Coincidentally I read Alasdair Gray’s novel ‘Poor Things’ some time before I was aware of a film being made of the same name. The novel is, like most of Gray’s work, intricate, philosophical and quirky. The film’s narrative does reflect the book in some ways but, alas, deviates quite considerably as well. I do not think the film is a patch on the book, which is far richer – not to mention the fact that we only see Archie McCandless’ version of events (puzzlingly renamed Max) and not Bella’s, the book’s second part in which she refutes the fact that she’s been operated on – a surprising and delightful twist.

However, putting aside the comparison with the book, the film is superbly made: gorgeously designed, well-paced and with great actors. A fantasy world full of colour and outrageous imagery in which Bella Baxter (Emma Stone) roams to fill her new brain with knowledge and experience, starting off innocently and gaining strength and maturity along the way, unfazed by notions of propriety. Sexual desire is part of the journey and rather frankly dealt with, but without sleaziness – I do wonder at the furore the film has caused.

Bella Baxter’s journey is an interesting one. Her developing mind asks many questions. One of the strongest lines of thought is the notion that women are in many ways the victim of men, which is well put.

Regarded on its own a splendidly made and entertaining film. But please do read the wonderful book as well.