The Pet Shop Boys’ “Paninaro” is a catchy synth-pop hit that playfully pokes fun at the hedonistic lifestyle of 1980s Italian youth. You can hear its infectious beat echo throughout Rosebush Pruning, a dark satire by director Karim Aїnouz. The film explores the life of the Taylor family, who’ve retreated from New York to the Catalonian coast, struggling to fit in as they wallow in their own mediocrity.
This family seems stuck in their bubble of self-adoration, built over six years of living in Spain. Their mother, played by Pamela Anderson, was enchanted by the unique architecture of Antonio Gaudí. Meanwhile, their father, portrayed by Tracy Letts, relies on their substantial inheritance, which allows his four adult children—Ed, Anna, Jack, and Robert—to avoid work.
Loosely inspired by Marco Bellocchio’s Fists in the Pocket, this film does more than critique the bourgeois lifestyle. It dives into family dynamics filled with jealousy, ambition, and dark humor. One standout moment involves Anna objectifying Jack’s girlfriend, Martha, as she describes everything from her handbag to her looks, highlighting both the family’s superficiality and the discomfort everyone feels in these situations.
While the film has its comedic moments, its humor can sometimes feel abrasive, and the characters often lack warmth. Ed, with his obsession for high-end fashion, tries to reassure Martha about the family’s dysfunction with a story about a frustrating shopping experience. Though he tries to be relatable, it’s revealing just how far removed he is from reality.
Martha, aware of her own superficiality, chafes against Jack’s reluctance to commit. Their relationship showcases the tension between desire and materialism, emphasizing the emptiness lurking beneath their extravagance.
Rosebush Pruning isn’t afraid to tackle heavy themes, like family loyalty and the desire for independence—often through a dark lens. At its core, the film forces viewers to confront the contradictions of love, ambition, and a culture obsessed with status and style.
The film’s visual storytelling stands out, blending lush cinematography with striking costumes. Each character seems to wear their style as a badge of honor, enhancing the film’s commentary on superficiality.
Ultimately, while Rosebush Pruning delivers intriguing moments and sharp observations, it struggles to achieve a deeper connection with its audience. The blend of dark humor and family drama leaves a lingering aftertaste, as its characters grapple with their own vanity and flaws.
For those interested in films that critique social class and personal ambition, Rosebush Pruning provides a thought-provoking watch. However, its allure might be overshadowed by a sense of emptiness in its characters’ lives—much like the fashion they so desperately cling to.
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