I find it silly that there are debates on whether streaming services like Netflix and Amazon Prime will be death of movie theaters but even more on whether movies exclusively made for such platforms should be considered a theatrical movie since its made for a medium on the small screen. I think it's great as it gives easier access to many movies that may not generate box-office bucks. It also gives filmmakers more artistic control without studio interference or fear of a box-office flop as seen with the Coen Brothers' The Ballad of Buster Scruggs and The Irishman from Martin Scorsese.
Such is the case with Alfonso Cuaron's newest movie Roma, a passion project that has been in the works since 2006. Set in 1970's Mexico City, Cleo Gutiérrez (Yalitza Aparicio) works as a maid for a wealthy family. We follow her daily routine of taking care of the kids of the household, talking with her best friend and co-worker, listening to the husband and wife of the house bickering as usual, and going out with her boyfriend. A mundane life until a stunning revelation sets in motion a dramatic change in her life.
Roma is a movie unlike no other. A masterful portrait that captures the trivial, beauty, and fear of life. In his last two movies, Alfonso Cuaron explored human frailty at its lowest point. From the dystopian nightmare of Children of Men to the deep vacuums of space in Gravity. Fictitious films doused with such realism, that it present's the scary possibility of such events that could transpire. With Roma, it hits closer to home of our own reality from the front of our door. Of the few movies that have accomplish this are Paterson, The Tree of Life and American Splendor; each taking a different approach on showing certain aspects of life itself. Some days are just ordinary, while other days not so much. Regardless of how we chose to face it, life goes on.
The movie is inspired by Cuaron's own childhood with Cleo based on the maid who took care of him, the matron based on his mother and the violent riots that ensued out on the streets during that time and sadly continue today.
A gorgeous sight to behold; the movie was shot on location in Mexico from its bustling cities to the rural villages. You don't feel like an outsider but part of Cleo's world from joyfully walking down the busy streets to being claustrophobic when caught in the middle of the riots. Cuaron's signature tracking shots continue to be a technical achievement with Cuaron himself serving as the cinematographer in addition to writing and directing the movie. If that isn't commitment, I don't know what is. Extra points for those who can spot the callbacks to Cuaron's last two films.
Lead actress Yalitza Aparicio and ninety percent of the cast have never acted in a movie before. In her first ever role, Aparici is stunning as the virtuous Cleo, embodying a character who like all of us are flawed but strive to find solution amidst a difficult situation and recognizing when we fall in some way.
Roma is a beautiful love letter to Mexico and a cinematic masterpiece that displays the human spirit from purpose, pain, and memory.
There's a scene where Cleo is walking outside with some friends in a visiting village and comments how different it looks from the village she grew-up in at Oaxaca but still feels like home. Seeing this scene I was reminded of La Lagunita, the village where most of my family including my parents grew-up. From seeing the dozens of farm fields, dirt-paven roads, the green cerros (Spanish for hills), the bustling of animals from dogs to goats, and nearby kids playing around, it did feel like home.
Such is the case with Alfonso Cuaron's newest movie Roma, a passion project that has been in the works since 2006. Set in 1970's Mexico City, Cleo Gutiérrez (Yalitza Aparicio) works as a maid for a wealthy family. We follow her daily routine of taking care of the kids of the household, talking with her best friend and co-worker, listening to the husband and wife of the house bickering as usual, and going out with her boyfriend. A mundane life until a stunning revelation sets in motion a dramatic change in her life.
Roma is a movie unlike no other. A masterful portrait that captures the trivial, beauty, and fear of life. In his last two movies, Alfonso Cuaron explored human frailty at its lowest point. From the dystopian nightmare of Children of Men to the deep vacuums of space in Gravity. Fictitious films doused with such realism, that it present's the scary possibility of such events that could transpire. With Roma, it hits closer to home of our own reality from the front of our door. Of the few movies that have accomplish this are Paterson, The Tree of Life and American Splendor; each taking a different approach on showing certain aspects of life itself. Some days are just ordinary, while other days not so much. Regardless of how we chose to face it, life goes on.
The movie is inspired by Cuaron's own childhood with Cleo based on the maid who took care of him, the matron based on his mother and the violent riots that ensued out on the streets during that time and sadly continue today.
A gorgeous sight to behold; the movie was shot on location in Mexico from its bustling cities to the rural villages. You don't feel like an outsider but part of Cleo's world from joyfully walking down the busy streets to being claustrophobic when caught in the middle of the riots. Cuaron's signature tracking shots continue to be a technical achievement with Cuaron himself serving as the cinematographer in addition to writing and directing the movie. If that isn't commitment, I don't know what is. Extra points for those who can spot the callbacks to Cuaron's last two films.
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