Poor Things (2023), directed by Yorgos Lanthimos, features a visually rich and surreal world brought to life through a combination of studio sets and select real-world locations. Here’s an overview of where the film was shot:
Primary Poor Things Filming Locations
Budapest, Hungary
- Origo Studios: Served as the main production hub, where elaborate sets were constructed to represent various cities depicted in the film, including London, Paris, Alexandria, and the ocean liner.
- Korda Studios: Used for building expansive sets, notably the stylized version of Lisbon.
- Metropolitan Ervin Szabó Library: This historic library in Budapest was utilized for interior scenes, notably representing Lord Blessington’s house.
Glasgow, Scotland
While the original novel is set in Glasgow, the film’s depiction of the city was largely recreated in studios. However, some exterior shots and inspirations were drawn from Glasgow’s architecture.
Stylized City Representations
The film’s production design team, led by James Price and Shona Heath, crafted imaginative and surreal versions of various cities to reflect the protagonist Bella Baxter’s journey:
- London: Depicted with a blend of Victorian and fantastical elements, including Godwin Baxter’s house, which was designed as a single, interconnected set to enhance realism.
- Lisbon: Although not filmed on location, the Lisbon set was inspired by the city’s hilly streets and iconic trams, reimagined in a steampunk style with flying trams and vibrant colors.
- Paris and Alexandria: These cities were portrayed through elaborate sets that combined historical references with imaginative design, contributing to the film’s dreamlike atmosphere.
The meticulous design and construction of these sets played a crucial role in creating the film’s unique aesthetic, blending elements of fantasy, surrealism, and historical references to mirror Bella’s transformative journey.
For a visual insight into the film’s production design, you might find this behind-the-scenes featurette interesting:
