The War of the Roses
dir. Danny DeVito · 1989
Feature
Toxic Relationships
Mood
Comedic / Dark
Look
muted suburban palette with sharp contrasts
Structure
linear progression with escalating conflict
Plot
Barbara and Oliver Rose live happily as a married couple. When Barbara starts to wonder what life would be like without Oliver and likes what she sees, the two begin a campaign to force each other to leave their house, with their divorce lawyer D'Amato caught in the middle.
Why watch
"The War of the Roses" is a darkly comedic exploration of love turned sour, where the absurdity of a couple's escalating domestic warfare serves as both a biting satire of marriage and a poignant reflection on the complexities of relationships. With its sharp wit and chaotic energy, this film invites viewers to laugh at the darker sides of love and commitment.
Cultural context
1980s marital dynamicssuburban disillusionmentthe rise of divorce culturecritique of American family ideals