“The War of the Roses” is a 1989 dark comedy about a couple’s vicious divorce. Michael Douglas and Kathleen Turner are like two cars on a collision course, their fiery arguments and destructive behavior tearing them apart like a tornado through a small town. The film is a cautionary tale about the dangers of holding onto material possessions and using them as weapons in a battle that ultimately destroys everything in its path.
⇣⇣⇣
Review
The War of the Roses is a classic black comedy film that was directed by Danny DeVito and released in 1989. This movie features Michael Douglas, Kathleen Turner, and Danny DeVito himself in the lead roles. If you’re a fan of twisted comedies, this movie is a must-watch.
The storyline revolves around the divorce of Barbara and Oliver Rose – a married couple that was once madly in love with each other. In the beginning, we see them both looking back on their relationship and how it all went wrong. As they start to tell their story, we see just how hate-filled their divorce proceedings have become.
The plot of The War of The Roses centers around the couple’s constant attempts to get back at each other for all the pain they’ve caused each other. Both characters are unlikable from the start, but as things go downhill, they become more and more unbearable.
One interesting fact about this film is that it was based on a novel of the same name by Warren Adler. This novel also has a sequel called The Children of The Roses which continues to tell the story ten years after what took place in The War of The Roses.
Michael Douglas and Kathleen Turner do an incredible job portraying their respective characters in this film. Their acting is complemented perfectly by Danny DeVito’s talent behind the camera as he captures every moment with expert cinematography.
One memorable quote from the movie comes from Michael Douglas’ character Oliver when he says: “There are times when you hurt me so badly I cry inside.” This quote perfectly encapsulates how hurtful their relationship has become.
The popularity surrounding The War of The Roses is due to its unconventional take on divorce movies. It’s not your typical heartwarming tale about life after marriage ends; instead, it’s an outright war between two people who used to love each other but now want nothing but revenge.
Filming for this movie took place over a period of six months, with many of the interior shots being filmed in a specially constructed house. DeVito’s decision to shoot the movie almost entirely indoors helps to create an oppressive atmosphere that emphasizes the claustrophobia that both characters start to feel as their divorce proceeds.
This film has received positive evaluations from critics and audiences alike. It has also won several awards, including Best Supporting Actor for Danny DeVito at the New York Film Critics Circle Awards.
The cinematography used in The War of The Roses is stunning, with close-up shots of the actors’ faces allowing us to see every emotion play out on screen. This approach really draws us into the story and helps us feel closer to the characters.
In my opinion, this movie is an absolute masterpiece. Its dark humor and twisted plot make it one of a kind, and its ability to keep on drawing you in is impressive. It’s rare that a movie can get you rooting for no one while simultaneously keeping you entertained from beginning to end.
One unforgettable scene from The War of The Roses comes when Barbara’s cat gets thrown into an automatic chandelier cleaner machine. This moment shows just how far these two characters are willing to go in their quest for revenge against each other.
While there are no unique soundtracks in this film, Danny DeVito’s stunning production brings everything together perfectly. He does an excellent job bringing all aspects of this movie together – from dialogue, character development, and cinematography to special effects – all while maintaining an atmosphere of wry humor throughout.
The War of The Roses underwent lengthy development before finally hitting theaters; this was because it was initially deemed too dark by studios. However, due to persistence on behalf of its creators and cast members, it was eventually greenlit – much to everyone’s benefit!
Critics have praised this film relentlessly for its sharp writing and impeccable acting ability; however, there were some criticisms from various sources surrounding its overall tone. Some critics found the movie too dark, while others felt that there was no character to root for at all.
Production-wise, this movie is slick and maintains an effortlessly stylish air; DeVito does an excellent job keeping everything tightly controlled and maintaining pace throughout.
In summary, The War of The Roses is a classic black comedy that should not be missed. Michael Douglas and Kathleen Turner deliver incredible performances throughout, while Danny DeVito’s direction ensures that every shot feels just right. Fans of quirky comedy will find much to admire in this film, even if it isn’t for everyone. Give it a watch if you’re looking for something unique, horrifying, and satisfyingly bizarre!
Technical Data
- Runtime : 116
- Release : 1989-12-08
- Genre : Comedy, Drama
- Cast : Michael Douglas as Oliver Rose, Kathleen Turner as Barbara Rose, Danny DeVito as Gavin D’Amato, Marianne Sägebrecht as Susan, Sean Astin as Josh at 17
- Crew : Debra Zane as Casting Assistant, James L. Brooks as Producer, Arnon Milchan as Producer, Lisa Beach as Casting Assistant, Danny DeVito as Director
- Popularity 15.122
- Budget : $26,000,000
- Revenue : $160,188,546
- Company : Jersey Films, Gracie Films, 20th Century Fox
- Summary : The Roses, Barbara and Oliver, live happily as a married couple. Then she starts to wonder what life would be like without Oliver, and likes what she sees. Both want to stay in the house, and so they begin a campaign to force each other to leave. In the middle of the fighting is D’Amato, the divorce lawyer. He gets to see how far both will go to get rid of the other, and boy do they go far.
- Tagline : Once in a lifetime comes a motion picture that makes you feel like falling in love all over again. This is not that movie.
