 місяців тому +1

      @@grenademaster8981 hahahaha

    • @JenergyYogi
      @JenergyYogi 5 місяців тому +2

      OK so the very last part of what you said sounds like you summarized the message I don’t think we can trust a Director who says there is no message in his art. I called BS on that shit.

  • @jasons5916
    @jasons5916 5 місяців тому +1303

    The philosophy theme seems to me to be the most overlooked in the reviews I've seen. Bella goes through several philosophical schools while she develops starting with chaos or anarchism as she learns to control her body. When she discovers sexual pleasure, she is exploring hedonism - sex, food (she wants more of the good food and spits out the bad). She becomes nihilistic after meeting the cynic character (who more of a nihilist) and learning about pain and suffering. Then a realist from the brothel madame. In the end, she takes what she likes from each.

    • @A_YouTube_Commenter
      @A_YouTube_Commenter 5 місяців тому +31

      Yes. Very good.

    • @cameroncooper8618
      @cameroncooper8618 5 місяців тому +13

      Great point.

    • @unme4728
      @unme4728 5 місяців тому +83

      Though I disagree that Bella ever gets *nihilisitic*. Her heart is awakened, her understanding and compassion. She is compelled to want to throw herself into doing something to save the poor "babies". Harry tells her, "The world is not going to change." This is a caution about getting lost in the world of sorrow and trying to fix it there. This is a cautionary story about evolution of consciousness. Imho. Bella is in the "world" (this is all the world of psyche, not the literal human world; the weirdness of the clothing, the environments, the clothing, etc. all speak to this being the case.)

    • @cb2ndjml
      @cb2ndjml 5 місяців тому +20

      With a little nod to Voltaire's Candide...

    • @DamonGreen
      @DamonGreen 5 місяців тому +6

      @@cb2ndjmlabsolutely. good point.

  • @stefanbecker3217
    @stefanbecker3217 3 місяці тому +114

    Don’t watch this movie with your parents, don’t commit the mistake I did

    • @meaganteal
      @meaganteal 2 місяці тому +9

      To late! My dad came from out of town. Huge movie buff and wanted to watch it since it was on Hulu. I spent the movie in a pillow barricade I made on the couch, motified.

    • @summer1024
      @summer1024 Місяць тому +5

      100% don’t recommend I have never felt more uncomfortable 👁️👄👁️

    • @MsTalkingbook
      @MsTalkingbook 25 днів тому

      😂😂😂😂 must be pretty awkward indeed!

    • @haroldgarcia726
      @haroldgarcia726 25 днів тому

      HAHA

    • @jorgeserranoexposito2745
      @jorgeserranoexposito2745 14 днів тому

      Literally me 💀

  • @looney1023
    @looney1023 6 місяців тому +963

    I'm also in love with those intertitle cards featuring Bella riding a fish, Bella stepping across a person's fingers, etc. They're so imaginative and visually striking, like moving portraits. They feel a bit like the chapter cards in Breaking the Waves.

    • @checkoutmyyoutubepage
      @checkoutmyyoutubepage 6 місяців тому +2

      OMG they were so fun to see.

    • @user-gl3qo5pp1k
      @user-gl3qo5pp1k 6 місяців тому +30

      i love the visuals of the cards and it also felt like they were separating the film into chapters

    • @fjasps
      @fjasps 5 місяців тому +7

      A lot Lars von Trier in this movie, imho.

    • @benjaminnel5891
      @benjaminnel5891 4 місяці тому +5

      My favorite one was where she was floating around on half a brain in water

    • @tamarabadem8060
      @tamarabadem8060 4 місяці тому +3

      oh my god i am dying of laughter, how many intelectual analysis, deep insights, demonstration of great knowledge over this shallow film. lets keep it lively; its is for example great moment in film how Bella helps poor people with Duncan's money, yet her own money she kept for herself, than Bella is distant cold observer of her own body > terrifying state of mind, yet portraid as "liberation of being" in film, than this character - spineless Max, yet portraid as a future good husband as such, funny. God, creator of feminist:) Bella, and some really unnecessary kind of animals, was abused by his father, yet although highly intelectual and old, still thinks it was love:) what a life-confusion messages brought by each pointless chararcter od this new age crap film, full of strange fetish of grown-up woman-child from whom we can really learn a lot about life as such, cucumbers and meaning. Yorgos eye candy film shocks, but it is a boring kind of schock, and it is morally questionable in every layer not because of boring sex scenes and nakedness without true eros, but because it just is totally stupid with unfortunate ambition to be smart

  • @suffragettefashion
    @suffragettefashion 5 місяців тому +453

    As both mother and daughter she is the creator of herself. The absence of societal structures in her early life allow this to materialize as she essentially raises herself without undue influence.

    • @senaheartsong8066
      @senaheartsong8066 4 місяці тому +2

      This.

    • @tamarabadem8060
      @tamarabadem8060 4 місяці тому +13

      oh my god i am dying of laughter, how many intelectual analysis, deep insights, demonstration of great knowledge over this shallow film. lets keep it lively; its is for example great moment in film how Bella helps poor people with Duncan's money, yet her own money she kept for herself, than Bella is distant cold observer of her own body > terrifying state of mind, yet portraid as "liberation of being" in film, than this character - spineless Max, yet portraid as a future good husband as such, funny. God, creator of feminist:) Bella, and some really unnecessary kind of animals, was abused by his father, yet although highly intelectual and old, still thinks it was love:) what a life-confusion messages brought by each pointless chararcter od this new age crap film, full of strange fetish of grown-up woman-child from whom we can really learn a lot about life as such, cucumbers and meaning. Yorgos eye candy film shocks, but it is a boring kind of schock, and it is morally questionable in every layer not because of boring sex scenes and nakedness without true eros, but because it just is totally stupid with unfortunate ambition to be smart

    • @Afreshio
      @Afreshio 3 місяці тому +1

      A feminist fantasy. Denying the male even though it's obvious she was created withing this rigit structure put by (mostly) men in the first place.
      Not a novel idea, it's actually very common in this post struct landscape. But its more wishful thinking than anything else.
      Bella is created by a man, brough to life by him, and given this opportunity to live thanks to him even if he did it for selfish reasons. The last scene of God in his death bed tells you they both loved him even if he wasn't exactly a good person. Compassion, love.
      The movie ends in a surface level feminist fantasy again, a grrrl boss ending. This one feels more earned because she went through the wringer, especially her life in Alexandria where she discovers (or is forced) the real world (misery, the poor, the indifference and contempt of upper society) and then Paris with the self-imposed poverty due to guilt.
      As a feminist-fantasy-driven movie all the men are portrayed as mean, evil, or pathetic wimps. Except the black guy which is portrated as having more poise and a regal demeanor. Even then she sees right through him because plot or ideologic reasons: he his mostly right about not getting deluded into religion, politics or ideology, but she doesn't accept his pessimism or misantropy. Yorgos is telling us he laughs at people that shares those views and we shouldn't taken them seriously. Even though I agree with the black dude I still don't think people should abandon hope of change, even though the mindset of an Idealist is pure denial of reality like the black friend mentioned. This is one of the most profound scenes even though it was brief and barely given credit by the creator himself. The writer of this scripts needs Bella to keep having hope because... well everything sucks if you just live being a cynic.
      This movie seems like it was influenced by Orlando by Virginial Woof, although i've not read the book but did attend a theather play adaptation. Self-discovery, breaking conventions, the dawn of a new world/paradigm... those themes are all there. This isn't about gender in this films but the sentiment is still there.

    • @ElectricityTaster
      @ElectricityTaster 3 місяці тому +4

      Here is the problem with that idea: humans came from a tabula rasa. Our societal norms are not imposed on us, we humans created them. So Bella's "undue influence" raising will result in a different set of societal structures that would then be imposed on others.
      We see the same phenomenon in autism, which would be the most likely "diagnosis" for Bella in our society.

    • @isaiasovelar4434
      @isaiasovelar4434 3 місяці тому +1

      ​​@@AfreshioOne of the aspects I do not see talked about, is how she gets to meet her other creator towards the end when she meets the general. This is the man who fathered the unborn baby, and who is responsible for the mother's demise. We get to draw a contrast between Godwin and him, her two makers, and how instead of saving Godwin by implanting his brain into the body of the general she decides to shape him into how she pleases by turning him in a goat, in a way defying her creator by giving her own life a different purpose

  • @thomasscott6146
    @thomasscott6146 5 місяців тому +281

    I loved that the colors start black and white hit you with the striking bright colors and end with not quite muted but less loud blue hues its like the movie ages with bella its calms as she becomes more comfortable in her body

    • @effiep007
      @effiep007 5 місяців тому +4

      Salad bar ... anything to impress all in the same plate

    • @fs4836
      @fs4836 Місяць тому

      @@effiep007what? 💀

    • @MonkeyHero
      @MonkeyHero 2 дні тому

      It's the color of life, coming INTO her life.

  • @maryjaneshoe-fm4yr
    @maryjaneshoe-fm4yr 6 місяців тому +674

    Did it occur to you that maybe Bella would have said no to the predatory advances of Duncan if she was already a mature woman at the time of their first meeting? She agreed to go off with him because her mind wasnt mature enough to know that he was a predatory creep. This is one reason why we say that a child/young teen is unable to give informed consent to a relationship with a much older adult.

    • @JediJuniper92
      @JediJuniper92 5 місяців тому +232

      And the fact that he chooses her because he loves how infantile she is, he gets mad when she begins to mentally mature on the boat. The first time he sees her, too, the entire thing resembles Kubrick’s Lolita as well, the energy is the same, which adds to the audience’s understanding that we know he is a type of that form of predator. I do adore how his character ends up though, and how Bella is a huge reason for it but she never did any of it intentionally to him 😂 Amazing movie.

    • @mel3256
      @mel3256 5 місяців тому

      May have been very different had men produced and had a bigger roles in makin this movie?...The pedophilia towards young girls is always way more acceptable in societies. Why is child marriage still legal and happening in America? @@JediJuniper92

    • @A_YouTube_Commenter
      @A_YouTube_Commenter 5 місяців тому +12

      ​Yes,yes and yes.

    • @irisrobles01
      @irisrobles01 5 місяців тому +92

      She wasn’t mature enough, she was a kid! The movie has graphic scenes of grown men taking advantage of her…she wasn’t a matured consenting adult.

    • @ML-te6qv
      @ML-te6qv 5 місяців тому

      disgusting movie, people enjoy this called art just sick and perverted

  • @johnsc51997
    @johnsc51997 4 місяці тому +69

    If there is one thing that really stood out for me was the very beginning and the very ending it did a great job of show her growth. The first time we see her she is basically a baby banging on a piano with her hands and feet, the music this simple sound that was almost not even music. Conversely at the end she is reading a anatomy book with a intelligent curious look on her face preparing for her test to become a doctor and the music is this beautiful uplifting orchestration. Showing how far she had come from where she started. Just 👍

  • @existentialdiet279
    @existentialdiet279 6 місяців тому +283

    I thought you were going to talk about how Godwin is clearly a reference (both in name and philosophy) to William Godwin, who not only was an influential figure in Philosophical Anarchism, but was also Mary Shelley's father.

    • @rogerstewart4608
      @rogerstewart4608 5 місяців тому +34

      Most people, including the current critic, seem to miss this fact. Godwin was her maiden name. Thanks for pointing it out.

    • @magdalenapietruch4546
      @magdalenapietruch4546 5 місяців тому +50

      I thought of this immediately when Godwin's name was mentioned and was surprised it was not talked about more! Also, I think Bella being born of her mother's death is also a reference to Mary Shelley's mother, Mary Wollstonecraft, dying at her birth.

    • @Vgallo
      @Vgallo 4 місяці тому +21

      This critic and many others are hyper fixated on bringing it back to popular narratives atm, ie blank slate social norm theories, they’re basically just revealing their own worldviews by not seeing the many other deeply philosophical themes in the film.
      Really the film was philosophically thematic in many areas, Bella’s progress was essentially test driving different philosophies, or different sub personalities until she ended up with her own version in the end as she developed into a fully rounded person- something that most people don’t arrive at cuz they become stuck on particular sub personality or philosophy along the way and never progress beyond because their too afraid to confront who they are, which is actually why many of us are unhappy,.
      Bella was not afraid to confront these aspects of herself and test out their truthfulness and because of that she became a fully integrated person/ philosophy herself.

    • @franchic9565
      @franchic9565 3 місяці тому +15

      And Isabel ('Bella') Baxter was one of Mary Shelley's best friends. As a teenager she spent a lot of time with the Baxter family in Dundee, Scotland

    • @rebeccag6747
      @rebeccag6747 3 місяці тому +7

      Thank you for pointing this out. My ancestor was William Godwin and Mary Shelley was my great great great aunt. The name of William Godwin is very strong in the lineage of my ancestors. My grandfather was William Godwin as well.

  • @user-bf5gy9tr2v
    @user-bf5gy9tr2v 6 місяців тому +227

    Incredibly grateful for your review, I have the exact same perspective. I couldn't put my perspective so easily into words, and you literally nailed it. Modern Society dreadfully rejects curiosity and wonder in favor of radical expectations that are cruel and divisive. I felt an immense comfort from this film's message, that our world can always be better if we can simply value kindness more than money. I once studied the definition of 'sadness', and I believe it is simply the resulting feeling from unfulfilled expectations. So, perhaps happiness is the feeling of courage to pursue curiosity and wonder without influence and expectation. thanks :)

    • @lucasblue20
      @lucasblue20  6 місяців тому +12

      Thank you!! It’s super sweet to hear that our ideas and interpretations connected that much. And I love your input, it’s so important to maintain your childlike curiosity and detachment from superficial expectations, you’re totally right. So glad you loved the film as much as I did, thank you for watching!!

    • @kathryncraft4946
      @kathryncraft4946 6 місяців тому +12

      What a refreshing perspective you have. I had never thought about sadness in those terms, but the more I ponder on it, I absolutely believe you're right. Thank you for your words.

    • @debb6393
      @debb6393 5 місяців тому +7

      I found your comment most insightful so far.

    • @marianaantillano6490
      @marianaantillano6490 5 місяців тому +8

      When you said "sadness (...) is simply the resulting feeling from unfulfilled expectations. So, perhaps happiness is the feeling of courage to pursue curiosity and wonder without influence and expectation" Wow, that moved me. Not so long ago, I went through a period of my life when I felt pretty sad, and I think it was due to what you mentioned, unfulfilled expectations. Now, I think I am in a period of happiness, fortunately, and it feels a lot how you described it; I have my mind and heart open to the world. Love, curiosity, and experimentation are one of my main drivers, and I care less each time about what others think.
      Thank your for sharing your thoughts about this.

    • @user-bf5gy9tr2v
      @user-bf5gy9tr2v 4 місяці тому

      I was raised in the capitalistic american utopia. Doing the right thing is always obviously whatever protects investments. its not possible to argue any longer, america has a lack of education. whoever, wherever, hates whomever, is directly related to lack of education and lack of understanding. Hate is easy, anyone can hate. Love requires understanding, I've yet to encounter a culture on our Earth who doesnt value love above everything else. So, Hate can simply be defined as Ignorance @@Buttercupz2001

  • @originaozz
    @originaozz 4 місяці тому +24

    This film really made me think about how much of ourselves are shaped by our childhood development. It's not just what we are exposed to, but also the perspective that framed those experience. Bella is driven by her curiousity to explore, which made her act first before weighting the pros & cons of things as most adult do. It allow her to be open to every option, even ones we deem as wrong as a society. Her value system then is very reflective of how things made her feel in the moment. The men in her life in a way are trapped by what they find to be ok to do; whether its for science, pleasure, moral high ground, or sadistic desire, they are still bind to certain ways of life, while Bella is free. She lives in a society that is structured to imprison her, but choose to say no.

  • @missnbiss2
    @missnbiss2 6 місяців тому +105

    The message is about the pressures and conditions on women and how men react to them. This, to me, is similar to Barbie. I know, don't laugh, but women not conditioned to the expectations of society would confuse and upset men. It's not to hurt them, it's that we aren't conforming to what their expectations are and what THEY have learned to expect from women.

    • @A_YouTube_Commenter
      @A_YouTube_Commenter 5 місяців тому +9

      I completely understand. But men as well would shock women if we didn't follow polite society. And it would be much,much worse.

    • @EddieHenderson92
      @EddieHenderson92 5 місяців тому

      Because men have no pressure and society expects nothing from us. 🙄

    • @eurusbaby
      @eurusbaby 4 місяці тому

      yes yes yes yes yes!!!!!!

    • @nicolea6596
      @nicolea6596 4 місяці тому

      But Bella is not a woman. She’s a child she has the brain of a child.

    • @kris5465
      @kris5465 4 місяці тому +15

      @@A_UA-cam_Commenter "if"? There are daily examples and their horrific outcomes in the news.

  • @dammbabygirl
    @dammbabygirl 5 місяців тому +59

    I LOVED THIS FILM! I had to watch it twice to catch the cinematography geniuses of the circles, the color red, and the use of lenses.
    I also found odd similarities to how AI learns so quickly... being a "baby brain" thrust into adult content so quickly. This is also sadly our children thrust into social media.
    I found it oddly futuristic.

    • @tamarabadem8060
      @tamarabadem8060 4 місяці тому +2

      oh my god i am dying of laughter, how many intelectual analysis, deep insights, demonstration of great knowledge over this shallow film. lets keep it lively; its is for example great moment in film how Bella helps poor people with Duncan's money, yet her own money she kept for herself, than Bella is distant cold observer of her own body > terrifying state of mind, yet portraid as "liberation of being" in film, than this character - spineless Max, yet portraid as a future good husband as such, funny. God, creator of feminist:) Bella, and some really unnecessary kind of animals, was abused by his father, yet although highly intelectual and old, still thinks it was love:) what a life-confusion messages brought by each pointless chararcter od this new age crap film, full of strange fetish of grown-up woman-child from whom we can really learn a lot about life as such, cucumbers and meaning. Yorgos eye candy film shocks, but it is a boring kind of schock, and it is morally questionable in every layer not because of boring sex scenes and nakedness without true eros, but because it just is totally stupid with unfortunate ambition to be smart

    • @daddycrimson
      @daddycrimson 2 місяці тому

      Now exhale

    • @unvergebeneid
      @unvergebeneid 29 днів тому

      ​@@tamarabadem8060so you see complexity, laugh it off as contradictions and then complain the movie is too shallow? Also, if you think the sex scenes were supposed to be erotic, you have a problem with understanding this movie that's so fundamental I can't even begin to put it into words.

    • @tamarabadem8060
      @tamarabadem8060 29 днів тому

      @@unvergebeneid what is the purpose of sex scenes in film in your opinion?in my opinion in each film different,in this film,in my opinion scenes are to show us what is a liberated woman but also she enjoys,and here liberation is that she enyojs without moral burden...yet i see her as a cold emotionless observer of her own body and world around her....what is your opinion what this film teaches us about life and us humans?what new insights bring us?

    • @unvergebeneid
      @unvergebeneid 29 днів тому

      @@tamarabadem8060 your questions are so broad that you're basically asking me to write the script to a video essay into a UA-cam comment. I'm not going to do that.
      As for the sex scenes in this movie, it's a purely physical hedonistic affair. There's no emotion involved, just pleasure. So why should they be erotic?

  • @bev9708
    @bev9708 5 місяців тому +46

    It’s SUCH a breath of fresh air to come back to your analysis after trying to listen to a few other videos on the movie, AND the many thoughtful appreciative thoughts expressed in the comments section here too!! THANK YOU so much!! Your channel is really really beginning to stand out as being one of the more thoughtful analyses channels and I think you stand a great chance of enormously increasing your subs in 2024!! Hope it’s a great year for you!!!

    • @lucasblue20
      @lucasblue20  5 місяців тому +2

      Omg thank you!! This is so incredibly kind of you to say and it’s really encouraging, considering how many videos I’ve worked on. It really means a lot, thank you so much!!

  • @scottchristy
    @scottchristy 6 місяців тому +114

    it's my favorite of the year by far... and it has become one of my all-time faves. I haven't felt this way about a film in a long time. I love it when that happens... it's rare. I'm reading the book now and I love it

    • @mihaliskritharis4
      @mihaliskritharis4 5 місяців тому

      the same too. it's stands next by my favorite ''the matrix trillogy''. Greedings from greece

  • @Jamie-1985
    @Jamie-1985 6 місяців тому +47

    Well stated thank you! The steampunk aesthetic arguably also represents that the main text of the Alasdair Gray novel is, in fact, a parody of a real woman’s life (an important aspect of the novel that otherwise was not adapted into the film). Very cool that the novel and film provide ample material for us to think about, good job!

  • @maryvasilakakos7387
    @maryvasilakakos7387 6 місяців тому +64

    There's so much literal and self indulgent reviewing of this film on social media, reviews which are about the subjective unquestioned values of the viewers rather than the film's, it's a delight to come scross your review here which is so respectful because you try to meet the film on its own terms instead of introducing irrelevant extraneous criteria... you're trying to respond to the nuance and complexity of the characters and themes, realising that cinematic language works on many levels simultaneously. People often mistake their subjective like or dislike of a movie, which on a personal level is a perfectly ok thing, with an evaluation based on the cinematic language a director has chosen. Well done, a mature, considered and fair review, definitely worth reading.
    Cheers from Melbourne 🎉

    • @lucasblue20
      @lucasblue20  6 місяців тому +7

      Wow thank you so much for this! There are countless opinion pieces on films, so I've always found it more interesting to investigate the artistic direction and meaning of films. I'm so glad you enjoy that, I really appreciate it! Thank you again!!

    • @maryvasilakakos7387
      @maryvasilakakos7387 6 місяців тому +4

      @@lucasblue20
      U R so welcome. Have a healthy and satisfying 2024! 🎈💖

    • @usefulcommunication4516
      @usefulcommunication4516 5 місяців тому +1

      And yet he still misses the point of the story entirely. I suspect Gray is wetting himself laughing somewhere at what he's managed to make the world's cultural snobberarti do. Love it.

    • @richboiii17
      @richboiii17 5 місяців тому

      Enlighten us?@@usefulcommunication4516

    • @senaheartsong8066
      @senaheartsong8066 4 місяці тому +1

      Agreed.

  • @tmalban
    @tmalban 4 місяці тому +5

    Historical and literary references not noted but could be are to Mary Shelley, author of Frankenstein: or, The Modern Prometheus, 1818. The names, Godwin and Baxter are not random. There may be more references, but this is what I have noted.
    Mary Shelley, author of Frankenstein, was born in 1797 to mother, Mary Wollstonecraft and father, William Godwin. Wollstonecraft (her mother) wrote, "A Vindication of the Rights of Woman" in 1792. She died eleven days after Mary was born in 1797. Godwin (her father) was a political philosopher and proponent of anarchism. When Mary was 15, her father William Godwin sent her to live with the family of William Baxter, a political radical thinker. Percy Bysshe Shelley was a fan of William Godwin and Mary Wollstonecraft and became friends with William Godwin, visiting his home, not unlike Max McCandles' fascination with Dr. Godwin Baxter in Poor Things.
    Mary Shelley ran away from her father, who she adored but against his wishes, at age 16 with Percy Bysshe Shelley in 1814 to experience romantic love and explore the world. Her father was less supportive of his daughter than one would think given his philosophical beliefs. At the end of William Godwin's life, his daughter, now Mary Shelley, returned to him to care for him. Even though she struggled financially, Mary Shelley supported other women during her life after Percy Shelley died. Some of these relationships may have had a romantic component.
    I am a dabbler in the life of Mary Shelley. I am sure that a more astute historian could discover and explain the references in Poor Things better. Thanks for reading!

  • @RobinStevensPayes
    @RobinStevensPayes 5 місяців тому +13

    Thank you. I loved this movie too! I do wonder if you've overlooked one more important literary influence; Voltaire's "Candide, or the Optimist" which took this innocent, naive around the world to open his eyes and see the suffering, "poor things"--from the terrible Lisbon earthquake to the abduction against their will of women for prostitution--all the while proclaiming we live "in the best of all possible worlds." It is a treatise against the prevailing philosophy of his day which proclaimed that God (or the Prime Mover) created this the best of all possible worlds, therefore, it could be no better. He becomes a cynic, until Professor Pangloss encourages him to "cultivate his garden" - a nod to which we see in the final, full screen (not fisheye, as in the point of view of much of the rest of the film) view of God's garden.
    Originally, I characterized Poor Things as Candide meets Frankenstein. Thanks to your examination here, I'd amend that to Voltaire meets Shelley meets Jules Verne, with a nod to the 19th century fantastical novels which are clearly an influence on the filmmakers vision.

    • @danielyoung5137
      @danielyoung5137 3 місяці тому +2

      Thank you for bringing this up! I was thinking of Candide myself while watching, and for the reasons you mentioned! Thanks again!

  • @cameroncooper8618
    @cameroncooper8618 5 місяців тому +7

    Great review! I appreciate the flow of the video as well as the research that you did to provide a thorough understanding of the films inspiration as well as direction.

    • @lucasblue20
      @lucasblue20  5 місяців тому

      So happy to hear this, it tells me you really notice both the style and the substance! I'll keep it up, thank you so much!!

  • @xelamercedes
    @xelamercedes 3 місяці тому +1

    Well done!! This is one of the best analyses I've seen since watching the film two days ago. I especially appreciate your highlighting the film maker's rejection of the idea that the film has an overarching message. So much of the analysis I'm running into is a reviewer imposing a message or moral onto the film and then supporting it with self-conscious commentary.

  • @mariodimaio9291
    @mariodimaio9291 6 місяців тому +8

    Very insightful. Always like have your perspective. Nice seeing your channel growing. 🙌🏼🌟

    • @lucasblue20
      @lucasblue20  6 місяців тому +1

      This is so great to hear, thank you so much!!

  • @sidarthavillargarcia2154
    @sidarthavillargarcia2154 4 місяці тому +7

    Hi! From Mexico. Thanks for this brilliant, exelent, complete analisis and disection of the film and this precise and exact description of it s parts❤

  • @tuetue7621
    @tuetue7621 3 місяці тому +2

    I just watched a film yesterday. Although I knew that there are a lot of philosophical theories within the dialogue, I couldn't fully comprehend all of them. Thanks for the analysis, it was really helpful. Your voice is also quite pleasant to listen to.

  • @JordanVanRyn
    @JordanVanRyn 4 місяці тому +10

    Let me just say I love "Poor Things" and I really appreciate the analysis video on this movie. But as someone who is an analyst on Film, I'd like to step in on my thoughts on the film. Objectively, it's a very misunderstood film. I think too many people look at "Poor Things" on a subjective level in order to box in what people think this movie is about, even it's messages are up for debate. But the way I look at it, I really took this film as a clear criticism of Victorian society's patronizing behavior towards women (ex: Godwin, Duncan, Bella's husband, etc) and how a woman like Bella manages to subvert Society's expectations on what a "woman" should be. Bella at no point allows herself to be taken advantage of by creepy controlling men. She makes the decision to go and seek out what the world is like. In a way, she is more like a person who's autistic (as I myself am on the Autism spectrum) hence why she has an innocent child-like view. But she does eventually mature and become self-aware to the point where she does become a fully realized person. The whole message is basically about improving yourself and being able to function in an already chaotic world filled with contradictions, ugliness and flawed nuances. To sum it all up, it's not a "feminist" film, it's a "humanist" film.

    • @fuemejor
      @fuemejor 6 днів тому

      How on earth did you reduce the main plot of the film to... autism? Her brain is literally a child's brain which is why she has an innocent child-like view on the world, it has nothing to do with a mental disorder.

  • @sushicookie8471
    @sushicookie8471 6 місяців тому +53

    I love your analysis! ❤ I have seen this 3x at the movies already. It’s about self-discovery and finding your identity without any social conditioning. I love how you added the perspective of 2nd chances for the baby and Victoria... breaking the cycle of generational trauma. Bravo sir!!! 👏 👏 👏

    • @lucasblue20
      @lucasblue20  6 місяців тому +4

      This means so much to me, thank you!! And I gotta catch up to you cus I’ve only seen this movie once which isn’t enough haha so happy to hear it touched you like it touched me! Thank you for watching!!

  • @marcusschmaling9
    @marcusschmaling9 5 місяців тому +1

    Very interesting take. Most thought provoking commentary I’ve seen so far on UA-cam. Film was deeply thought provoking. Appreciate your insights.

    • @lucasblue20
      @lucasblue20  5 місяців тому +1

      Omg this is so kind and I’m so glad you enjoyed the film! Thank you so much!!

  • @Illuminatedperfume
    @Illuminatedperfume 6 місяців тому +51

    Since watching this film and absolutely adoring it on so many levels, I've been traversing different reviews here on You Tube. This particular review is one of my favorites, you sum it up so nicely and point out nuances which I was aware of on a more subconscious level. Thank you so much!

    • @lucasblue20
      @lucasblue20  6 місяців тому +4

      You're so kind, it's all my pleasure! Thank you!!

    • @solapeterson3790
      @solapeterson3790 4 місяці тому +1

      Just had the pleasure of seeing POOR THINGS in Taos New mexico.
      What a big surprise! What a thought provoking story.
      A JOURNEY THRU STAGES OF GROWTH AND DEVELOPEMENT.
      ONE PERSONS SOUL JOURNEY.
      SOOO WELL DONE.
      THANK YOU.
      THANK YOU.
      THANK YOU.

    • @Illuminatedperfume
      @Illuminatedperfume 4 місяці тому

      Hello from Santa Fe @@solapeterson3790

  • @shawnpierre5755
    @shawnpierre5755 6 місяців тому +15

    Thank you for this beautiful video, so insightful! I’m watching it this Friday and I can’t wait!

    • @lucasblue20
      @lucasblue20  6 місяців тому

      Totally my pleasure, thank you!! And I really hope you enjoy the film!

  • @TimOfferle
    @TimOfferle 3 місяці тому +1

    Fascinating movie and fascinating comments. I found your video after watching the movie and wanting to understand more. Thanks for the video and to everyone for comments!

  • @KotoriOnWheels
    @KotoriOnWheels 5 місяців тому +1

    I'm starting to be obsessed with your evaluations!

    • @lucasblue20
      @lucasblue20  5 місяців тому +1

      Haha this makes me so happy ❤️ I'll keep them comin, thank you so much!!

  • @ashkenn87
    @ashkenn87 3 місяці тому

    This is the best review I’ve seen! Poor Things and American Fiction were my two favorites this year.

  • @konstantinos.sikkis
    @konstantinos.sikkis 4 місяці тому +1

    An excellent and insightful review of the deeper meanings of the movie. Thank you👏

  • @eagle1ear
    @eagle1ear 5 місяців тому +17

    Hats off to the director. Likewise the actors, and not only the major and famous ones. I was especially knocked out by Katherine Hunter as Madame Swiney! Nice to see Hannah Schygulla again as well! The thing that really impresses me is how Lanthimos pushes the envelop and the unlikely combinations he stirs into the pot. And, not to be overlooked is that his films find an audience and generate discussion in this time of bland, play it safe, unimaginative pablum. Emma Stone has become a force to be reckoned with. I've loved her since "Birdman" and she really reached the A list with "The Favorite." Let the ankle biters say what they will. I've been watching film since "Hector was a pup" and we are bound to see more great work from this crew!

  • @jcmgt
    @jcmgt 3 місяці тому

    Saw it last night and you have given a most excellent summary, you packed a lot into just 10mins

  • @Pleasureoriley
    @Pleasureoriley 5 місяців тому +6

    Thanks for this amazing review. Watching the movie, I was able to connect the religious aspect you mentioned. This movie is brilliant and I’m so glad it was finally made into a film. Emma Stone is a power house actress and producer.

  • @veritehunter2191
    @veritehunter2191 4 місяці тому +2

    This film and review was like therapy, thankyou sir ❤

  • @b3naqua
    @b3naqua 5 місяців тому

    sooooo well done! 👏🏼

  • @TrueMithrandir
    @TrueMithrandir 6 місяців тому +14

    great take, brilliant movie, easily my favorite of the year!

  • @mariakitsou5236
    @mariakitsou5236 5 місяців тому

    I loved this analysis! Perfect work

  • @brianmethner
    @brianmethner 5 місяців тому +12

    Fantastic analysis. The film was an absolute masterpiece. Thank you for further developing a more articulate explanation; one I had been left unpacking as soon as the credits rolled.

    • @lucasblue20
      @lucasblue20  5 місяців тому

      Totally my pleasure, and I'm super glad to hear you loved such a complex film as much as I did! Thank you for watching!!

  • @mariat7585
    @mariat7585 5 місяців тому +7

    I absolutely loved this movie! Thank you for this great analysis 🙏

    • @lucasblue20
      @lucasblue20  5 місяців тому

      Anytime! Thank you for watching!!

  • @katdujka4760
    @katdujka4760 5 місяців тому +5

    This way by far the most beautiful movie I’ve seen in a long time.

  • @galactikbutterfly
    @galactikbutterfly 5 місяців тому +2

    Nice review. I want to see it for the cotumes and sets your analisys help me understand the story

    • @lucasblue20
      @lucasblue20  5 місяців тому

      So glad I could help! Thanks so much for watching!!

  • @misscogito9865
    @misscogito9865 5 місяців тому +2

    What a fantastic take on this brilliant movie :)
    👏 for all the actors for their fantastic embodiment of the characters

  • @user-qi9sw6fm3t
    @user-qi9sw6fm3t 6 місяців тому +18

    I think Mark Ruffalo should win the golden globe for this movie. Very very much not his kind of role, but he aced it!

  • @swray2112
    @swray2112 6 місяців тому +4

    Excellent analysis. One thing, there were no fish-eye lenses used, those were EXTREMELY wide rectilinear lenses. The one with the vignette, was made for 16mm film, so doesn't have an image cirecle to cover 35mm film.

    • @HunterW.Photography
      @HunterW.Photography 6 місяців тому +3

      yea but it’s pretty easy to see how someone could make that mistake, it’s not a super important distinction

    • @lucasblue20
      @lucasblue20  6 місяців тому +2

      Yes, you are correct, thank you for that!!

    • @frankathl1
      @frankathl1 4 місяці тому

      And yet they have an observable distorting effect as the camera pans across a scene, not unlike what happens when using a fish-eye lens.

  • @iamceceanderson
    @iamceceanderson 3 місяці тому

    Great video, thanks ✌🏾❤️🇬🇧

  • @iracture
    @iracture 5 місяців тому +4

    Not all paths need to be travelled. Not all experiments are needed..Educative to know that section of people exist in this world who label this an entertainment. One must indeed choose friends wisely.

  • @auralilareid9683
    @auralilareid9683 5 місяців тому

    Excellent analysis, loved it 😊

  • @Mortalcoil100
    @Mortalcoil100 3 місяці тому

    Nice analysis and summary

  • @Alongcamepumma
    @Alongcamepumma 3 місяці тому

    Love how you explained this ❤

  • @user-fo1od8cp8j
    @user-fo1od8cp8j 5 місяців тому +11

    At the beginning of the film 'Poor Things', the use of black and white cinematography mirrors the main character's perspective, who views life in a very simplistic, two-tone manner. As the character evolves, however, colors begin to emerge, signifying their realization that life is more complex and consists of various perspectives. This artistic choice highlights the growing complexity in the character's viewpoint, effectively reflecting the intricacies of life itself.

  • @J00sey
    @J00sey 5 місяців тому +8

    Bella represents more than just independence, she represents sovereignty. 7:35

  • @charlyroussel
    @charlyroussel 3 місяці тому +3

    ive changed my oscar favorite 3 times, first it was Killers of the Flower moon, then it was Zone of interest and now its Poor things. Damn this years picks are so good.

  • @FIDIOT-cringe
    @FIDIOT-cringe 4 місяці тому

    I've been waiting for this for over a year.

  • @AlpBeck
    @AlpBeck 3 місяці тому

    You nailed it perfectly. It’s surprising that many don’t get this. This movie rekindled, the discovery and wonder of filmmaking. It brought me back to my first film class where we watched creations that opened my eyes to possibilities.
    I absolutely love this film and I’m getting it as a Blu-ray as well. I could spend years, taking it apart and noticing different details but, I was surprised to discover that not everyone loved it as I did. Some friends mentioned it was disturbing (although I’m not sure how) didn’t get it and thought it was the worst film they’d ever seen.
    I don’t understand the wide divide, it’s incredible to find it many did not understand what it was saying. I also feel that this was the culmination of Yorgos’s journey. The most complete work, so far, of his career. Brilliant and whimsical.

  • @jerryfoust3860
    @jerryfoust3860 5 місяців тому

    Thank you for an insightful reflection

    • @lucasblue20
      @lucasblue20  5 місяців тому

      My pleasure! Thank you for watching!!

  • @user-de3vm5ry3r
    @user-de3vm5ry3r 4 місяці тому +1

    hello, from Holland, what a masterpiece. I really love it . Going to see it a next time:))

  • @judylindow2739
    @judylindow2739 3 місяці тому

    Thank you. Exactly what I was looking for after seeing this incredible masterpiece.

  • @Tommi6810
    @Tommi6810 4 місяці тому

    So many thoughts went through my head during the film about what meaning each scene had. I'm glad that there are analyzes of the film, analyzes that also address what was going through my head during the film. I watched the film in German and will now watch it in English even if my English is not perfect.

  • @Suedetussy
    @Suedetussy 3 місяці тому

    Yes, you managed to analyze the movie without spoilers and yet enriching the experience for those, who have already watched it.

  • @pamelacomstock6645
    @pamelacomstock6645 3 місяці тому

    AMAZING ANALYSIS - MAHALO! CAN'T WAIT TO WATCH IT NOW!

  • @franchic9565
    @franchic9565 5 місяців тому +1

    Brilliant analysis. I love how the film took me from thinking "Oh, please, the author (of the original book) is such a voyeur" to "Wow, the author is such a champion of women"

  • @zuzana7573
    @zuzana7573 4 місяці тому +7

    This movie is fascinated, and it can be everything you want: scary, beautiful, arty, disgusting, pornographic, lovely, naive, kind, feminist, curious, crazy. Someone loves, someone hates it. But in the same way is it about manipulation and discover yourself. To me is the magic masterpiece. I liked it.

  • @jojosfunkythreads
    @jojosfunkythreads 5 місяців тому +4

    Thanks for this analysis. I enjoyed this film and do recommend it. Great insights here.

    • @lucasblue20
      @lucasblue20  5 місяців тому

      My pleasure! Thank you!!

  • @prajaktakhairkar9054
    @prajaktakhairkar9054 5 місяців тому +1

    U explained very well even that is not filmed, excellent

  • @trehayireve4981
    @trehayireve4981 5 місяців тому +1

    amazing!

  • @marionmarino1616
    @marionmarino1616 6 місяців тому +12

    A great movie, brilliant settings and absolutely perfect performances. I’ve been reading ALL these ideas about what it means. Frankenstein above all. Lay back & enjoy it, it’s there to be amazed by.

  • @mathewgrover6455
    @mathewgrover6455 3 місяці тому +3

    I watched poor things last night, and it was fantastic. I comend the actors for doing a top performance applause 👏.
    Emma Stone was incredible in this movie.

  • @tsprosperity9331
    @tsprosperity9331 5 місяців тому +3

    Thank you Mr. Blue for this container. Your brain and its thoughts are quite lovely. I hold this as my truth: I am all the characters and their consciousnesses. The "world" is always me, calling it "you" until I find and meet and love this constant stream of me's. All are welcome. This movie is such a visual example of the grace always available. Only always.

    • @lucasblue20
      @lucasblue20  5 місяців тому +1

      So beautifully said, I totally agree and have never heard it expressed in such a way. So happy to hear you enjoyed this as well, it means so much, thank you!

  • @fiwebster9814
    @fiwebster9814 3 місяці тому +2

    You don't seem to know that the name Godwin Baxter was derived from two important families in the childhood of Mary Shelley: the political phliosopher William Godwin was her father, and the Baxters were a family in rural Scotland that she lived with when her stepmother grew weary of raising her.

  • @yapyh2872
    @yapyh2872 4 місяці тому +2

    I just love those furious riding scenes

  • @sunioc
    @sunioc 6 місяців тому +11

    Not sure how you can say the only difference between the book and movie is the perspective the story is told from when a large part of the story is transcribed from her letters in the book and also the movie leaves out an entire act of tje book, written by Bella, in which she says the entirety of the rest of the book was a complete lie and she never had amnesia or a baby brain

    • @markfisher7962
      @markfisher7962 5 місяців тому +6

      In fact, I'd say that the movie illustrates McCandles's narrative in the book. Bella's view according to the book is absolutely different. Everyone that enjoys the movie will have more surprises when reading the book!

    • @usefulcommunication4516
      @usefulcommunication4516 5 місяців тому +3

      It's a poor rendition of the McCandless story, focusing more on the weirdness and turning it up to 11 rather than telling even just that story properly. Which means it misses the point of the overall story that Gray was communicating with the book entirely. I do feel like Gray is laughing at this entire project somewhere. Like they fell for it, and thus proving the entire point he was making about the nature of people with the book.

    • @sarajanewebster5321
      @sarajanewebster5321 5 місяців тому

      @@usefulcommunication4516 I’ve seen you comment a few times now on this video, and it seems that you’re generally not a fan of the movie or this video’s analysis of it. Would you be interested in saying more on that?

    • @3yebeams
      @3yebeams 5 місяців тому +1

      @@usefulcommunication4516 What do you expect when the celebs didn't even read the book - before or after... People are projecting here as usual.

    • @looney1023
      @looney1023 3 місяці тому

      The postmodern twist from Bella's perspective isn't really an act, moreso an epilogue, but even then, it doesn't negate the entire story presented before it (especially since we don't learn much about the "real" her in her epilogue). It just calls aspects of the storytelling into question, which the film is able to do with its visual language, without needing to resort to a literary device that works most effectively on the page. By removing the element of Candle's perspective altogether, we're allowed a more interior study of Bella as a character, both as an object of male desire seeking to control and infantilize her, and as a woman coming of age with no self-consciousness whatsoever. The best of both worlds, in my opinion.
      Gray himself agreed to the changes in adaptation when the rights were given to Lanthimos' team.

  • @pauldesantis83
    @pauldesantis83 5 місяців тому

    Great way to put what I just saw into words

  • @AB-ko9en
    @AB-ko9en 3 місяці тому

    You’ll never be the same after this movie. Thank you so much for including us on your Ascension Bella.❤

  • @kemmayr
    @kemmayr 5 місяців тому +3

    Just back from the Cinema, loved the film ,Emma Stone gives a brilliant performance.

  • @mopa023
    @mopa023 3 місяці тому

    This is so similar to what I got from the movie. Great analysis and video!

  • @supriyo191187
    @supriyo191187 3 місяці тому +1

    Poor things is a piece of art only to be savoured by those who can sum up the courage to be fearless against the odd and meaningless intricacies defined by cowardly dictators and rule makers of the world. Also I loved your analysis. Arguably the best one on UA-cam so far. Thank you. Cheers.

  • @The_Void8
    @The_Void8 5 місяців тому +1

    On point!

  • @corujas_da_noite
    @corujas_da_noite 3 місяці тому

    Beautiful ❤❤❤
    Thank uou

  • @Reussir-en-beaute
    @Reussir-en-beaute 5 місяців тому

    Very interesting, well said. I definitely want to see this movie.

  • @JUNEOSPA1
    @JUNEOSPA1 5 місяців тому +4

    What a masterpiece, I want to see it a few more times, I took the book out of the libary too, There's so much to investigate,

  • @bowiearcher9377
    @bowiearcher9377 5 місяців тому

    brilliant synopsisand analysis

  • @suzanneadamson1306
    @suzanneadamson1306 5 місяців тому +5

    Imo, it was a stronger statement regarding feminism than "Barbie".

  • @petrachristou
    @petrachristou 5 місяців тому

    Thank you for sharing, I can't wait to watch the film !!!

    • @lucasblue20
      @lucasblue20  5 місяців тому +1

      Thank you! Really hope you enjoy!!

  • @GreenMMs100
    @GreenMMs100 Місяць тому +1

    A huge nessage i recieved from thus movie is how men are so fascinated with youth and infantilism in women, but once those begin to grow and become individuals in their own right, they're no longer controllable. The absolute batshot breakdowns Duncan has everytime Bella refuses to bend to his whims really does say a lot. He goes so far as to dig up her past and return her to an unsafe environment simply because he was mad she didn't become his perfect wife.
    If Duncan had been the one marrying her, then i doubt he would have gone to the lengths he did to try and ruin her. It also demonstrates the genuine love that Max has for Bella because at no stage had he judged her, rejected her, or chastised bella for becoming her own woman, he would have accepted her marrying Duncan (or any other man) happily because in the end, he only wants to see Bella happy

  • @marciaj2615
    @marciaj2615 4 місяці тому

    @lucasblue20 I appreciate your review. I look forward to watching it now that I've heard your analysis. Thank you!

  • @starshake8998
    @starshake8998 5 місяців тому +3

    I wouldn't exactly call that spoiler-free, but I'm still glad I watched it. 👍

  • @peacearena
    @peacearena 5 місяців тому

    Excellent analysis. Thank you! I love this film. Best film of the year, and it was a very good year for film.

    • @lucasblue20
      @lucasblue20  5 місяців тому

      Thank you!! I totally agree, this year has been excellent for drama/indie/arthouse and I'm so happy to see it!

  • @johnsc51997
    @johnsc51997 4 місяці тому +1

    I really liked the steampunk style of the settings like the steam driven coach

  • @chilldutchie8166
    @chilldutchie8166 5 місяців тому +1

    Omg this is deep! Now I’m interested in seeing the film where as before not so much. Thanks

    • @lucasblue20
      @lucasblue20  5 місяців тому

      My pleasure, hope you enjoy!!

  • @paulnagle7017
    @paulnagle7017 5 місяців тому +1

    great job.

  • @movierun
    @movierun 5 місяців тому +1

    Finally, a decent remake of "The Bride of Frankenstein". (Well, sort of). I can't help but think that Elsa Lanchester could have effectively played this part if her character had been more developed in James Whale's 1935 film.
    Your review is excellent.

  • @archangel_josh
    @archangel_josh 5 місяців тому +1

    I LOVED this film. Reminded me of City Of Lost Children.

  • @dominickreyntiens7516
    @dominickreyntiens7516 5 місяців тому +1

    Attracted by the visuals... I watched the trailer for this film and immediately I cried.....I did not know the story till I watched this clip.

  • @NormaLilia24
    @NormaLilia24 6 місяців тому

    This makes sense 👏👏

  • @reneelyons6836
    @reneelyons6836 6 місяців тому +10

    I love your analysis,. I can't wait to see this movie!

    • @lucasblue20
      @lucasblue20  6 місяців тому +1

      Thank you so much!! I really think you're gonna love it!

  • @georgiagabrielasamp
    @georgiagabrielasamp 3 місяці тому

    Each year I find out about new movies based on books I had never even heard about. Where do we find these books????

  • @ELENIKARASAVVIDOU
    @ELENIKARASAVVIDOU 5 місяців тому +5

    it is an amazing parabole...