The War of the Roses is a darkly comedic and disturbing exploration of the destructive power of divorce. Starring Michael Douglas, Kathleen Turner, and Danny DeVito, the film delves into the psychological and emotional turmoil of a couple’s bitter separation.
Douglas and Turner portray Oliver and Barbara Rose, a once-loving couple whose marriage has deteriorated into a vicious and relentless war. Their once-idyllic life is shattered by infidelity, resentment, and a relentless desire for revenge.
As the divorce proceedings escalate, the Roses engage in a series of increasingly bizarre and destructive acts, showcasing the depths of their animosity.
DeVito delivers a memorable performance as Gavin D’Amato, a sleazy divorce lawyer who revels in the chaos and conflict. D’Amato’s manipulative tactics and relentless pursuit of financial gain further exacerbate the Roses’ animosity, pushing them to the brink of madness.
The War of the Roses is a cautionary tale about the destructive nature of unchecked anger and the devastating consequences of divorce. The film’s dark humor and shocking violence are both disturbing and darkly funny. While the film’s tone is often cynical and pessimistic, it offers a sobering look at the human capacity for cruelty and the importance of compromise and forgiveness.
Michael Douglas ad Kathleen Turner in The War of the Roses (Photo/FOX)
Reception for The War of the Roses
The War of the Roses opened at No. 1 at the domestic box office, grossing $9.48 million to barely top National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation ($9.29 million) for the top spot.
The film would gross $86.9 million in its domestic theatrical run ad over $160 million worldwide.
Roger Ebert gave the film three out of four stars, writing “The War of the Roses is a black, angry, bitter, unrelenting comedy, a war between the sexes … This is an odd, strange movie and the only one I can remember in which the moral is, ‘Rather than see a divorce lawyer, be generous – generous to the point of night sweats.'”
Legacy
While the film’s graphic and often disturbing content may not be for everyone, The War of the Roses remains a powerful and thought-provoking exploration of the darker side of human nature.
The film is based on the 1981 novel by Warren Adler.
Its unflinching portrayal of the destructive power of divorce continues to resonate with audiences, making it a classic of its genre.
