With 4 BAFTAs, and 3 Oscars, surely Roma is a film worth watching; if you add to that the convenience of availability on Netflix, there’s really no excuse to miss this masterpiece. Some, however, might shy away thinking that it seems too arty, or a bit slow, or be put off by the lack of colour. I have good news for them, I’m sharing the codes to understand and enjoy Roma.
The instructions to decipher the film are simple:
- Read this article in full
- Blank 2.15 hours from your diary
- Play Roma and use the codes given in this article
Here are the codes:
1. Slow down the pace
Welcome to 1970! In those days, life wasn’t as frantic as it is now. To help you in the transition, look closely at the initial credits scene, the rewards of patient contemplation will come sooner than you think – you will discover in the floor a window to the sky.
2. Embrace the black and white
Back in the 70s lots of black & white TVs were still around, you will be surprised to see how your eyes adjust to the format after some 20 minutes.
3. You are in charge of the camera
The point of this exercise is to appreciate the film’s cinematography: Imagine you were thrown into the set and were told you were in charge of the camera for the day. The revelation is that all the hard work is in the dynamics of the action in set, you just stand calmly behind the camera and every now and then you might have to move it sideways. Arranging every detail of each scene must have been seriously complex, that’s where the genius of the director shines at its best. My favourite scene is when Cleo and Adela run on the street, you and your camera just have to sit and glide on a rail.
4. Let the movie move you
This is an unpretentious film; it presents, in a subtle way, powerful human emotions, both good and bad, just as life.
So there they are, you have the codes, go ahead and see what you find!
If you want to learn more about Alfonso Cuaron and the making of Roma, take a look at this ES interview.
Galeria Libre 