50-year-old renowned Greek filmmaker, Yorgos Lanthimos is the face of the day, as his latest film “Poor Things” receives a Golden Globe for Best Comedy or Musical. The film’s lead, the exceptional Emma Stone, also secures the award for Best Actress – a strong contender for the Oscars, it seems. Having watched the film on Sunday night, despite initial reservations fueled by a friend’s critique, I found myself appreciating both perspectives.
The friend in question happens to be one of the most influential cultural reporters in Greece, with a lengthy background in film criticism, a field she adores. However, Lanthimos’ film failed to resonate with her at all. “I was deeply saddened. Really. Lanthimos seemed to me an unbearably pretentious absurdity filmed in the most sophisticated cinematic manner. Plus, an ideological whirlwind in the head. And I’m speaking as a woman. Well, equating prostitution with education and social sensitivity, stages all heading towards emancipation, is a bit too much,” she wrote on Facebook.
On the other hand, a doctor friend, young and well-versed, with a fascinating partner delving into the intricacies of human souls, encouraged me to see “Poor Things” during a midnight screening. However, he refrained from biasing me.
Taking the doctors’ advice, and since my friend didn’t explicitly warn against it, I promptly purchased a ticket for my local cinema in Kifisia. I was pleasantly intrigued! Entering the hall with my partner, greeted by a sweet smile, we found it packed with a diverse audience spanning various age groups.
In the first half, you’re genuinely taken aback. Yet, Lanthimos’ cinematic exaggeration chosen to tell the story doesn’t shock you. (I won’t spoil it for you because, in turn, I urge my friends in Cyprus to see the film). It’s powerful. The allegory doesn’t stress you to understand what’s happening. The protagonist herself, with a breathtaking performance, takes you by the hand (sometimes by the neck) and leads you where her mind, which, between us, isn’t entirely hers (and that’s the only “secret” I’ll reveal), guides you to the realm where Lanthimos excels – constructing tales of people, places, and journeys.
In conclusion, to avoid saying too much, I heeded the doctor’s advice! And his prescription, “you must see the film,” was accurate! However, I also hold onto what Vena rightly pointed out for contemplation: Why did the protagonist’s journey towards enlightenment and social justice have to pass through prostitution?
As for the director’s shots and frames, I don’t need to add that we have a cinematic authority here. You can’t imagine the images, rhythms, and scenes he created…
Postscript: It would be a shame if our opinions on works of art became another cause for conflict. “Did you genuinely like it?” “Are you serious right now? Is it possible not to like this film?” In terms of Twitter and Instagram, logical and artistic individuals cannot and do not want to engage with the supposedly uninformed. If they are only interested in increasing their likes and shares, rather than improving their intellectual substance (which is the “clue” of Lanthimos’ film!), they should redirect their conversation to “Survivor” or “My Style Rocks”! Poor things. “Poor Things”!
