Pretty Much Pop #170: Poor Things and Other Yorgos by Partially Examined Life published on 2024-03-21T16:58:52Z We discuss the 4-Oscar-winning film Poor Things as well as the other creations of writer/director Yorgos Lanthimos, including most notably The Lobster, Dogtooth, and The Killing of a Sacred Deer. These films mix high concepts, purposively stilted line-readings, and increasingly rich cinematography with horror and gross sex. For more, visit . Hear bonus content at or by subscribing via Apple Podcasts to the . Sponsor: Get 50% off your first box of ready-to-eat meals at (use code pretty50). Comment by BasilAth Dogtooth is also a satire on the "I don't trust the state or society, there is no state" mindset, most pervasive in rural societies. This is theocracy in action, either religious or secular, where truth is unchallenged and apocalyptic (dis-covered, unveiled, not investigated) given by someone with gravitas, with authority - the gnostic; a handy deal for imature, readily conformist subjects, and antisocial power seekers. As the philosopher points out, language (logos) is the house that man dwells, and Dogtooth is a fine example of that. This manipulation of reality is a travesty, a kind of instigated psychosis. Put paranoia aside, this is a way of identification and tribalism. To a degree, the grown-up children naturally question the order of things, showcasing the vanity of living in an isolated mental and cultural bubble, unless the outsiders know and respect that. 2024-03-24T17:35:22Z Comment by BasilAth Lanthimos stylistically is part of the so-called weirdwave cinema. Similar in style to Dogtooth, is Attenberg (2010), where he is producing and performing a minor part. Precursors to this style I consider a couple of gothic classics: The Wretches Are Still Singing, a dramedy, and Dracula of Exarchia, a hilarious social and political parody. Both are cult b-movies, as perhaps is Dogtooth, and the weirdness stems from their surrealism and caustic criticism. Dracula in particular has the same thematic as Poor Things, in that a mad scientist arrives from Carpathia in Exarchia, a leftist intelligentsia stronghold, and attempts to create (and control) a perfect music band out of famous dead artists! 2024-03-24T11:43:11Z