Cinema
Rosetta
Synopsis
Rosetta, a very young woman, has just been dismissed from the factory at the end of her trial period. She lives in a caravan, on a campsite, with her mother, who is unemployed and an alcoholic. She looks for work with relentless determination, wants no help and refuses to be pitied. Her meeting with Riquet, who works in a waffle stand, perhaps opens up something else for her, which she finds hard to accept.
Context
The authors built the screenplay around the single character, thinking of Kafka's The Castle. Émilie Dequenne, who had never acted in cinema, plays the part; Fabrizio Rongione plays Riquet and Olivier Gourmet the owner of the waffle stand. The film is shot handheld, in natural light and with no added music. It is often said that it inspired a Belgian law on youth employment; its authors have clarified that it was already in preparation.
Who it is for
About ninety minutes, in French, staying as close as possible to the character. A physical experience, sustained from beginning to end, which some find hard to endure.
Prizes and reception
Palme d'Or at Cannes in 1999, unanimously, with the best actress prize for a newcomer.