Ramy Youssef, the creator and star of the hit show “Ramy” on Hulu, has made a name for himself with his talent and wit. But his role in Yorgos Lanthimos’ film “Poor Things” takes his career to new heights. In this article, we explore Youssef’s experience playing the character Max McCandles and the complicated relationship between Max and Bella.
The First Real Opportunity
For Youssef, “Poor Things” is his first-ever film role after years of success in TV. He credits Lanthimos’ unique vision for pushing him out of his comfort zone and allowing him to explore his acting skills. Working with Lanthimos gave Youssef the freedom to surrender control and fully trust his director’s guidance.
A Sensible Dynamic
Max’s character in “Poor Things” is obedient to a fault. He follows every order given to him by his anatomy professor, Godwin Baxter, played by Willem Dafoe. Max’s loyalty to God leads him to develop feelings for Bella, a woman created by God’s unconventional experiments. Max eventually accepts God’s offer of marrying Bella, keeping her in the dark about her true nature.
Exploring Taboos and Morality
Lanthimos chose Youssef for the role due to the shared thematic interests in their work. Both Youssef’s show “Ramy” and Lanthimos’ film touch on social taboos and explore messy morality. Youssef understood the delicate balance needed to portray Max in a way that avoids overblowing or creeping out the audience.
Curiosity as a Driving Force
Youssef found inspiration in Max’s unwavering curiosity, both intellectually and emotionally. He believes Max’s character is a blend of scientific curiosity, represented by his interest in Baxter’s work, and emotional curiosity, embodied by his attraction to Bella. Youssef’s approach to understanding Max’s character allowed him to fully embody the role.
A Journey of Hands-On Learning
To prepare for the film, the cast underwent training with a mortician, delving into the intricacies of late 1800s surgical techniques. Youssef’s experience in this process helped him connect with Max’s character on a deeper level. It provided him with a flow and understanding of Max’s transformation throughout the story.
The Complexity of Max and Bella’s Relationship
Max and Bella’s relationship is layered with complexity. Initially, Max’s kind-heartedness attracts Bella, but their marriage falls apart when Bella’s understanding of the world expands. Max’s refusal to touch her until their wedding day drives Bella away towards a man who may not have her best interests at heart. Youssef describes their relationship as one filled with tenderness but ultimately driven by Bella’s desires.
Fantasy and Unburdened Characters
The film explores the power dynamic created by Bella having a baby’s brain. Youssef clarifies that Bella’s mental state is not that of a child but rather an allegory of someone unburdened by preconceived notions. As burdens are placed upon her, Bella remains unaffected by them, defying expectations. The fantasy element adds depth to the film’s exploration of human nature.
A New Family Earned
The film concludes with an uplifting scene in which Bella is surrounded by loved ones, including Max and her friend and lover Toinette. Youssef interprets this scene as the creation of a new family, earned through personal growth and self-discovery. It speaks to the universal desire to return to one’s community after exploring the world, but as a more authentic version of oneself.
Ramy Youssef’s portrayal of Max in “Poor Things” showcases his versatility and talent as an actor. His collaboration with Yorgos Lanthimos brings out the best in both of them, creating a thought-provoking and captivating film. To learn more about Ramy Youssef and his role in “Poor Things,” visit F5mag.com.
Source link: Variety