The War of the Roses (1989)

 

In-depth Movie Reviews and Cinema Insights: The War of the Roses (1989)

Director: Danny DeVito
Genre: Dark Comedy, Drama
Starring: Michael Douglas, Kathleen Turner, Danny DeVito

Danny DeVito's The War of the Roses is a darkly comedic take on marital disintegration, following Oliver (Michael Douglas) and Barbara Rose (Kathleen Turner) as they go from blissful newlyweds to bitter rivals in a relentless war over their luxurious home. What starts as petty bickering escalates into full-scale household warfare, presenting an unflinching and humorously exaggerated look at the fallout of a marriage gone sour.

Plot Overview

The film opens with Oliver Rose, a successful lawyer, and his wife Barbara, who has dedicated herself to making a beautiful home for their family. Despite their seemingly perfect life, their marriage is riddled with resentment and misunderstandings that culminate in Barbara’s decision to divorce Oliver. Yet, neither is willing to give up their lavish home, the centerpiece of their lives and relationship, sparking a bitter battle for ownership.

As their fight escalates, both Oliver and Barbara resort to extreme measures to force the other out, from sabotaging each other’s possessions to setting booby traps around the house. The once-lovely home quickly devolves into a battleground, transforming mundane household objects into weapons of war. The story is narrated by Oliver’s friend and attorney Gavin (Danny DeVito), who, recounting the tale, tries to dissuade a client from going down the same path.

Themes and Analysis

• Materialism and the Illusion of Happiness: The Roses’ battle over their mansion symbolizes how possessions and status can come to overshadow genuine connections. Their opulent home, once a shared source of pride, becomes a prison, trapping both characters in a cycle of vengeance. The film critiques how society often equates material wealth with happiness, showing the hollowness that can result from such an obsession.

• The Dark Side of Marriage: DeVito doesn’t shy away from the ugliness that can surface in a strained marriage. While humorous, the escalating cruelty serves as a warning about what happens when love turns into bitterness and the need for control overtakes compassion.

• Miscommunication and the Descent into Chaos: The War of the Roses emphasizes how miscommunication and pride can transform minor grievances into monumental rifts. Oliver and Barbara’s inability to communicate or compromise fuels the conflict, showing how small grievances can compound into a full-scale breakdown when left unresolved.

Cinematic Style

DeVito’s direction brings out the sharp satire in The War of the Roses, using visual storytelling to amplify the absurdity of Oliver and Barbara’s conflict. The tone shifts from dramatic to darkly comedic, highlighted by DeVito's own narration as Gavin, whose cynical insights keep the audience at a safe distance from the increasingly brutal proceedings. DeVito’s visual style leans on stark contrasts and dramatic angles, heightening the absurdity of the situation and reflecting the volatility of the couple’s deteriorating relationship.

The cinematography emphasizes the home’s transformation from a dream house to a battlefield. As the conflict escalates, the warm, inviting colors of the home shift to darker, more oppressive tones, mirroring the toxic environment created by the Roses’ feud.

Performances

Michael Douglas and Kathleen Turner, who had previously starred together in Romancing the Stone and The Jewel of the Nile, bring intense chemistry and commitment to their roles. Douglas captures Oliver’s transformation from a doting husband to a vindictive adversary with charisma and comic timing. Turner’s portrayal of Barbara is equally compelling, showcasing her character’s evolution from a neglected wife to a fiercely determined woman. Together, they create a dynamic that is both humorous and chilling, each performance reflecting their character’s descent into irrational obsession.

Danny DeVito’s supporting role as Gavin, the bemused narrator and lawyer, adds levity and provides a cautionary counterpoint to the Roses’ animosity. His dry, philosophical commentary grounds the film and serves as a narrative bridge, reminding the audience of the real-world consequences of unchecked anger and pride.

Legacy and Reception

The War of the Roses received praise for its fearless exploration of the darker aspects of relationships, though its satirical tone and bleak conclusion divided critics. The film's willingness to examine the complexity of divorce and the fallout of a toxic marriage garnered acclaim for its daring and originality. Today, it remains a notable example of black comedy in Hollywood, demonstrating the genre’s capacity to tackle serious issues with a biting sense of humor.

The film’s portrayal of marital disintegration has resonated with audiences, serving as both a cautionary tale and a source of cathartic laughter for those familiar with relationship struggles. DeVito’s direction and the lead performances by Douglas and Turner have cemented The War of the Roses as a unique and enduring exploration of love gone wrong.

Conclusion

The War of the Roses is a cautionary dark comedy that dares to explore the extremes of marital conflict and the corrosive effects of material obsession. With powerhouse performances, a sharp script, and DeVito’s deft direction, the film remains a memorable and insightful exploration of relationships, ego, and the thin line between love and hate.