ROMA by Alfonso Cuaron- Film Analysis

Krutika Shinde

The start of the film itself was pretty different from other films. The first shot was of a floor being washed which was very simple but felt so different and peaceful as the water was splashing all over the floor. This first shot itself made me believe that the whole movie is about patience. I really can’t believe that I watched a floor being washed for straight over a minute. 

Then after this shot, Cleo was shown who actually was washing the floor. The dog named Borras who was such a happy dog was jumping in and out of the frame while following her, after Cleo went to the washroom, I noticed birds chirping in the cages which was a good distraction for me while waiting for Cleo to come out of the washroom and to see what happens next.

 The second thing I noticed is that Roma is in black and white. It was not like old movies with grainy black and white effects. This black and white effect was different as if, we are watching the past or the past memory in the present time. This movie really wasn’t a silent film as it was depended on various sounds. For example Parade sounds, street noises, people chattering at a party, and much more.

The third thing that I noticed is that the movie had wide shots. The environment of the character was shown as well. There were times where I lost focus upon the character and was actually observing its environment.  Every scene was filled with so many details like people, furniture, air, trees, nature and so much more.

Many scenes probably make sense or don’t make sense at all. For example, Cleo was shown cleaning the floor so many times, Cleo finds Sofia’s engagement ring, Sofia’s husband Antonio parks his car at his best even though the parking space was too small which shows that he cares too much for his car, opposite elements like Fire and water were shown in the movie, The first shot of the floor with the airplane’s reflection and the last shot was of the airplane in the sky which was not zoomed at all. I have no idea whether these details or some scenes make sense or not but I think at some point this movie doesn’t really have to make sense, director maybe wants us to experience it, to live in it like we do in our normal lives.

Most of the movies come straight to the point, but in Roma, it’s all about patience. It makes us wait.  For example: waiting for Cleo when she went to the bathroom. We had to wait to find out what’s going to happen next just like in real life, we have to wait. Roma actually showcased real-life scenarios instead of jumping onto the scenes. It didn’t feel like a movie to me, it felt like real life as if I am watching various moments of Cleo’s life. For example, Cleo giving birth to her stillborn child, it felt as the character is taking the audience with it to experience and live with her moments of life patiently.

This movie also portrayed cast and race. The servant and the master. Cleo was the nanny and she was reminded that she was the employee and not the family member by Sofia whenever Cleo was caught between them. But after all, human relationships matter and it’s all about them. For example, Sofia invites Cleo to the beach with her children but not as a nanny, but as a human being who needs a small break from its trauma but at the last Sofia would obviously expect work.

The last scene where Cleo saves the children from drowning in the sea even though she had no idea how to swim was so beautiful, she is so loving and gentle with the kids. Here, the kids and Sofia are so close to her which portrays a great bond between them.

Every scene is beautiful with real-life experiences, added with so many details. Roma felt like yoga as if I am doing yoga in a very peaceful place with fresh air all around.

Roma was edited and written by Alfonso Cuaron. He was the cinematographer of the movie as well. Roma is based on his memories of growing up with his childhood nanny.