Top Pick - Poor Things
Oscar Tidbit: This film received 11 Oscar nominations in 2024 and won in four categories. However, it deserved to win in six, including Best Picture.
Winning Categories:
Best Makeup and Hairstyling: A well-deserved win!
Best Production Design: Another well-deserved win!
Best Costume Design: Rightfully awarded!
Best Actress: While I was happy for Emma Stone, I believe Sandra Hüller from Anatomy of a Fall was more deserving.
Other Nominations:
Best Picture (Snub): Nominated, but it should have won over Oppenheimer.
Best Original Score (Snub): Nominated, but it should have triumphed over Oppenheimer.
Best Cinematography (Snub): Nominated, but it clearly deserved to win over Oppenheimer.
Best Director: Nominated, but I think Martin Scorsese should have won fro Killers of a Flower Moon, and Greta Gerwig should have been nominated for Barbie instead of Jonathan Glazer for The Zone of Interest. Christopher Nolan, in my view, is one of the most overrated directors—this category was disappointing.
Best Supporting Actor: Mark Ruffalo was nominated, but I expected Robert De Niro to win. It was disappointing to see Robert Downey Jr. take the award.
Best Film Editing: Nominated, but Killers of the Flower Moon should have won over Oppenheimer.
Best Adapted Screenplay: Nominated, but American Fiction was a well-deserved winner over Poor Things in this category.
"Poor Things" follows the captivating journey of Bella Baxter from childhood to adulthood as she embarks on a quest for independence and becomes a progressive young woman. The film draws inspiration from classic works such as "Frankenstein" and "The Island of Dr. Moreau," and modern influences like Cronenberg, Wes Anderson, and Taika Waititi with its grandiose characters. Despite these influences, the film remains distinctly Yorgos Lanthimos, skillfully blurring the lines between reality and absurdity.
The film has stunning cinematography, intricate costumes, and a notable dance scene. However, what truly stands out is its feminist undertone. The film's controversial perspective on sex and autonomy has sparked debate among viewers. Despite moments of discomfort, the overarching theme of sex positivity and female empowerment is compelling. "Poor Things" challenges patriarchal norms and offers a vision of a world where women are unencumbered by societal structures. Bella's calm demeanor and unwavering refusal to let anyone diminish her light or sexual awakening make her a compelling and inspiring role model and leaves a lasting impression.
