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

Summary

The video script delves into the film 'Poor Things,' a satirical adaptation of Mary Shelley's 'Frankenstein.' It explores the film's inspiration from the 1992 novel and the Victorian era, its message highlighting societal absurdities through the lens of a woman with a child's brain, and its symbolism. The film uses vibrant colors and a childlike perspective to critique societal norms and expectations of women, suggesting a fresh look at independence and personal growth.

Takeaways

• 🎬 The film 'Poor Things' is a satirical and comedic reimagining of Mary Shelley's 'Frankenstein', adapted from a novel by Alistair Gray.
• 🤔 The movie has sparked diverse reactions, with some praising it as a masterpiece while others criticize it as a failed satire.
• 👶 The main character, Bella Baxter, is brought back to life with the brain of her unborn child, providing a unique perspective on the world.
• 🌈 The film uses vibrant colors, wide lenses, and playful music to reflect Bella's childlike view of the world.
• 📚 The narrative is inspired by Victorian-era novels known for their social commentary and satire.
• 🏙️ The film's setting and design blend elements from various historical periods to criticize societal norms across time, including the present.
• 🧠 Bella's rapid mental growth allows her to reject societal expectations, showcasing the film's exploration of human behavior and societal norms.
• 🚫 The director, Yogos Sanos, emphasizes that the film does not have a direct message but aims to reveal conflicts in human behavior and society.
• 🔮 Characters like Godwin symbolize the influence of beliefs and philosophies on an individual's life choices and moral development.
• 💔 Bella's character represents a second chance at life, breaking the cycle of intergenerational trauma and societal pressures.

Q & A

What is the main premise of the movie 'Poor Things'?

The main premise of 'Poor Things' is that a pregnant suicide victim is brought back to life by a mad scientist who replaces her brain with the premature brain of her unborn child.

How does the film 'Poor Things' differ from the original novel in terms of narrative perspective?

The film 'Poor Things' is told entirely from Bella's perspective, while the novel is presented through the perspectives of other characters.

What is the significance of the vibrant colors and wide lenses used in the film?

The vibrant colors and wide lenses are used to capture the world as seen through the eyes of a child, reflecting Bella's childlike mind.

How does the film's musical score contribute to the portrayal of Bella's perspective?

The film's musical score is playful, wandering, and directionless, mirroring the curiosity and innocence of a child, consistent with Bella's perspective.

What time period does the film 'Poor Things' draw inspiration from, and how does it reflect in the movie?

The film draws inspiration from the Victorian era, which is reflected in the set design, wardrobe, and style of social commentary. It also incorporates details from various other time periods to ensure its criticisms are relevant to all times, including the present.

What does the director, Yogos Sanos, say about the direct message of the film?

The director, Yogos Sanos, stated in an interview that there is no direct message in the film. It is more about creating conditions for characters and situations that reveal conflicts in human behavior and society.

How does Bella's rapid mental growth affect her ability to conform to societal expectations?

Bella's rapid mental and emotional growth allows her to reject societal expectations and pressures because she matures too quickly to be conditioned by societal norms, which require time, repetition, and reinforcement.

What does Bella represent in relation to the themes of the film?

Bella represents a second chance at life, independence, and liberation from societal pressures and intergenerational trauma, symbolizing the end of a cycle of oppression.

What is the symbolic significance of Godwin's name and his relationship with Bella?

Godwin's name and his role as the creator of Bella symbolize how beliefs, philosophies, and spirituality can be instilled in us before we have a chance to form our own beliefs, much like how a god might be perceived.

How do the characters Duncan and Max represent different forms of male admiration towards women?

Duncan represents a shallow and superficial form of admiration, while Max embodies a more passionate and genuine form. The film shows how a Duncan can disguise himself as a Max, reflecting the challenge of distinguishing between the two in reality.

Outlines

00:00

🎬 'Poor Things': A Multifaceted Satirical Masterpiece

The video script begins by highlighting the polarizing reception of 'Poor Things,' a film that has garnered both high praise and harsh criticism. It is described as a film that sparks conversation, with some viewers lauding it as a masterpiece while others dismiss it as low-rate satire. The narrator expresses a personal fondness for the film and intends to delve into its layers of meaning through an analysis of its inspiration, time period, message, and symbolism. The film is based on a 1992 novel of the same name by Alistair Gray, which offers a satirical take on Mary Shelley's 'Frankenstein.' The story revolves around Bella Baxter, a woman brought back to life with the brain of her unborn child. The film uses a unique narrative and visual style to reflect Bella's childlike perspective, employing vibrant colors, wide lenses, and playful music to capture her innocent view of the world. The script also notes the film's blend of Victorian-era aesthetics with elements from various other periods, aiming to critique societal norms across time, including the present.

05:04

🌟 'Poor Things': A Journey of Self-Discovery and Social Commentary

In the second paragraph, the script discusses the film's message, emphasizing that it does not present a direct message but rather explores human behavior and societal norms through a satirical lens. The director, Yogos Sanos, is quoted as saying the film is about revealing conflicts in human behavior and society. The protagonist, Bella, undergoes five stages of mental growth, symbolizing a rapid maturation from infancy to womanhood. This allows her to reject societal expectations placed on women, as she has not been conditioned by societal norms. Bella's character is portrayed as open, non-judgmental, and assertive, immune to manipulation due to her unique brain chemistry. The script suggests that Bella represents the idea of independence and self-awareness. Additionally, the film uses its characters to symbolize various aspects of life, such as the influence of beliefs and philosophies, represented by the character Godwin, and different forms of male admiration, represented by Duncan and Max. Bella's story is ultimately one of a second chance at life, breaking the cycle of intergenerational trauma and oppression, and becoming a symbol of independence and liberation.

Keywords

💡Masterpiece

A 'masterpiece' refers to a creation that is considered the greatest work of an artist or writer. In the context of the video, it is used to describe the film 'Poor Things' as a work of exceptional quality and creativity. The script mentions that some viewers praise the film as a masterpiece, highlighting its artistic and narrative achievements.

💡Satire

Satire is a genre of literature, film, or theater that uses humor, irony, exaggeration, or ridicule to expose and criticize people's stupidity or vices, particularly in the context of contemporary politics and other topical issues. The video discusses how 'Poor Things' is a satirical reimagining of the classic Frankenstein story, using humor and exaggeration to comment on societal norms and expectations.

💡Bella Baxter

Bella Baxter is the main character in the film 'Poor Things,' portrayed by an actress named Stone. She is a reborn woman with the brain of her unborn child, which gives her a childlike perspective. The video emphasizes Bella's journey and how her unique condition allows her to challenge societal norms and expectations placed on women.

💡Victorian Era

The Victorian Era refers to the period of Queen Victoria's reign from 1837 to 1901, known for its social and industrial changes. The script mentions that the film's atmosphere and infrastructure are heavily rooted in this era, drawing inspiration from the social commentary and satire common in Victorian novels, which influenced the film's set design and style of social critique.

💡Symbolism

Symbolism in literature and film involves using symbols to represent ideas or qualities. The video discusses various symbols in 'Poor Things,' such as Bella's character representing a second chance at life and independence, and the character Godwin symbolizing the influence of beliefs and spirituality on individuals.

💡Social Commentary

Social commentary refers to the analysis and critique of society and human behavior, often through artistic expression. The video explains that 'Poor Things' uses its satirical narrative to point out the absurdities and ironies in societal expectations, particularly towards women, making it a form of social commentary.

💡Innocence

Innocence is a state of being free from guilt, sin, or moral wrong. In the context of the video, Bella's childlike innocence is highlighted as both a strength and a weakness. Her innocence allows her to view the world without societal conditioning, but it also makes her naive and easily manipulated.

💡Mental Conditioning

Mental conditioning refers to the process of learning and internalizing certain behaviors or attitudes over time. The script explains that Bella is immune to societal conditioning due to her rapid mental growth, which prevents her from being influenced by societal norms and expectations.

💡Intergenerational Trauma

Intergenerational trauma is the transmission of traumatic experiences from one generation to another. The video suggests that Bella's existence as a reborn character with the brain of her unborn child symbolizes a break from the cycle of intergenerational trauma and oppression.

💡Independence

Independence refers to the state of being free from outside control, influence, or support. The video emphasizes the importance of Bella's independence as a key theme, showing how her unique perspective allows her to reject societal pressures and expectations, and encouraging viewers to value self-determination.

Highlights

The film 'Poor Things' has sparked a wide range of reactions, from praise to criticism, highlighting its thought-provoking nature.

The movie is a satirical take on the classic Frankenstein story, with a unique premise involving a reanimated woman with a child's brain.

Bella Baxter, played by Emma Stone, is the main character whose journey through the film explores societal expectations and absurdities.

The film uses vibrant colors and wide lenses to capture the world as seen through the eyes of a child, reflecting Bella's childlike mind.

The musical score and sound design are intentionally playful and cartoony, aligning with the film's childlike perspective.

The film's setting and style draw inspiration from various time periods, including Victorian era novels and classic films like 'Metropolis' and 'Frankenstein'.

The director, Yorgos Lanthimos, emphasizes that the film does not have a direct message but rather explores human behavior and societal conflicts.

Bella's rapid mental growth allows her to reject societal expectations, showcasing her independence and self-awareness.

The character Godwin, played by Willem Dafoe, symbolizes the influence of beliefs and spirituality on an individual's life.

Bella's interactions with various characters represent the exploration of different philosophies and the development of her own moral compass.

The characters Duncan and Max represent contrasting forms of male admiration, with Duncan being superficial and Max being genuine.

Bella's character symbolizes a second chance at life, breaking the cycle of intergenerational trauma and oppression.

The film encourages viewers to question societal norms and expectations, promoting the idea of individual independence.

The use of narrative and visual techniques in 'Poor Things' creates a unique and immersive experience for the audience.

The film's costumes and set design blend various stylistic influences, reflecting a diverse range of time periods and cultural references.

The movie's approach to satire and allegory serves as a commentary on the absurdities and ironies present in our current society.

Transcripts

if there's anything poor things does

better than any other movie this year

that we can all agree upon it's getting

us talking I've heard the highest of

praise for this movie yet also the

harshest of criticisms some are calling

this movie a masterpiece While others

are saying it's discount rate satire

personally I'm in love with this film

and through my research and insights I'd

like to clarify what this movie is

trying to tell us through its many

obscure symbols stri in visuals and

countless references so we'll discuss

this movie in four sections the

inspiration the time period the message

and the symbolism of poor things in the

spoiler free

analysis the inspiration the original

Source material that this film is

adapting is a novel published in

1992 also titled poor things by Alistair

gray and the setup for this novel is

very similar to the film put simply it's

a comedic quirky and satirical

reimagining of the classic Frankenstein

Story the film in the book have the

exact same premise which is an

incredibly wild one and here it is a

pregnant suicide victim is brought back

to life by a mad scientist replacing her

brain with the premature brain of her

unborn child this reborn baby brained

woman is the main character Bella Baxter

played by Stone and through Bella's

Journey encountering a series of

interesting and diverse characters poor

things becomes a thought-provoking

social and political allegory pointing

out the absurdities in the expectations

put on women and the ironies in the

desires of many men themes will of

course dive deeply into in the later

sections of this video the only

difference between the book and the film

is the book is told through other

characters perspectives of Bella the

movie on the other hand is told entirely

through Bella's perspective using a

fascinating series of narrative and

visual techniques for example Bella

throughout the film for the most part

has a very childlike mind because she

literally has the brain of a child so

the film is captured in the most grand

wondrous and curious way the same way a

child would look around in every city

every building every room that they

enter the world is always so animated

and spectacular Through The Eyes of a

young and innocent child the film

specifically uses the most vibrant of

colors and widest possible lenses to

make every scene location and backdrop

as big and extravagant as it can

possibly be even at times using fisheye

style lenses to capture a child's warped

sense of focus through their eyes the

film's musical score is also very

playful wandering and purposely

directionless just like a child roaming

through a home or a front yard the music

specifically uses the most quirky and

wavy strings and bendy woodwind sounds

like a dark and twisted version of a

children's TV show theme song even the

sound design was particularly meant to

sound cartoony clunky and bouncy enough

to remain consistent with the childish

and curious style of the film but

there's another aspect of the movie's

inspiration that I have to mention the

time period the book itself was inspired

by the Victorian era of novel which were

being published in the mid to late 19th

century commonly known to be written as

social commentary satire these novels in

this time period very clearly inspired

the set design the Wardrobe and the

style of social commentary for the film

the entire atmosphere and infrastructure

of the film is heavily rooted in this

time period however in multiple

interviews the team specified that they

wanted to decorate this world with some

details from various other time periods

as well to ensure that the film's

criticisms on society were targeted at

all points in time most importantly the

current ERA we live in today this is why

the film Ventures into both classic and

futuristic styles of drama and Science

Fiction with cityscapes of 1927's

metropolis the satirical comedic style

of 1972's discreet charm of the

Bourgeois and most obviously the props

and set design of 193 ones Frankenstein

the costumes also combine a diverse

series of stylistic Inspirations from

many different time periods the puffy

sleeve top of the Victorian era combined

with the modern look of the highwaisted

skirt cut above the knees also at times

leaning into the Space Age style of the

1960s and 1970s and when it comes to the

narrative elements of the film let's

discuss what the filmmaker is

specifically trying to tell us about our

lives in the next section of this

video the message when it comes to the

direct message of this film the reality

is there is no direct message in an

interview with the New York Film

Festival the director yogos sanos

specifically said it's exploring there's

no direct message I think it's mostly

creating conditions for characters and

situations where you reveal conflicts in

human behavior society around humans and

humans themselves so the film is never

preaching or directly speaking to us

it's simply pointing out ironies and

absurdities in this satirical parallel

world to make us realize how absurd and

ironic the actual real world is and the

specific way the film does this is it

shows us how a woman would react to the

world had she not been influenced by the

common Norms customs and expectations of

society Bella specifically has five

stages of mental growth in this film

from a baby all the way to a woman and

these stages occur over a very short

period of time and because of this

incredibly rapid mental and emotional

growth Bella is uniquely capable of

completely rejecting the pressure and

societal expectations commonly put on

women since she matures at such a

drastic Pace she is unable to be

conditioned because mental conditioning

requires time repetition and

reinforcement Bella is completely immune

to these factors for example she is

shamelessly open about her sexuality and

non-judgmental of others no matter what

they look like or where they're from and

no matter how manipulative her romantic

partner can try to be she never thinks

twice about putting her foot down and

saying no because of Bella's unique

brain chemistry she can't be pressured

or gaslighted or even persuaded to do

anything she doesn't want to do the only

weakness she does have is her childlike

innocence and naivity at first but when

she gets burned from a mistake she

learns from it incredibly quickly and

I'm not saying Bella is the perfect role

model I don't even think the film is

trying to say that we as people could be

a lot more self-aware with a lot more

forethought but it's more what Bella

represents in finding and protecting

one's Independence that we can all look

up to and I want to discuss in a little

more detail what Bella represents in

relation to her surrounding characters

and what those characters signify in the

real world we live in in the final

section the symbolism it's no mistake in

this film that William defoe's

character's name is Godwin and for short

Bella calls him God Godwin is the mad

scientist surgeon and Professor who gave

Bella life when she wasn't supposed to

have it either as the mother of the baby

or the unborn baby itself this specific

name and dynamic between Bella and

Godwin symbolizes how beliefs in

philosophy spirituality and religion can

at times be instilled into us before we

really even get a chance to determine if

we actually chose to believe in it and I

don't think the film is at all

downplaying religion or any idea of God

with this observation and that seems to

be proven by the fact that Bella and

Godwin have a very loving and supportive

relationship like a lot of people do

with their God Bella fortunately

encounters many friends and strangers

with differing philosophies and beliefs

allowing her to develop her own morals

and values on a very even and unbiased

playing field she's respectful of them

enough to absorb their insights but far

away enough from them to question and

challenge them without any second

thought Duncan wurn and Max mccandles

also represent two jux opposing forms of

male to female admiration Duncan

representing the shallow superficial

form and Max representing the much more

passionate and genuine form in reality a

Duncan can often easily disguise himself

as a Max which is reflected in the film

and how Bella doesn't truly detect the

difference between them at first but

most importantly what I haven't said

about Bella and what may be the most

important symbolically for the movie is

she represents a a second shot at life

for not only the unborn baby but also

the mother the mother being suicidal

suffered a lot of Misfortune in her life

and had the baby been born she may have

also had to suffer a similar experience

in intergenerational trauma and

oppression Bella is the Rewritten story

of both women discovering a new life of

Greater Independence and Liberation a

living breathing symbol of the end of

this crushing s cycle of

[Music]

pressure