Title: Yorgos Lanthimos’ “Poor Things” Receives Rapturous Reception at Venice Film Festival
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Dynamic Greek filmmaker Yorgos Lanthimos’ highly anticipated latest film, “Poor Things,” made its world premiere at the Venice Film Festival on Friday, receiving an overwhelming ovation that lasted for an impressive 10 minutes and 37 seconds. The response to the film was one of the most enthusiastic that festivalgoers have witnessed, with the audience even chanting the director’s name during the post-screening ovation.
Despite the absence of stars Emma Stone, Willem Dafoe, and Mark Ruffalo due to the ongoing SAG-AFTRA strike, the crowd inside the Sala Grande paid homage to Lanthimos’ directorial genius. Stephanie Bunbury from Deadline described the film as a “glorious paean to freedom,” captivated by its storyline.
“Poor Things,” based on Alasdair Gray’s 1992 novel of the same name, follows the character of Bella Baxter, played by Emma Stone. Bella is a creation of the brilliant and unorthodox scientist portrayed by Willem Dafoe, reminiscent of Mary Shelley’s iconic horror novel “Frankenstein.” Mark Ruffalo takes on the role of a slick and debauched lawyer, adding further depth to the cast. The film also features Ramy Youssef, Jerrod Carmichael, and Christopher Abbott.
During a recent interview, Yorgos Lanthimos addressed the film’s numerous sex scenes and commended intimacy coordinator Elle McAlpine, acknowledging that she played a pivotal role in making the filming process much smoother for everyone involved.
The screenplay for “Poor Things” was penned by Tony McNamara, a frequent collaborator of Lanthimos. The production was led by Element Pictures, with Ed Guiney and Andrew Lowe serving as producers alongside Stone and Lanthimos.
Following its premiere at the Venice Film Festival, “Poor Things” is set to be showcased at the Telluride, New York, and London film festivals before its official release in the United States on December 8.
The overwhelmingly positive reception at the Venice Film Festival has created high anticipation among film enthusiasts and critics alike, positioning “Poor Things” as a potential award season contender. With Lanthimos’ unique storytelling style and an exceptional cast, the film promises to captivate audiences with its exploration of freedom and morality.
As “Poor Things” continues its festival run, the buzz surrounding the film is expected to grow, solidifying Yorgos Lanthimos’ reputation as one of the most influential and innovative filmmakers of our time.