Edited by Cormac Nugent; Written by Madison Challis
This 2023 cinematic adaptation of Alasdair Gray's novel, Poor Things, embarks on a compelling narrative journey, chronicling the life of Bella Baxter, a young woman resurrected by the enigmatic Dr. Godwin Baxter.
The cinematic adaptation of Gray's novel brings to the screen a rich tapestry of themes centered around autonomy, the patriarchal desire for control, and the nuances of female empowerment. This review delves into how these themes are explored in the film, highlighting its relevance in contemporary society.
Following her revival, Bella, embodying a childlike intellect, enters into a marriage with Dr. Baxter's aide, Max, only to later elope with Duncan Wedderburn, a lawyer. Throughout her travels, Bella's intellectual and social faculties blossom. Her unabashed sexuality, juxtaposed against her childlike mindset, serves as a potent narrative device to explore themes of sexualisation of underage children but also an unashamed open communication and honesty within relationships. The story arc, culminating in Bella's self-empowerment and her eventual embrace of socialism in Paris working at a brothel, is a vibrant exploration of autonomy against the backdrop of patriarchal control. The story comes to an end with Bella’s continuation of Dr. Baxter's work.
Autonomy and Female Agency:
At the heart of Poor Things lies the story of Bella Baxter, an enigmatic character whose life and autonomy are subject to the whims of men. The film adeptly explores the notion of autonomy, particularly female autonomy, by showcasing Bella's journey from an object of male creation to a subject of her own destiny. Her resurrection by the eccentric Dr. Baxter, portrayed as both a scientific breakthrough and a possessive act, sets the stage for a profound commentary on the agency of women in a patriarchal society. Bella Baxter's journey from a lifeless body to a woman of agency is at the core of the film. This is poignantly illustrated when Bella, after a period of childlike subservience in Dr Baxter’s London unconventional mansion, starts questioning her own identity and purpose. This moment of self-awareness marks the beginning of her quest for autonomy.
Men's Desire for Control:
The depiction of male dominance forms a critical thematic strand within the film, with Dr. Baxter's initial act of revival subtly morphing from perceived benevolence to a manifest quest for control. Dr. Baxter has a paternal view of Bella, by which he is surprised to find supervening his potential sexual interest. It is a pretty brutal view, with Bella very much as an object of consideration rather than a developing person. Instead of pursuing her or being attracted to her sexually, as the other male characters do, Baxter seeks to either protect her or give her away, whether to Wedderburn as "letting her go", or to McCandles in marriage. These paternal means of supervising and undermining Bella's agency, as well as his moments of overriding her agency altogether, are an interesting point of "home-grown" misogyny.
This dynamic and quest for control is further explored through characters such as Duncan Webberburn and General Sir Aubrey Meiklejohn, whose obsessions with Bella reflect a broader societal inclination towards female subjugation. This fixation on Bella mirrors the broader societal tendency to exert dominance over women. The film further demonstrates her growth as she begins to defy Dr. Baxter's expectations, such as pursuing interests outside of his influence and forming her own social relationships. The film adeptly captures Bella's gradual defiance of Dr. Baxter's dominion, showcasing her intellectual growth and burgeoning independence, which eventually alienates Duncan Webberburn as she ceases to conform to his expectations of subservience. The film challenges viewers to reflect on how such dynamics are still prevalent today, albeit in more subtle forms.
Innocence and Naivety as Male Fantasies:
Poor Things critically examines the male fascination with innocence and naivety in women. Bella, with the mind of a child in a woman's body, becomes a canvas for male projections of purity and youthfulness. The film interrogates this fantasy, suggesting that it stems from a desire for power and control rather than genuine affection. It raises important questions about societal norms that idealise youth and innocence in women, often at the expense of their complexity and depth. The film questions where these ideals come from, and why we are so far from getting past them. Duncan Webberburn vividly embodies the male obsession with innocence and naivety. His fixation on Bella is most apparent in scenes where he idealises her childlike innocence, viewing it as a form of purity. For instance, in one scene, Wedderburn Expresses his desire to protect Bella from the world's corruption, reflecting his own longing for control under the guise of safeguarding her innocence. When in reality, he is the most corrupt thing that could hurt her at this time. It also takes the cynic to reveal the impoverished horrors of the world in Alexandria to Bella, and even then he admits to doing so only out of a want to hurt Bella, if only in spirit.
Female Empowerment and Transformation:
The narrative arc of Bella Baxter is a compelling depiction of female empowerment. The film portrays her evolution from a mere creation to an individual with desires, ambitions, and the ability to assert her will. This transformation is a powerful statement on the resilience and strength of women, even in the face of overwhelming societal and personal obstacles. Bella's journey is not just a personal triumph but a symbol of broader female empowerment. Bella's transformation into an empowered individual is a key character arc. A critical moment in this transformation is when Bella confronts Dr. Baxter about her true origins. Her demand for the truth and her subsequent decisions to chart her own course in life, such as engaging in intellectual pursuits and forming independent opinions through her avid reading and engagement with socialism, signal her growing empowerment. The film uses these moments to highlight her transition from an object of male desire to a self-empowered woman.
Poor Things (2023) is a thought-provoking film that skilfully addresses complex themes such as autonomy, the patriarchal desire for control over women, and female empowerment. Through its nuanced portrayal of these themes, the film invites viewers to engage in a critical dialogue about the ongoing struggles for gender equality and autonomy. It serves as a reminder of the importance of reimagining and reclaiming narratives around female identity and agency in our contemporary world.
Poor Things (2024) IDMB
Excellent article !!