Martine Bourdeau

I missed "Poor Things" at my local theater and heard that Lanthimos' films were interesting, so I went to the film club of the Alamo, in Winchester, VA. I have what I can call a cinematographic culture and have seen quite provocative films in my life. Yet his one left me very upset and made me wonder WHY the filmmakers presented these horror stories, and WHY some audiences like this film so much (there was a guy in the audience who kept laughing throughout the fim!). I even wondered: how can an actor be part of these horrible plots? I wonder if the film reveals the sickness of the filmamker's mind or the sickness of the world in which we live, and how can people find pleasure in a film where people hurt each others in the most despicable ways. Only a psychoanalyst could answer these questions. Considering what we see happening in the world today, and in history before, human behavior can only be displayed in the most horrific way. But I do not know what to think about that film and the audience who likes it: are they sick too?

Fantastic film!!! The actress who plays Amy is such an perfect incarnation of Amy Winehouse and I read that she was really the one singing her songs. Blake's character is equally powerful. The filmmaker is so talented; the photography is outstanding: the close-up of characters reveals their emotions so powerfully. What an incredible woman, so sensiitive, so real, so loving. Her father's support as truly admirable; Nan was such a lving and inspiring character. What a style both in Amy Winehoue's appearance, her hair style and her musical singularity, inspired by artists from the blues area. I also love her connection to Black music. I had tears in my eyes: why did she die so young? What an artist! What a creator! Bless her soul and her incredible talent and originality.

I am French and enjoyed tremendously Johnny Depp in the role of Louis XVth. His accent is perfect and his unique and original approach remarkable. The main actress and filmmaker was also outstanding and portrayed how women were used --by the way are still used--by those in power. The sets, the photography and the soundtrack contributed so much to the elegance and beauty of this production. I do hope that Johnny Depp will play in more films and that his unfortunate episode with the court will not damage the rest of his career. Yes women were and are still being used, but they have also become dangerous for men, when they try to go beyond getting justice and try to kill them at all levels. Between the experience of Jeanne du Barry and Amanda Heard, centuries are apart but the first one at least experienced love despite humiliation while the second one 's injuries may have been heard and done justice to but what is left of her love? That is what I learn when assessing the romances of the past: yes, they are tragic, but beautiful.