Emma Stone's upcoming sci-fi dark comedy, "Poor Things," directed by Yorgos Lanthimos, features raunchy scenes that required the actress to be unapologetically comfortable with her body. At the 80th Venice Film Festival, where the movie premiered, Lanthimos expressed his gratitude for Stone's dedication to the intimate sequences in the film, based on Alasdair Grey's novel.
Lanthimos emphasized the importance of depicting the character Bella Baxter's freedom, including her sexuality, as an intrinsic part of the novel. He wanted the film to be unapologetic and not prudish, staying true to the main character's essence.
Lanthimos and Stone's collaborative history, including their work on "The Favourite," facilitated discussions about the film's sexual content. They share a shorthand communication style that allowed them to navigate these scenes efficiently. Lanthimos praised intimacy coordinator Elle McAlpine for her positive influence on the film, making the process smoother for everyone involved.
Describing "Poor Things" proved challenging for Lanthimos, as it defies easy categorization. The movie, set in the Victorian era, explores themes of freedom, perception, and the role of women in society, giving it a contemporary feel. Sets were designed to create a comfortable, intimate environment for filming explicit scenes, fostering open discussions with Stone to capture various aspects of human desire and idiosyncrasies.
"Poor Things," which has been in development since 2009, features a cast including William Dafoe, Mark Ruffalo, Ramy Youssef, Margaret Qualley, Jerrod Carmichael, and Christopher Abbott. The story follows Bella Baxter, brought back to life by the unconventional scientist Dr. Godwin Baxter.
Despite the absence of cast members at the Venice Film Festival due to the SAG-AFTRA strike, the film received an eight-minute standing ovation from the audience and competes for the prestigious Golden Lion award. "Poor Things" is set for a theatrical release on December 8, 2023.
Emma Stone's fearlessness and commitment to her role in "Poor Things" showcase her dedication to authentic storytelling and challenging societal norms.
