De Rouille et D’os [2012]
Directed by:
Jacques Audiard
Written by: Jacques Audiard, Thomas Bidegain. Story by Craig Davidson.
Starring: Marion Cotillard, Matthias Schoenaerts, Armand Verdure, Céline Sallette
Jacques Audiard is an incredible talent that I’m glad to be discovering. His Un Prophète was one of the most important films of 2010. He’s back with De Rouille et D’os, a stunning adaptation of Craig Davidson’s short stories.
The French filmmaker has an audacious vision and voice, and a style that places the visual at the top of his priorities, without ever losing sight of the emotional. His work behind the camera is not always the most appealing to the senses, but certainly proves very powerful at creating an emotional response.
De Rouille et D’os, or as it’s known in English-speaking countries, Rust and Bone, is a deeply affecting story about the bond between two different people, paralyzed in different ways.
Stephanie’s (Marion Cotillard) predicament is very much physical. An incident at work results in the amputation of both her legs. Ali’s (Matthias Schoenaerts) savage, careless ways keep him trapped in a miserable life of theft, meaningless sex and alienated loved ones. Her release comes when she’s in the water (the same place where she lost her ability to walk) and his only really happens when his face is being beaten to a pulp.
Audiard and co-writer Thomas Bidegain make us genuinely care for these people even when, like in Ali’s case, we might feel they deserve the things that happen to them. Their harrowing tales could’ve very easily descended into melodrama in less capable hands.
Matthias Schoenaerts turns in a fantastic lead performance; this man deserves fame and recognition. Marion Cotillard, one of my favorite actresses, redeems herself after her atrocious Dark Knight Rises death scene (sorry for the spoiler, single person in the world who hasn’t seen it). This is her best performance since her Academy Award-winning Édith Piaf in La Môme. Anything less than an Oscar nomination would be a disgrace. In short, this is the finest film I’ve laid eyes on so far this year.
Excellent review, I love Cotillard as an actress, so talented.
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Thanks. She is indeed talented. I look forward to each of her performances and this is one of her best.
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This wasn’t showing anywhere near me so I unfortunately missed it after looking forward to it a lot. Definitely gonna have to pick it up when it’s released on Blu-ray.
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Sorry you missed it but yes, definitely check it out when it comes to Blu-Ray. I doubt you’ll be disappointed.
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Never heard of this one, Fernando. Thanks for the heads up.
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You’re welcome. Please check it out, Mike. It’s quite the little gem.
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I like it! Adding it to my “gotta see” list. Good stuff!
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Thanks, Keith! I’d love to hear your take when you get to see it.
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Damn! That Dark Knight Rises bit was a spoiler for me LOL. Still… Good write-up Fernando. I do like Cottilard and I really enjoyed Audiard’s A Prophet. I’ll give this a go.
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Thanks, Mark! Sorry for the spoiler, hehe 😉 And check it out if you have the chance. It’s at the top of my “Best of 2012” list at the moment.
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High praise indeed sir! 🙂
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Still a couple weeks before Rust and Bone opens here. Looking forward to it even more now. Great review Fernando!
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Thanks. Hope you like the film.
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I’ve come to realize that the rare occasion of anything you grade above four stars is a must-see. I believe Rust and Bone opens in the USA on the 23rd…it’ll probably only be in art theaters. Hopefully one of my parents is willing to make a 45-minute drive to Philadelphia so I can see it (camping the week it comes out for thanksgiving). Great review.
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You’re right, I rarely give 4 1/2 or 5 stars. But that becomes a bit more common towards award season where the best movies are released. You definitely should see it. It’s great. Hope one of your parents is willing to make the drive.
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I did too much research. I search “De rouille et d’os” and find articles that say things like “Marion Cotillard earns Oscar buzz”. Knowing this won the Palme d’Or…etc….just increases my excitement exponentially. Really seems like a movie my mother would enjoy, too; let’s just hope she doesn’t dismiss it as a typical “art film.”
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I think it would be pretty hard (though not impossible) for her to win beacuse she already won fairly recently, but she deserves the nomination. Rust and Bone didn’t win the Palme d’Or, though. Another French film, Amour, did. But I think this one was nominated.
Hope you and your mom like it. Although, I should warn you because it’ll no doubt be awkward, the film has many sex scenes.
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Glad you enjoyed this movie so much, I adored Cotillard’s work but the movie didn’t move plus I found certain aspects of it – like the theft/cameras subplot – completely unnecesary. I wish the film focused more on Stephanie.
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Thanks. And I get it. No two people are moved the same way by a work of art; it’s a very subjective thing. However, I had no issue with the cameras thing, it gave a reason for Ali’s sister to dislike him and kick him out but I will agree that Stephanie was by far the most interesting character.
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God damn Cotillard is beautiful 🙂
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Yes! One of the most beautiful women I’ve ever seen! And one of the most talented. And she’s a good singer. She has it all.
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Wow, high praise! Looks like I’ve got another film to keep an eye out for
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You definitely should. It’s pretty great.
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Oh, this sounds beautiful…
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Thanks. It’s very intense, dramatically speaking, but yes, in a way it’s beautiful.
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