Roma, Alfonso Cuarón’s deeply personal and visually stunning film, garnered widespread critical acclaim and numerous awards. Yet, despite appreciating its technical brilliance and emotional core, I didn’t experience it as the groundbreaking, transformative masterpiece many others did. This disconnect stems from a clash between the film’s minimalist narrative structure and my own preference for more overtly thematic and plot-driven storytelling.
Unpacking the Disconnect: A Matter of Perspective
My dissenting view on Roma’s greatness isn’t a dismissal of its artistic merit. It’s instead a recognition that cinematic greatness is subjective, influenced by individual tastes, expectations, and lived experiences. The film’s brilliance lies in its understated realism, its patient observation of everyday life, and its focus on the internal emotional landscape of its characters. However, this approach, while powerful for some, left me yearning for a more explicit exploration of the social and political context that frames the narrative.
The film’s pace, intentionally deliberate, felt occasionally meandering, lacking the narrative momentum I typically associate with films I consider truly great. While I appreciated the authenticity of the performances and the evocative depiction of 1970s Mexico City, the absence of a clearly defined antagonist or a compelling central conflict left me feeling somewhat emotionally detached, despite acknowledging the hardships faced by Cleo, the protagonist. Ultimately, while acknowledging Roma’s artistic achievement, I couldn’t fully connect with its understated emotionality, hindering my ability to perceive it as a truly great film.
Delving Deeper: Examining Key Elements
The Power of Understatement
Roma’s power resides in its ability to convey profound emotions through subtle gestures and unspoken moments. Cuarón masterfully uses long takes and meticulous detail to immerse the viewer in Cleo’s world, creating a sense of intimacy and authenticity. However, this reliance on understatement can also be a double-edged sword. For viewers accustomed to more overt storytelling, the film’s emotional impact may feel muted or difficult to fully grasp.
The Absence of Traditional Plot Structure
Unlike many narrative films, Roma doesn’t adhere to a traditional plot structure with a clear beginning, middle, and end. Instead, it unfolds as a series of interconnected vignettes, offering glimpses into Cleo’s daily life and the experiences of the family she serves. This episodic structure, while reflective of the rhythms of everyday life, can also feel disjointed or lacking in narrative drive for some viewers.
The Sociopolitical Context: A Subdued Presence
While Roma is set against the backdrop of significant social and political upheaval in 1970s Mexico, these events remain largely in the background. The film focuses primarily on the personal lives of its characters, offering only fleeting glimpses of the larger societal forces at play. While this approach can be seen as a strength, emphasizing the human element amidst chaos, it also means that the sociopolitical context remains somewhat underdeveloped, which lessened the film’s overall impact for me.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Roma
FAQ 1: Is Roma considered a “slow” film?
Yes, Roma is often described as a “slow” film due to its deliberate pace, long takes, and emphasis on observational detail. Cuarón prioritizes creating a sense of immersion over rapid plot progression, which can feel slow to viewers accustomed to faster-paced narratives. The pacing is intentional, designed to allow viewers to absorb the atmosphere and connect with the characters on a deeper level.
FAQ 2: What makes Roma visually impressive?
Roma’s visual brilliance stems from Cuarón’s masterful use of black-and-white cinematography, long takes, and meticulous production design. The film’s black-and-white palette evokes a sense of nostalgia and timelessness, while the long takes create a sense of fluidity and immersion. The meticulous attention to detail in the set design and costumes further enhances the film’s realism.
FAQ 3: Why is Roma so personal to Alfonso Cuarón?
Roma is deeply personal to Cuarón because it is based on his own childhood memories and experiences. The character of Cleo is inspired by Liboria “Libo” Rodriguez, the nanny who cared for Cuarón and his siblings when they were growing up. The film is a tribute to her selflessness, resilience, and unwavering love.
FAQ 4: What is the significance of the title “Roma”?
“Roma” refers to the Roma Norte neighborhood in Mexico City, where Cuarón grew up and where the film is set. The neighborhood itself becomes a character in the film, reflecting the social and economic realities of 1970s Mexico.
FAQ 5: Does Roma require prior knowledge of Mexican history?
While prior knowledge of Mexican history is not essential to appreciate Roma, it can certainly enhance your understanding of the film’s context. Knowing about the student protests of 1971, for example, can provide a deeper appreciation for the significance of the Corpus Christi Massacre scene.
FAQ 6: Is Roma a film primarily about class divisions?
Roma does explore class divisions in 1970s Mexico, but it’s not solely about that. The film also focuses on themes of family, loss, love, and resilience. It portrays the complex relationships between the upper-middle-class family and their indigenous housekeeper, highlighting both the differences and the shared humanity between them.
FAQ 7: What is the overall message or theme of Roma?
Roma explores universal themes of love, loss, and resilience in the face of adversity. It’s a story about the enduring bonds of family, both biological and chosen, and the quiet strength of everyday heroes. It also subtly touches upon the societal issues of class and privilege.
FAQ 8: Why is Roma in black and white?
Cuarón chose to shoot Roma in black and white to evoke a sense of nostalgia and timelessness. The absence of color allows viewers to focus on the textures, compositions, and emotional nuances of the film. It also creates a visual style that is reminiscent of classic Italian neorealist cinema.
FAQ 9: What are some common criticisms of Roma?
Some common criticisms of Roma include its slow pace, its lack of a traditional plot structure, and its perceived sentimentality. Some viewers may also find the understated emotional tone to be distancing or unsatisfying.
FAQ 10: How does Roma portray indigenous culture?
Roma portrays indigenous culture through the character of Cleo, who is an indigenous woman from Oaxaca. The film shows her struggles and resilience in a society that often marginalizes and devalues indigenous people. However, some critics have argued that the film’s portrayal of Cleo is somewhat passive and lacking in agency, a criticism that is often tied to broader discussions of representation and voice in cinema.
FAQ 11: Is Roma worth watching?
Despite my personal reservations, I believe Roma is absolutely worth watching. Even if you don’t consider it a “great” film, it is undoubtedly a visually stunning and emotionally resonant work of art that offers a unique and insightful glimpse into a specific time and place. It’s a film that stays with you long after the credits roll.
FAQ 12: Where can I watch Roma?
Roma is a Netflix original film and is available exclusively on the Netflix streaming platform. This accessibility allowed a global audience to experience Cuarón’s intimate story, contributing to its widespread recognition.
Conclusion: The Subjectivity of Greatness
Ultimately, my inability to fully embrace Roma as a “great” film doesn’t diminish its undeniable artistic merit or the profound impact it has had on countless viewers. It simply underscores the subjective nature of cinematic greatness and the importance of acknowledging the diverse perspectives that shape our individual experiences of art. While I appreciated the film’s technical brilliance and emotional core, its minimalist narrative structure and understated emotionality didn’t resonate with me as deeply as they did with others. Perhaps, with future viewings and evolving perspectives, my appreciation for Roma will deepen, revealing the masterpiece that so many others have already recognized. The power of art lies in its ability to provoke dialogue and challenge our preconceived notions, and Roma certainly succeeds in that regard.