Unveiling the Eerie Connection: Poor Things: A Modern Take on Frankenstein?

Yorgos Lanthimos' latest film, Poor Things, is a chilling and unsettling horror/sci-fi spectacle that defies traditional storytelling and unleashes controlled mayhem on the big screen. Lanthimos, acclaimed for his works such as The Lobster and The Killing of a Sacred Deer, consistently evokes discomfort and challenges conventional narratives.

In this dark and twisted tale, Emma Stone takes on the lead role as Bella Baxter, while the enigmatic Willem Dafoe portrays the unhinged doctor Godwin Baxter, who brings her back to life. Departing from his usual practice of creating original scripts, Lanthimos breathes cinematic life into Alasdair Gray's acclaimed novel of the same name, infusing the story with his distinctive vision. Teaming up once again with Tony McNamara, the co-writer of Lanthimos' Academy Award-nominated film The Favourite, they skillfully adapt Poor Things into a compelling screenplay.

What is Poor Things About?

In a similar vein to Frankenstein, Poor Things breathes fresh life into the twisted story of Bella Baxter. Revived from the grips of death by the brilliant yet unhinged Dr. Godwin Baxter, Bella's resurrection comes with a peculiar twist - a childlike brain implanted in her skull. Plagued by confusion, she struggles with her identity and the baffling world around her. With Dr. Godwin as her guide, she embarks on a perilous journey to reclaim her lost knowledge of life's complexities. However, an overwhelming sense of entrapment consumes her, driving Bella to seek escape alongside Duncan Wedderburn, a dubious lawyer. Together, they venture into a realm beyond our own, where Bella confronts the diverse shapes and prejudices of their time. In this voyage of self-discovery, she longs for answers that could grant her freedom.

The novel presents a patchwork of accounts and texts from intricate narrators, forming a mosaic of conflicting perspectives. Alasdair Gray, the author himself, disguises his role as an editor of these varied voices. As the novel transitions to film, the adaptation must grapple with the intricate web woven by these narrators.

Exploring the Literary Connection

Alasdair Gray's Poor Things boldly challenges the enduring power of Mary Shelley's immortal classic, Frankenstein. Shelley's Gothic horror masterpiece has cemented the names of Victor Frankenstein and his monstrous creation into literary history. However, Gray emerges as another author ready to leave his mark with his audacious reimagining.

Gray's Poor Things diverges from Shelley's Frankenstein by infusing the story with dark humor, social commentary, and fantastical elements. The protagonist, Bella Baxter, is brought back to life with an infant's brain and embarks on a surreal journey of self-discovery, grappling with questions of identity and freedom. Gray expands on the original tale by exploring themes of social inequality, feminism, and memory, while incorporating historical events into the narrative.

Both Shelley and Gray share a fascination with the limits of human existence. However, while Shelley's writing is steeped in dark romanticism, Gray's distinctly Scottish voice is filled with wit, satire, and a touch of absurdity. Through the use of unreliable narrators, Gray challenges readers to question the truthfulness of the accounts and embrace the disorienting nature of reality. His playful manipulation of form and perspective adds an additional layer of intrigue, inviting readers into a labyrinth of contradictory voices and fragmented truths.

Frankenstein's Creature vs. Bella Baxter

Both the creature in Frankenstein and Bella in Poor Things share a common destiny - they are the results of scientific experimentation. Motivated by an insatiable thirst for knowledge, Victor Frankenstein brings to life a being made up of mismatched body parts, only to be horrified by his own creation. Despite his physical deformities, the creature longs for acceptance and understanding, but instead faces rejection and fear from society.

In contrast, Bella is a unique combination of an infant's brain and a revived body, constantly living in a state of confusion. Her journey towards self-discovery is hindered by a lack of identity and societal expectations, leaving her disoriented and unsure of herself. Both characters, in their own distinct ways, embody the challenges faced by individuals who are considered "monstrous" or deviate from societal norms.

The creature's story in Frankenstein revolves around his desire for connection and revenge, while Bella's narrative in Poor Things takes a distinct path. Under the guidance of Dr. Godwin and accompanied by the enigmatic lawyer Duncan Wedderburn, Bella embarks on a fantastical journey to break free from her perceived confinement. As she navigates a world marred by prejudice and inequality, her adventures become a means of self-discovery and the pursuit of personal liberty.

Despite their divergent paths, both characters elicit sympathy and inspire introspection. Through their experiences, readers and viewers are compelled to question the essence of humanity, the ethical implications of scientific exploration, and the limits of empathy. By challenging conventional notions of beauty, normality, and acceptance, the creature and Bella compel us to confront our own biases and preconceived notions.

A Modern Retelling

Yorgos Lanthimos, known for his distinctive directorial style and willingness to push boundaries, is presented with a remarkable opportunity to breathe new life into Alasdair Gray's Poor Things. With his penchant for unsettling humor and unconventional storytelling, Lanthimos has the potential to create a modern adaptation that not only captivates audiences but also challenges societal norms and explores the complexities of the human condition. As Poor Things ventures into unexplored territory, it has the potential to establish itself as a truly thought-provoking and mesmerizing work of art, securing its place among the great cinematic creations.

Poor Things is set to be released in theaters on September 8.