Aaron's Thoughts
I’d be hard pressed to come up with a better example of how bland most movies look today than The War of the Roses.
It’s simply an over the top black comedy, yet it has more visual flare & directorial style than 95% of movies released today. There are moments where it gets a little too cute, but it’s remarkable how everything down to the blocking and the colors are so intentional & further the story. Seems like that intentionality & level of craft are only reserved for the high art films of today, when back in the 80s it applied to middle of the road satires.
While I think the framing device is a bit off putting, DeVito injects this with enough humor (my favorite being the constant reminders that Barbara was a gymnast) & humanity (cutting to the dog when he does) that you quickly forget the structural issues.
A bit confused by the casting of Benedict Cumberbatch & Olivia Coleman for the upcoming reboot. Douglas & Turner felt perfect.
