Poor Thingswears its influences on its sleeve.
But while Dafoe acknowledges that influence, he cautions against viewing his character as a stereotypical mad scientist.
In fact, the actor notes some thematic connections between Dr. Baxter and Bella.
Willem Dafoe in ‘Poor Things’.Yorgos Lanthimos/Searchlight Pictures
It’s not devilish, it’s not crazy.
He’s trying to advance something and, in a funny way, he also gives himself hope.
And so there are interesting parallels to Bella.
In fact, they share a similar journey, in a funny way.
Dr. Baxters compassion is informed by his own life experience.
Hence all the scarring.
Did he open up his head to look inside?
Had things not healed properly?
So he became this patchwork quilt of a man.
But when you cast Willem Dafoe, you don’t want to cover him completely.
So it’s a great tool, it’s a great trigger for the imagination.
Thats always a pleasure, when you have these tangible, physical things to work with.
Poor Thingsis in theaters now.
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