MovieChat Forums > Rosetta (1999) Discussion > Poor film

Poor film

posted 12 years ago by YellowManReanimated
7 replies | jump to latest

A completely unlikeable protagonist. A drab, unfuliflling and uninspiring series of events. A cinema verité approach to expose nothing that one was not already aware of. Yes some people are poor. Yes some people come from broken homes. Of course that will take its toll on those unfortunate enough to be an innocent sufferer of these factors but I found zero enjoyment or enlightenment in seeing this damaged and frenetic girl suffer for an hour and a half. The film almost felt pornographic or exploitative in the sense that the only value I can see it having is providing enjoyment for those who enjoy watching others suffer.
Perhaps you might argue that the Dardennes brothers shine a light on an oft neglect sector of society, well yes I would grant that but they have done so to illuminate very little of interest or value in my eyes. There just seemed to be a lot of bustling energy used to communicate precious little.
5/10.

I renounce God

[–] IEatWords 12 years ago

Agreed. Horrible main character who had opportunities but chose to setup the nice people around her that tried helping her. This movie's drama is scripted like a sensational news story. Really poor screenplay.

[–] otzman 12 years ago

I totally agree.

[–] sanstereo 11 years ago

I will kill all three of you if you don't change your minds.

[–] dbeane 11 years ago

I didn't think it was "poor", but I did think it was overdone and overrated.

I agree that in some scenes, the "bustling energy" was over the top, such as the numerous fast-paced walking sequences with tight framing and jarring music - all mismatched to someone basically just walking along (however determinedly).

At times the film took itself too seriously, as if there was something of great import about to occur, but the situation was everyday and mundane.

In the US, many people live in trailer parks and they're not so defensive and upset about it.

[–] franzkabuki 8 years ago

"In the US, many people live in trailer parks and they're not so defensive and upset about it".

Well I guess everything's fine then. Poverty? That's a laugh. Dardennes should have instead made a film about a bunch of happy hobos living it up, celebrating their carefree pennilessness.

"facts are stupid things" Ronald Reagan

[–] Rmiles92 8 years ago

Agree with all that.

For what is imo a much better film that shares some characteristics in story & themes: Lilya 4-ever (2002)

The man doesn't blink, mom, the man doesn't blink!

[–] PoppyTransfusion 8 years ago

Rather simplistic view OP. I am a fan of these director brothers but found Rosetta their least interesting story but ... in terms of the psychology of a character this film does a very good job at revealing Rosetta and her strengths and weaknesses borne out of poverty.

the only value I can see it having is providing enjoyment for those who enjoy watching others suffer

I think this is a very complacent remark. It is obvious that you do not want to try and understand a person living in poverty.

In the midst of winter, I found there was, within me, an invincible summer