About Rosetta

Rosetta, directed by Jean-Pierre and Luc Dardenne, is a gripping portrait of a young woman trying to eke out a life in the margins of society. The Dardenne brothers are known for their visceral, naturalistic style and this film is perhaps their most iconic work. The story follows Rosetta (Emilie Dequenne), a seventeen-year-old girl who lives in a trailer park with her alcoholic mother. When Rosetta lands a job at a waffle stand, she sees it as an opportunity to break free from her dire circumstances. However, she is soon faced with reality and must grapple with the hard truths of the precarious life she leads.

Making / Production

The production of Rosetta took place in Seraing, Belgium, a stark, industrial milieu that is a stark contrast to the picturesque image of Belgium. The movie was shot in naturalistic style with handheld cameras, giving the scenes a raw authenticity that enhances the immersive storytelling.

Actors

• Emilie Dequenne: As Rosetta, she delivers a performance that is intensely physical and emotionally raw. She vividly portrays Rosetta's desperation and determination in a perhaps unforgiving world.
• Anne Yernaux: The role of Rosetta's alcoholic mother is played by Anne Yernaux. She does an excellent job of encapsulating the despair and destitution of a woman who has given up on life.
• Fabrizio Rongione: He portrays the young, sympathetic waffle stand owner who shows kindness to Rosetta despite her harsh demeanor.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• Rosetta won the Palme d'Or at the 1999 Cannes Film Festival.
• Emilie Dequenne won the Best Actress award at the same festival.
• The film was such a social phenomenon in Belgium that it led to a change in the law to help young people in similar circumstances to Rosetta. The law is known as the 'Rosetta Plan'.

Awards

Rosetta and Emilie Dequenne both were honoured at the 1999 Cannes Film Festival, winning the Palme d'Or and Best Actress award respectively. The movie was also nominated for the Golden Globe for Best Foreign Language Film.

Quotes

• "I don't exist. I have no feelings."
• "I have a normal life. I'm not an animal."
• "You have to pull yourself together, Rosetta."

Music, Soundtrack

• The movie is notably devoid of any background music, adding to the bleak and raw atmosphere of the film.