Mark Ruffalo has shared insights into the preparations he underwent for his character, Duncan Wedderburn, in Yorgos Lanthimos’ upcoming dark comic fantasy film, Poor Things.
During a conversation with Robert Downey Jr in Variety’s Actors on Actors series, Ruffalo disclosed that he utilized pads and corsets under his costume to enhance his appearance.
In discussing his role, Ruffalo mentioned, “Do you know I had an *ss pad in?
My legs were like four inches bigger… [Lanthimos] really wanted the silhouette.” The actor further elaborated that the director aimed for his character to have a bird-like resemblance.
Ruffalo revealed, “I had this whole built-out chest piece that never made it because it was just too much.”
Additionally, Ruffalo detailed the various enhancements he wore, such as leg pads, thigh pads, calf pads, and the significant *ss pads.
He humorously likened his attire to that of the Avengers, stating, “So when you look at that and you’re like, ‘Wow, he looks great’ — now you know, I was just wearing what the Avengers wear, but underneath my clothes.”
The conversation also delved into Ruffalo’s discomfort with filming the n^de scenes for Poor Things.
Recalling the experience, he expressed hesitations, quoting inner doubts like, “Nobody wants to see your old *ss anymore.
Maybe you shouldn’t be doing movies like that anymore.” Despite his reservations, Ruffalo viewed the scenes as an extension of the physical comedy present in the film, facilitating another dimension to storytelling.
Poor Things narrates the tale of Bella Baxter, portrayed by Emma Stone, who is revived by a deranged scientist by implanting her unborn baby’s brain in her own.
The plot unfolds with Bella embarking on an adventurous journey alongside a captivating scoundrel played by Ruffalo, showcasing his comedic prowess.
Geoffrey Macnab, in a review for The Independent from the Venice Film Festival, awarded Poor Things a commendable four-star rating.
He highlighted the film’s fantastical settings in various cities, drawing parallels to the works of renowned directors like Wes Anderson and Georges Melies, known for their artistic flair.
Macnab concluded by pondering the film’s potential reception during awards season, contemplating its balance between subversive elements and exquisite craftsmanship.
Emma Stone’s performance was lauded for its inventive and engaging portrayal, hinting at a promising turn for the actress.
Poor Things is slated for release in the United States on 8 December and in the United Kingdom on 12 January 2024, generating anticipation among cinema enthusiasts for its unique narrative and stellar cast performances.
