Roma – March Movie at Walton & Weybridge Film Society
Wed March 4th 2020: 8pm
Roma
Director Alfonso Cuarón USA, 2018, 135 mins, Spanish dialogue, subtitles monochrome.
Leading players: Yalitza Aparicio (Cleo) Sra. Sofia (Marina de Tavira) Toño (Diego Cortina Autrey)
3 OSCAR WINNING FILM. 10 ACADEMY AWARD NOMINATIONS
A turbulent year in Mexico City is seen through the eyes of a young woman and the family she works for. A very personal film that reframes the director’s own childhood memories.
Film Synopsis
ROMA follows Cleo, a young woman of Mixteco heritage who works for a large and vibrant family Director, Cuarón’s birthplace of Mexico City in the 1970s.
It spans a year in which political unrest tears through the city, governments are seizing land from native workers and, closer to home, an absent husband is missed by his family.
It’s a sensory, profound work, but what makes Roma really triumph is that none of it was truly made to satisfy an audience. The family, in particular Cleo and her mistress, are drawn from Cuarón’s own memories of his formative years. For him, they are the reason for his better attributes, and Roma is made in their honour.
Astoundingly, this is Aparicio’s acting debut. It is a stunning performance that at times portrays intense physical and emotional endurance that result in some of the film’s most devastating and memorable scenes.
Cuarón constructs a handsome world to frame these memories, which are captured in pristine monochrome.
No shot is thrown away, from the opening credits where soapy water sloshes across a tiled floor, a distant aeroplane visible in the reflection, to a giddy pan across the rooftops where laundry is strung up like bunting.
As with all films distributed by Netflix, there is a valid debate over whether it really deserves to be released theatrically.
Cuarón chose the platform to ensure accessibility, for all but the sheer scale of the film demands a bigger screen.
SH
Roma Film Review
“An epic of tearjerking magnificence
Alfonso Cuarón’s intimate family drama, set in 1970s Mexico, is a triumphant blend of tragedy, comedy and absurdity “
“… sublime mystery in its extraordinary setpieces. At the heart of it all is a wonderful performance from Aparicio, who brings to the role something delicate and stoic. She is the jewel of this outstanding film.”
Academy Awards
Nominated for 10 Academy Awards, including Best Picture.
Winner of 3 Oscars (Cinematography, Director and Best Foreign Language Film)
Film Notes
While filming Roma the crew were victims of a robbery. According to the studio, “Two women were hit, five crew members were hospitalised, and mobile phones, wallets, and jewellery were stolen.”
The crew reportedly arrived to set up filming for the day when a group of city workers objected and tried to shut down the set. The crew had permission to film, but a brawl ensued.
Roma won the Golden Lion for Best Film at the Venice International Film Festival in 2018.
About Our Film Society
We meet at roughly three-weekly intervals on Wednesday evenings, commencing at 8pm at The Amanda Smith Theatre, St George’s College, Addlestone to watch well regarded (mostly recent) films that have probably not been shown in our local cinemas.
Refreshments are provided without charge in a side room after each show and film club members are invited to discuss their reactions to the movie with the Committee and other members.
If you live in Walton or Weybridge or close to this area (for example Hersham, Shepperton, Cobham, Esher), why not join us?
If you would like to join our Film Society, please print off This Application Form and mention the All About Weybridge website.
Movie Programme for 2019-20
Sept 4th 2019 – The Favourite
Sept 18th 2019 – Phantom Thread
Oct 9th 2019 – Cold War
Oct 23th 2019 – Green Book
Nov 13th 2019 – Lady Bird
Jan 8th 2020 – Woman at War
Feb 19th 2020 – Shoplifters *
Mar 4th 2020 – Roma *
April 1st 2020 – Happy as Lazzaro
April 15th 2020 – La Vagabonde
May 6th 2020 – Jeune Femme
May 27th 2020 – Capernaum
* The dates for the films Shoplifters and Roma have been switched, from the dates published in the original programme
Early Membership Discount
There is a discount for members who join and pay by a certain date at the start of a season.
March 2020 Movie – Roma
At The Amanda Smith Theatre,
St George’s College
Event Times & Venue
Date: Wednesday 4th March 2020
Start Time: 8pm.
Address: The Amanda Smith Theatre,
St George’s College,
Weybridge Road,
Addlestone,
Surrey KT15 2QS
Directions, Access & Parking: St George’s College is easy to locate.
Leave Weybridge at the St James’s Church roundabout, into Balfour Road over the Portmore Park Road roundabout and follow the road towards Addlestone, take the third exit at the Addlestone roundabout into the college.
The barrier will open, follow the road and electronic sign. There will be one more barrier and parking will be ahead on the right.
Sat Nav Postcode: KT15 2QS
Contact Walton and Weybridge Film Society
For membership & guest ticket enquiries, telephone: 01932 226 386
Please mention the All About Weybridge website
For all membership enquiries please contact
our Membership Secretary by email: membership@wawfs.com
You may contact our Chairman,
Ken Wilson: chairman@wawfs.com
Website: www.wawfs.com
