Emma Stone, Mark Ruffalo & Director Yorgos Lanthimos Break Down 'Poor Things' Scenes | Vanity Fair

'Poor Things' director Yorgos Lanthimos is joined by Emma Stone and Mark Ruffalo as he discusses everything about the multi-layered ship scene from his film. Hear them break down the CGI intricacies, the dark symbolism behind certain moments and how he used plenty of wide-angle and fish-eye lens with cinematographer Robbie Ryan to create the surreal world of 'Poor Things.'
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[@JordanSorensen]

I love how unhinged this gets and thank you to the editor for leaving it.

[@playgroundweeknd]

I laughed for five minutes straight 😂 this was fantastic

[@bethulrich5406]

whaaateverrrr🙄🤪

[@mynameishall8736]

Alot like the movie they are discussing. Horrific.

[@cethomas324]

The movie was unhinged too, so it makes sense. Just saw it and was blown away.

[@cethomas324]

Don't disagree. Just thought it was horrific in the most brilliant way.@@mynameishall8736

[@Clawdeena9]

Emma Stone is f*cking hillarious, her drawing the 'S' is SO underrated

[@joellezima3506]

And the way Mark sees it and is just trying not to bust out laughing was SO funny to me

[@galaga00]

She's pretty hard not to love.

[@Huhoabwgi]

When is she drawing S?

[@Tannstongli]

@@Huhoabwgi at 7:03

[@KatSchma]

what does it mean? 😇

[@HaroldWright_09]

The first four and a half minutes is them just laughing and having fun. We need more videos of interviews where they don't edit these bits out because they are so joy giving and wonderful.

[@heyitsme881]

You need to get a life lmao

[@user-wg8en5fz1y]

how sad are you ?@@heyitsme881

[@crisbolanos8812]

@@heyitsme881grow up you imbecil

[@spencerkagen1386]

​@@heyitsme881 Maybe you need to find joy in the little things...

[@kamronmonroe7214]

@@heyitsme881This comment is so ironic

[@lucyhirsch3203]

"And these are just some friends we picked up along the way" is an underrated line 😂

[@dialiu2269]

Mark Ruffalo deserves an Oscar nomination for his brilliant performance of that outrageous character

[@Blorcus]

He had the whole theatre gut laughing. Truly one of his best performances. I didn’t know he had comedy chops like that

[@JDMimeTHEFIRST]

I know . . . He’s so gross😅

[@matthewcarter5004]

when he slams his head on the bar...

[@Futurebound_jpg]

He was definitely the main source of comedy!

[@MAThompsonFrenk]

He was BRILLIANT!

[@Missjunebugfreak]

When they all start giggling and cracking up it's adorable. This is such a fun trio.

[@carriebacy4566]

I am so happy that the Director talked about the fish eye lens’s. I was obsessed with the digital an scenery. It was something so unique and really helped the story come to life

[@wonderingwanderer6782]

Honestly, I was just confused by that fish eye parts. So this was great to hear

[@_sty__le7433]

I hope Emma wins the Oscar, what she does as Bella Baxter is something we see very few times

[@aresef]

It’s her best performance as far as I’m concerned, given what this movie asks of her.

[@jackiepike1466]

I also hope Yorgos Lanthimos wins, what a feast this was!

[@LynnAMV]

Her acting was great this movie, I even forget we’re watching Emma. I believe it’ll be between her or Margot Robbie, honestly rooting for Emma more but Margot Robbie’s role as Barbie was also excellent.

[@MajorMlgNoob]

​@@LynnAMV Lily Gladstone is the favorite

[@BbGun-lw5vi]

@@LynnAMVMargot is a terrific actress. But there is no comparison between Margot’s Barbie performance and Emma’s Bella. Emma wins by a mile.

[@ScarlettJ1221]

3:30 LMFAO her face when it was paused and they can't control their laughter after HAHAHAHA

[@mainly_marvel]

i love her 😭✋️

[@nesspresso]

love the silent laughs lol

[@julianmx13]

4:14 Mark was trying to walk away then realized he’s trapped in an endless white room lol

[@icantthinkrn]

Much like when he trapped Bella on the ship 😂

[@lorrainefranchi9105]

I think he knew if he kept sitting there he would never be able to stop laughing It's like when you were little and in church or something and something funny happens and you can't stop laughing!

[@matthewmagnus]

Not Emma stone drawing the swag S in the middle of Yorgos talking 💀

[@spencerkagen1386]

Why did you include "not"? Genuinely curious...

[@DERRTYCHYBO]

Its Gen-Z speak

[@oogiegoogie2826]

@@spencerkagen1386the “not” kind of represents like “this is too amusing to have actually happened,” but not literally. I know it’s confusing.

[@corykaplan.]

Send me so far

[@bruceturnbull4219]

@@spencerkagen1386It’s the same as saying “No way did Emma Stone do that”

[@baileyhenley3417]

This is probably the MOST beautiful movie I’ve ever seen. Every single part of it was perfect and I wouldn’t change a thing.

[@LauraiRoss]

I agree with you totally!!

[@arthurmani]

Agreed

[@gwenw2487]

I fully agree! I think it’s my new favorite movie ever. I was shocked to hear a couple friends didn’t love it

[@greciarodriguez1790]

Weird how no one finds it strange that she was a grown women in a child’s body.

[@rocker725227]

@@greciarodriguez1790I swear I’ve been looking for this comment everywhere😂

[@littlekermit5025]

It's so unfair that Mark didn't get any recognition for his role in Poor things by all those movie awards. Because his execution of this role ended up being so so brilliant. Anyway, we still see his talent shining through that character and many many more ❤

[@maryjeffries9251]

He is so gracious. He is a great actor and I'm glad to see him post Marvel.

[@DucatiKozak]

No wonder this film is SO FUNNY! They can't get a sentence out without cracking up! That magic was all on camera! Truly a wonderfully quirky, hilarious film. I loved the cinematography, lots of swirly bokeh & some extreme vignetting. Emma was exceptional & Mark played his best roll ever, hope this film receives many award noms! This is my favourite film of 2023 & can't wait to see it again!

[@natedetailscars]

They did Emma so dirty with that freeze 😂

[@user-li4lr7ny4g]

I am Greek and I am very proud of Yorgos Lanthimos

[@jacquelineess1141]

We all are!! ❤

[@mihaliskritharis4]

Ο Χατζιδακης των Ελλήνων σκηνοθετων

[@thequestionablevideo]

yea@@mihaliskritharis4

[@MelissaThompson432]

Oh, that explains some things.... I grew up in Florida; I've had many Greek friends and acquaintances. As a whole they've been delightfully out of the box.

[@livvi67]

I am Scottish and I am very proud of Alastair Gray

[@theinfraggable]

Petition for Emma Stone to start signing her name just with that S

[@valksrafi8833]

7:07 Emma stone draws the S is so funny 😂

[@dawnschaeffer807]

Mark Ruffalo was fantastic in this movie. I couldn't get enough of him.

[@AriesSlagv]

BELLAAAAAAA!😂😂😂

[@leigharmstrong9940]

When Mark’s character does the “Bellllll-AHHHH…”…👏🏼👏🏼🫶🏼🫶🏼🫶🏼bravo😘

[@lalalandthinkr]

current obsession is how proud emma looked after drawing that s 😭

[@GreenBayPack]

Emma Stone drawing the "S" reminded me when in school I would draw the same on everything lol. Emma's performance as the ever growing Bella is award worthy, or the very least in the conversation. Not to mention how much of her physical self she gave us that can't be ignored.

[@filmtoppings]

Emma Stone gives a performance for the ages as Bella Baxter. Poor Things is a must watch guys!

[@SCharlesDennicon]

Is it also a must watch... FOR guys? :D

[@jakestroll6518]

She definitely takes a lot of brave swings in that character but it didn’t land for me. It doesn’t sound like a child so much as like an adult with autism.

[@senguptasayn]

Do read the novel.and also tell me how you found those gorgeous illustrations?A must read.

[@drumbum3.142]

​@jakestroll6518 Well, I'm Not Outright Disagreeing but I'd also like to point out that might have (partially) been the point. .

[@lukerne9260]

​@@jakestroll6518Trash take

[@jessicafb5398]

Mark Ruffalo’s performance/character absolutely made this film for me! He was brilliant. I love how he’s so authentic about how the role scared him after being so comfortable being typecast for so long.

[@clairenicholls8024]

He did so well!!

[@timwright4263]

The whole point of art is discovering yourself. Every time. Everyone that went on this adventure broke free of themselves. That's art.

[@poojithashetty7648]

Beautifully said!!

[@user-jc5lf6sf7g]

Ruffalo summarized that really well. Used to really love him as an actor until he became more known for stale marvel franchise roles and twitter feuds. This movie made me remember why I loved him so much.

[@Leatherfacet]

Him in Spotlight is one of the great ones.

[@MaanSelene]

I saw Poor Things for the second time in theater today. I've never revisited a theater more than once for the same movie. I loved it even more the second time around. ❤ Seriously considering going again. Poor Things is, in one word: PHENOMENAL.

[@polilla2112]

Formidable

[@tanyamurchie4728]

Just saw the movie . . brilliant, out of the box, creative, visually stimulating and Ms Stone gave it all.

[@trinaq]

I'm really anticipating this film, I hope that Emma gets an Oscar nomination, and that it's nominated for a slew of other awards.

[@Crunkles1119]

Worth it. Truly

[@Mai-jt6us]

She shoudl win an Oscar for this role

[@tisubasah6241]

She's definitely a front runner. She might actually win her second Oscar for this movie.

[@rubberducky4074]

Nomination isn’t enough. I need her to win

[@kyorikusagami84]

Nomination ??? She's the frontrunner buddy

[@ellebannana]

Officially my favourite scene breakdown on this channel. What joy! Their attitudes are reflected in the film itself.

[@mlp958]

Oscar nominations galore. It was disturbing to watch at times, and that’s one of the qualities of a great film. It stirred up many different emotions. A really memorable one was when Bella felt an incredible amount of empathy for the dead babies she saw and a feeling for the first time. Impeccable performance. That was my favorite scene Emma Stone delivered so very raw.

[@JohnSmith-jd4qm]

I found it quite an unusual and touching choice that she dislikes babies (tries to hit one at one point, and says she feels no maternal instinct) but she's still devastated when she sees the dead ones. It's like we're seeing her basic humanity rise up and completely overwhelm her personal prejudice.

[@lc86_65]

That scene makes no sense. She doesn't like babies and has no maternal instinct, yet she falls apart and gives away somebody else's money 😂 they only put that scene in there to have an excuse to kick them off the boat and continue the plot...

[@sophiamaeastles940]

@@lc86_65I totally hear you… in my interpretation of the movie, as her language and experience develops, so does her empathy and her compassion.

[@clairenicholls8024]

I literally cried at that scene !!

[@mlp958]

@@lc86_65 you’re missing the point. Bella is experiencing everything for the first time with the brain of a child. The child was annoyed by a baby and then as the brain matured she experienced an enormous amount of empathy for the dead babies. All of those experiences were part of of her development. She grows every other scene. Makes different choices and has a different perspective. Literally the whole point of the movie.

[@kalliopimariacaviara8376]

Ο Γιώργος Λανθιμος είναι ένας εξαιρετικά δομημένος καλλιτέχνης, με ευρύ πνεύμα, οξυδέρκεια, ψυχαναλυτική προσέγγιση και φοβερή αισθητική! Γράφει διαρκώς ιστορία

[@entropydynamic906]

100% true! Grand Maestro!

[@tsifotis]

Οscar bait movie ως συνηθως ο Λανθιμος εχει γραμμενους παραγωγους , εισιτηρια , εμπορικότητα ΕΝΑ ΠΡΑΓΜΑ ΜΟΝΟ ΤΟΝ ΝΟΙΑΖΕΙ να παρει το Οscar μια ταινια που στοχεύει απλα σε μια κρίσιμη μαζα μελων της ακαδημιας αν τσιμπήσει αυτους τους ψήφους θα το παρει. Αν παλι οχι θα ξαναπροσπαθήσει. Ενα ειναι σιγουρο οτι δεν παρει αγαλματακι ταινια για κοσμο και για εισιτηρια δεν θα κανει ποτε

[@cassandramalvasia3629]

Συμφωνω

[@brianng8350]

Not the most interesting scene to breakdown, but love the actors talking about the process and the visuals in the movie are beautiful.

[@nightview93]

emma knowing about the S is so 90s/early 00s core

[@tiniestgremlin]

THIS FILM IS LIFE CHANGING GO SEE IT YORGOS LANTHIMOS STANS RISE

[@kingperalta]

I must say, I never expected to see Ruffalo play a role like this. Yorgos knew what he was doing! Btw I don't think I've ever laughed this much while watching a VF video. Thanks for leaving in all the laughs etc.!

[@AllThingsFilm1]

"Poor Things" is now one of my most favorite films of all time. Everything about this movie is fantastic.

[@RealFeelsProject]

We need Emma to win the Oscar so we can finally have a "Best Actress Who Also Displays How To Properly Draw the "S" Thing"

[@gabriel-wc2nu]

She deserves 🙏🤞🤞 all the awards and then Oscar

[@Subtle-System]

Love the chemistry between them

[@SamanthaOBrochta]

Emma's so millennial for drawing that S 😂

[@heysnezhana]

She let her intrusive thoughts win 😂

[@theeab1993]

People have been drawing that since the 80's though. I'm a teacher and my middle school students still draw the cool S.

[@kiianapaige]

I hadn’t even got to this part yet and I know EXACTLY what you’re talking about ahahah I love it

[@dionysuskapeleia]

I'm a gen z and we used to draw it all the time around 2005-2012.

[@estrella3741]

Hahaha very true. I’m 34 and remember doing the S’s in middle school.

[@Toonksbell43]

This movie was not only one of the funniest and most genius films I've seen in years, but it is now a top favorite of mine!

[@logan2113]

This movie was absurd and surreal and funny and dark and interesting and there aren't enough adjectives. I loved it start to finish

[@user-qi9sw6fm3t]

I know Mark is up for the Golden Globe at this time, I can’t remember who is he is up against m, but I think he should win. I’ve never seen him in this type of roll and he really reached into himself for it, you can see that in the dance sequence particularly. I hope he gets it.

[@teresal.7232]

I am still captivated by this movie!!! I really want them to win Oscars in all categories! It's a delight for your brain!!!

[@Littleneddygtw]

this movie was visually stunning, hilarious, sounded great, weirded me out and had great performances. best movie i've seen all year

[@nerd26373]

These three people have brilliant minds. When mixed together, they form a spectacular entourage.

[@24pablox]

The movie was hysterical and seeing them off screen just adds up to how hilarious these people are. Nuts and I love it

[@JordanHighfield]

when they all start burst out laughing has me dying

[@janechoy2073]

All the millennials feel seen in this vid. Thanks to Emma Stone for representing!

[@sarahbeeson6224]

Emma Stone drawing that 'S' and Mark Ruffalo trying not to laugh 🤣

[@LM085]

I haven’t laughed this hard for a while 😂😂😂. Thanks for keeping that funny bit in. Great cast and crew - love the dynamic between them.

[@user-jz4oz3bx3n]

I loved Poor Things. Personally, I think it is a movie of the year!

[@sebsings]

I don’t have the words to describe how much I love getting insight on the intention of the artists and what pushed them to make a specific set of creative decisions. It shows the piece under a different light.

[@arontamas5639]

Can't wait for watching, especially for Emma, her acting game is another level with Lanthimos!

[@brookec24]

This is my favorite solely because of the laughing fits. Actors with the directors on these 👌🏻

[@mindtheprivacy]

Mark Ruffalo thinking he cannot act the part is mind blowing. I'm glad he overcame his doubts!

[@betsynicolestipa]

That was a fun interview!! More like this !!

[@Reagan-vm6qg]

I’m just gonna say it: Yorgos Lanthimos is one of the most interesting directors of our time. Poor Things is an absolute masterpiece and is one of the best pictures I have had the pleasure of watching in my lifetime. I feel this film doesn’t get the credit or recognition it deserves.

[@Gxrome]

They did her dirty with that freeze frame 😭🤣

[@PJmusica]

Emma Stone deserves an Oscar for her performance in this movie 🍿 she gave it her all! Totally believable character and a brave performance! If I was in the academy this would be a slam dunk for me. I haven't seen a performance like this in years.

[@dr.emilschaffhausen4683]

You mean she showed us her "all"!

[@toni3762]

Watched this film at a press screening in October and can’t wait for it to come out one if not the best film of this year

[@3RDEYELOVE]

I love the wide lenses it really helped with the immersive you felt like you were really there

[@ArchiesLens]

This movie was perfect, no notes! Officially one of my top favorite movies ever. & yes Mark, it was so cool to see you in this type of role. Crushed it! BEEELLLLLAAAA!😂

[@kaguilar88]

More videos of this caliber please!

[@DanL-lf9ec]

they didn't break down a scene, they broke down watching one

[@clayaderhold]

mark opening up at the end is so real, so real for that

[@NubbyNubbster]

The book was great, the film was hilarious and enlightening. Definitely worth watching a few more times, the cinematography is gorgeous.

[@aggeloukoos]

Can notice some Wes Andrrson influence. Love that !

[@pelemaga2901]

IT WAS SO AMAZING when they started laughing because of this frame with Bella and it lasted so long. I almost cried too. Lmao. Love them

[@shaunio]

Mark ruffalo was just a familiar face of some average franchise and is now forever etched in my mind as a most genius actor of our time. His portayal of a character so many women recognise, is so healing, i can't help but exude joy laughter and love when i see his face. Now when i recall unpleasant memoriea of past relationships its ao much lighter n truly makes me laugh. This movie all round is top level catharsis

[@nicola1736]

Went and watched this film last night and it's a new favourite for me. The cinematography was INCREDIBLE. Absolutely loving watching these videos post-viewing because there was SO much to take in. 😊

[@SOI-wl2lo]

I love that they actually seem to be friends!

[@kemmayr]

Amazing movie ,loved everyone's performance, shout out to everyone involved in the making of this movie .

[@lorrainefranchi9105]

My admiration for Emma Stone is profound. And it was so funny watching her trying to describe Bella, she knows but can't describe it at first - and she cracks everyone up including herself. She's literally amazing!!

[@katdujka4760]

This was extremely satisfying to watch. Thank y’all for laughing so much.

[@sliceserve234]

this is a great video featuring two actors at the top of their game with one of the weirdest and most talented directors in the history of cinema. the intelligence of each of them comes through differently in such interesting ways. this video is a real treat.

[@vlj1120]

Just saw it! Excellent film!

[@JimiJames]

Best picture, hands down.

[@maisie6904]

Thanks Emma for actually ‘getting’ Bella - I worried needlessly ❤

[@PottersBluffReviews]

"The books are a symbol for being educated" - wow how deep this film goes😅😅

[@bababaghanoush]

Did you watch the film? It seems that you didn’t know Emma Stone’s character at all LOL

[@PottersBluffReviews]

@@bababaghanoush I saw that film, I don't say anything to it's problematic takes but I was just laughing at this sentence, of course books stand for education in any form. That's the first you think of...

[@ColombianThunder]

​@@PottersBluffReviewshe's just elaborating on the scene lol. You're taking it too deep by pointing out that what he said wasn't deep. He wasn't trying to be deep lol, and not everything represented in the film is supposed to be deep. It's a comedy first and foremost.

[@phuqaeART]

Emma drawing the S got me on another level. I love her, I’m definitely ganna watch the movie

[@clairenicholls8024]

You will love it ! She was a breath of fresh air.

[@gabriel-wc2nu]

EMMA STONE DESERVES ALL THE AWARDS

[@tuluhanbozkurt3225]

yorgos telling ruffalo to stop laughing while laughing himself is pure classroom behaviour. lmao

[@milenaseymour446]

I love the chemistry between them ❤must have been so much fun filming with many takes !

[@thedudeabides2531]

Emma Stone is more enchanting in real life than her character in the film.

[@emilysymington6382]

I was so excited that my favourite book was to be adapted for film, only to find out they've taken a novel that's literally about Glasgow and Scotland, and set it in England. Tone deaf. I get that the director may not have felt able to honour the commentary in the novel, but why not at least honour it by keeping the location as-is? Film looks great, which is so bittersweet for the memory of absolute Glasgow Icon, Alasdair Grey 💔

[@LinouGertz]

Saw the film yesterday and totally loved it! Visually stunning and a great contemplating over the human soul and condition. Probably my new favourite film by Yorgos, even if The Lobster and Dogtooth still holds up strong!

[@PooButt4200]

i love these people!! true and pure artists

[@MelissaSue1998]

Mark Ruffalo you were great in this movie I adored you! ❤

[@rachiejw]

it sent meeeeeeee when she drew the s 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭

[@aimealvarez84]

I saw this movie yesterday!! I love it!!

[@vanesasalguero2207]

amazing film, i still can’t get over it

[@reef36]

I can’t stop thinking about it

[@AdrianChazz]

*Vanity Fair:* _Hi, how are you?_ *These three:* _How high are we?!_

[@22manuk]

LANTHIMOS 🎉🎉

[@Eponimos]

mr Lanthimos can I be in your next movie? ευχαριστώ πολύ!

[@hulksmash1127]

i love Mark ruffalo

[@Adkb123]

Lanthimos movies are almost too weird for me but at least he’s an original. I’ll still give it a try because of Mark and Emma.

[@zoebaggins90]

He started his career filming Greek pop music videos.

[@r_bear]

While this movie is crazy, I think it's honestly a lot more straightforward than his previous movies! And Mark and Emma are fantastic in it.

[@pancon5]

Give it a try, you won't be disappointed! The sets, the acting, everything is amazing.

[@anierrn6935]

@@zoebaggins90 ΣΑΚΗΗΗΗΗΗ

[@ELENIKARASAVVIDOU]

SUPPORT ART FILMS. GIVE EMMA STONE THE OSCAR

[@gabriel-wc2nu]

EMMA STONE HE DESERVES THIS SECOND OSCAR FOR HIS INCREDIBLE AND IMMENSE PERFORMANCE IN POOR THINGS AND ALSO ALL THE AWARDS OF THE SEASON

[@tony4534]

She.

[@youre_totally_right_but_]

This seems like a great cast and a great director. Must be a fun set.