“Dear God, the Parthenon is Still Broken: A Photographic Journey” is a fascinating exploration of the surreal world behind the film Poor Things, brought to life by director Yorgos Lanthimos and actress Emma Stone. This unique photo book, from Athens-based publishing house Void, offers an intimate look into the film’s imaginative cities and eccentric characters, captured through large-format images that exude a dreamlike quality. The book’s title, taken from a cut scene involving a postcard Bella Baxter (Emma Stone) sent to God/Godwin Baxter (Willem Dafoe), perfectly encapsulates the blend of reality and fiction that defines both the movie and the photography.
Lanthimos, known for his attention to visual detail, used a large-format camera to focus on stillness, tone, and light, creating meditative moments on set. The photos were developed each night in a makeshift darkroom, with Emma Stone playing an active role in the process—her first experience with large-format film. The book is a testament to their creative partnership, showcasing candid shots, character moments, and behind-the-scenes glimpses that offer a portal into the film’s eerie and dream-like world.
The book itself is a work of art, featuring a dark fabric cover with a mask of the Roman god Jupiter, subtly referencing the scars of the film’s character, Godwin Baxter. Inside, the book includes a poem by Patti Smith which was inspired by the film, fold-out pages that reveal hidden layers of the narrative, and images printed using a specialized five-color process to enhance depth. The book is available in several editions: a regular edition for $60, a special edition with a signed art print limited to 100 copies for $392, and a portfolio edition with two signed prints limited to 30 units for $1,580. Available on the Void website, this photo book is not just a companion piece to the film but an immersive journey into the art and emotion that shaped Poor Things.
