Emma Stone, Mark Ruffalo and other cast members of the highly anticipated film Poor Things attended the premiere at the Lincoln Center on Wednesday night. The film, directed by Yorgos Lanthimos and based on the novel by Alasdair Gray, is a dark and whimsical tale of a young woman who is resurrected by a mad scientist and embarks on a journey of self-discovery and liberation.
Stone, who plays the lead role of Bella Baxter, looked stunning in a black sequined gown with a plunging neckline and a thigh-high slit. She accessorized with a pair of diamond earrings and a matching ring. The actress, who also serves as a producer of the film, was all smiles as she posed for the cameras and greeted the fans.
Ruffalo, who portrays Bella’s lover Duncan Wedderburn, a slick and debauched lawyer, was dapper in a navy blue suit and a white shirt. He was accompanied by his wife Sunrise Coigney, who wore a floral dress and a black coat. The couple, who have been married for 22 years, shared a sweet kiss on the red carpet.
The film has received critical acclaim and won the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival
Poor Things, which also stars Willem Dafoe, Ramy Youssef, Christopher Abbott and Jerrod Carmichael, has been praised by critics and audiences alike for its originality, humor and performances. The film won the prestigious Golden Lion award at the 80th Venice International Film Festival in September, where it received a standing ovation.
The film’s director, Lanthimos, who is known for his distinctive and unconventional style, said that he was drawn to the novel by Gray because of its “richness, complexity and inventiveness”. He added that he wanted to create a film that was “funny, moving, surprising and relevant”.
Stone, who previously worked with Lanthimos on The Favourite, said that she was thrilled to collaborate with him again and to bring Bella’s character to life. She described Bella as “a woman who is free from the constraints of her time and society, who is curious, adventurous and fearless”. She also said that she enjoyed working with Ruffalo, whom she called “a wonderful partner and a brilliant actor”.
Ruffalo, who is also an executive producer of the film, said that he was impressed by Lanthimos’ vision and the script by Tony McNamara. He said that he loved the story of Bella and Duncan, who are “two misfits who find each other and go on a wild ride”. He also praised Stone’s performance, saying that she was “a force of nature” and “a beautiful director”.
The film is set to be released in the United States on December 8 and in the United Kingdom on January 12
Poor Things is scheduled to be released in the United States on December 8, 2023, and in the United Kingdom on January 12, 2024, by Searchlight Pictures. The film has been rated R for sexual content, nudity, violence and language. The film has a running time of 141 minutes.
The film is expected to be a strong contender for the upcoming awards season, as it has already been named one of the top 10 films of 2023 by the National Board of Review. McNamara and Ruffalo also won the awards for Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Supporting Actor, respectively.
The film’s official trailer, which was released in October, has garnered over 20 million views on YouTube. The trailer showcases the film’s quirky tone, stunning visuals and stellar cast. The film’s official synopsis reads:
From filmmaker Yorgos Lanthimos and producer Emma Stone comes the incredible tale and fantastical evolution of Bella Baxter (Stone), a young woman brought back to life by the brilliant and unorthodox scientist Dr. Godwin Baxter (Willem Dafoe). Under Baxter’s protection, Bella is eager to learn. Hungry for the worldliness she is lacking, Bella runs off with Duncan Wedderburn (Mark Ruffalo), a slick and debauched lawyer, on a whirlwind adventure across the continents. Free from the prejudices of her times, Bella grows steadfast in her purpose to stand for equality and liberation.
