BELLA: May I have a moment of value time dear God?
BAXTER: Of course Bella.
BELLA: I wanted to tell you big news. Bella is dizzy with excite.
BAXTER: What is it?
BELLA: Tonight at midnight I secretly run away with one Duncan Wedderburn.
Bella's Escape Plan — Poor Things
Bella informs her creator and father figure, Baxter, of her intention to run away with the rakish Duncan Wedderburn to experience the world. She challenges Baxter's control over her, demanding her independence while navigating her burgeoning sense of self and desire for adventure. The stakes involve Bella's personal autonomy versus Baxter's protective, scientific paternalism.
Format: Duologue · Genre: Comedy-Drama · Source: Poor Things · Author: Tony McNamara · Characters: Bella, Baxter
About This Scene
This scene, "Bella's Escape Plan" from the film Poor Things, presents a compelling duologue between Bella and her creator, Baxter. Bella, with a burgeoning sense of self and an intense desire for independence, bravely confronts Baxter to announce her intention to run away with Duncan Wedderburn. The core conflict revolves around Bella's pursuit of personal autonomy and Baxter's paternalistic attempts to control her burgeoning will.
Character Analysis
Bella, in this scene, embodies a truly vulnerable yet remarkably determined spirit. She is navigating a world she is only just beginning to comprehend, showcasing an innocent yet direct approach to confrontation. Her character can be played with a childlike wonder mixed with a fierce drive for self-discovery, making her an exciting prospect for actors. Baxter, on the other hand, can be interpreted as a protective, scientific father figure, struggling to reconcile his creation's awakening independence with his own desire to keep her safe and within his influence. His challenge is to convey deep care, perhaps even love, alongside a need for control.
Why This Works for Auditions
This scene is an excellent choice for auditions due to its clear emotional stakes and well-defined character objectives. It provides ample opportunity for actors to display a broad range of emotions, from Bella's eager excitement and defiant vulnerability to Baxter's shock and protective instincts. The "classical" period setting and "surreal" undertones also allow for creative interpretation in performance, making it highly memorable for casting directors.
Best Suited For
This duologue is ideally suited for actors in the 25-35 age range, particularly those looking to showcase roles with ingenue or outsider qualities for Bella, and scientist or authority figure types for Baxter. Its "comedy-drama" genre allows for a nuanced performance that balances dramatic weight with moments of unexpected humor or quirky delivery. It's perfect for drama school auditions, agent showcases, or creating a distinctive self-tape that highlights an actor's versatility in a period, character-driven piece.
Performance Tips
When approaching this scene, actors should focus on the underlying power dynamics and the profound sense of discovery Bella is experiencing. For Bella, lean into the sense of wonder and unvarnished honesty that defines her character, allowing her newly found understanding of emotions like "hate" to manifest with a raw intensity. For Baxter, explore the tension between his scientific rationale and his emotional attachment to Bella, showing his paternal care warring with his need to control. Remember that the "vulnerable" tone allows for genuine emotional rawness, so avoid overly theatrical gestures in favor of grounded, truthful reactions.