In the realm of cinema, crafting a genuine epic story necessitates an abundance of distinctive spaces and setting. With "Poor Things", the eagerly awaited eighth movie by director Yorgos Lanthimos which narrates the tale of a creature akin to Frankenstein exploring the world's beauty and sorrow, the collaborative efforts of production designers James Price and Shona Heath brought to life some of the year's most creatively envisioned settings. In this article, we will investigate the architectural elements and design strategies that contributed to bringing the epic story of "Poor Things" to life, offering an intricate look at the process behind the creation of its distinctive cinematic universe. Spending her entire existence confined to her family's residence, Bella Baxter, the main protagonist played by Emma Stone in the movie, embarks on a global journey seeking self-discovery and the essence of the world around her. The whimsical depictions of various cities, including London, Lisbon, Alexandria, and Paris, capture the evolving spirit of Baxter as well as the fantastical ambiance of the movie.

Depiction of a snowy Paris 
_{Figure 1. Inside the surreal universe of "Poor Things". From "Architectural Digest"', 2023 (https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/inside-the-surreal-universe-of-poor-things).}

In architectural terms her journey is a grand tour, traveling from Lisbon to Alexandria, and onward to Paris in pursuit of the world's marvels. Bella's innocent curiosity and dreamlike thinking inform the depiction of these cities, which captures the spirit of discovery and adventure rather than striving for exact realism.

Bella’s own house
_{Figure 2. The Alexandria set was built as a large miniature. From "Dezeen"', 2024 (https://www.dezeen.com/2024/02/14/poor-things-set-design-shona-heath-james-price/).}

Her odyssey's production design is an odd combination of references and inspirations: The depiction includes a 'Steampunk', Art Nouveau-infused version of London, a mix of traditional and contemporary styles within Godwin's residence, opulent Art Deco designs within the steamship's interior, and Lisbon's tramways — reimagined as vintage-futuristic sky gondolas gliding over the urban skyline.

Alexandria's collapsing stairs
_{Figure 3. Shona Heath and James Price "spliced up" architecture for Poor Things sets. From "Dezeen"', 2024 (https://www.dezeen.com/2024/02/14/poor-things-set-design-shona-heath-james-price/).}

Dominant architectural features are ever-present. For example, Godwin's lab's sweeping arches mimic Paris's famous flying buttresses, which seem to knit the entire city together. Alexandria's collapsing stairs and towers serve as locations and metaphors for revelations. They resemble both the Great Lighthouse and the Tower of Babel. These eclectic references blur the lines of time, creating a world that defies easy categorization. It’s as if history and imagination have been thrown together in a delightful patchwork, similar to Godwin's fantastical creations. This mishmash of periods and styles crafts a timeless setting that refuses to be pinned down, weaving an air of mystery and universality around the film, inviting viewers into a realm where the past intermingles with the imagined future in an enchanting dance. In her peculiar and untainted universe, the architecture transforms into a realm of exploration, an arena for adventure and new discoveries waiting at each turn. Lanthimos, alongside cinematographer Robbie Ryan, brings these architectural wonders to life through carefully chosen wide-angle shots that perfectly capture the essence of the surroundings. They manage to draw our gaze to the landscape, illustrating the world through Bella’s eyes with brilliantly vivid lighting, skies that shimmer like jewels, and scenes painted in striking monochrome, making the architecture not just a backdrop but a character in its own right, full of stories and secrets to uncover. At the heart of the movie is a deep exploration of what it means to be free: questioning the nature of independence and capturing the bittersweet journey of growing up, with all its ups and downs. More than anything, the film illustrates how architecture and its portrayal significantly enhance the storytelling, highlighting the impact of the production design, visual storytelling, and musical composition. Together, they enrich the narrative, turning it into a profound exploration of the journey towards self-discovery, a theme that resonates universally as a rite of passage.

Bibliography

Carlson, C. (2024, February 14). Shona Heath and James Price "spliced up" architecture for Poor Things sets. Dezeen. https://www.dezeen.com/2024/02/14/poor-things-set-design-shona-heath-james-price/

Davies, Rachel. (2023, December 11). Inside the surreal universe of "Poor Things". Architectural Digest. https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/inside-the-surreal-universe-of-poor-things