What is the difference between the Poor Things book and movie?

Let’s explore the differences between Alastair Gray’s 1992 novel “Poor Things” and the Oscar-nominated film adaptation directed by Yorgos Lanthimos, starring Emma Stone and Mark Ruffalo.

1. Narrative Perspective:

Book: The original novel is structured as if it was written by Scottish medical student Archibald McCandless, who recounts his friendship with scientist Godwin Baxter and the creation of Bella Baxter.

Movie: In the film, the perspective expands to follow multiple characters, with a larger focus on Bella and her view of the world. Her letters, sent to Godwin and Max at Godwin’s London estate, also feature prominently.

2. Characters:

Book: The novel includes various curious characters who don’t appear in the movie. For instance, Dr. Hooker (an American professor with colonialist values) and Blaydon Hattersley (the father of Victoria Blessington, the woman whose body originally belongs to Bella).

Movie: Some characters are cut from the book, while others are added or modified.

3. Setting:

Book: Alasdair Gray’s novel is partly based in his home city of Glasgow, specifically Park Circus.

Movie: Yorgos Lanthimos opted for a surreal version of London as Bella’s flat setting instead of Glasgow.

4. Bella’s Perspective:

Book: The novel uses various art forms (letters, journal entries, footnotes, portraits, maps, anatomy drawings) to create different perspectives and reader interpretation.

Movie: Yorgos chose to focus solely on Bella Baxter’s perspective in the film. He wanted viewers to experience this world through her eyes.

5. Ending:

Book: Toward the end of the novel (spoiler alert), Bella’s abusive husband from before she became Bella appears during her wedding and takes her back to her old life.

Movie: The film changes this ending to avoid excessive darkness. The dinner table scene with Alfie when she goes back to her husband was altered for cinematic reasons.

In summary, while both the book and movie share common themes—such as Bella’s unique creation—they diverge in terms of narrative perspective, character portrayal, setting, and specific plot points. The film adaptation captures some aspects of Gray’s bizarre book but also makes its own creative choices.