Film Analysis - Rust and Bone (2012)

Film Analysis:

Rust and Bone (2012) – Directed by Jacques Audiard

Starring: Marion Cotillard, Matthias Schoenaerts and Armand Vendure

This film is a Romantic Drama detailing the misadventure of two protagonists Stéphanie and Alain who come into each other’s lives through the fate of attraction and coincidence. The film doesn’t balance itself around the romance factor, but rather the personal drama that surrounds the characters. Each is dealing with their own problems and there struggle to carry on with their day to day lives. Alain or Ali as he is referred to by characters in the film is the muscle of the film, brought in as a masculine character, proud of his accomplishments and strength. His main crux is his constant need for approval, he constantly finds ways to secure his masculinity, whether it be through fighting, or through his sexuality. This perfectly contrasts and matches the other protagonist Stéphanie who also prides herself with her sexuality. This key theme in the film resonates throughout and enables the protagonists to bond and further their relationship. This ties into not only their bond but the films culture and method, it tackles this taboo subject and its effect on the disabled. Using both these elements in conjunction enable the filmmakers to target a niche audience, or to further the understanding of the audience when it comes to such a taboo subject.

Water is a key element in this films dynamic, it acts as both a place of security and fear. It brings hope to Stéphanie even though it is the thing that brought her downfall. This presents a complex relationship that is mirrored in many other characters such as Ali and his sister, his son and with Stéphanie herself. Each relationship is balanced with some form of outlet or reason. With his 5 year old son Sam, Ali does all he can to support him and continue to provide his education and lifestyle, however this comes at price where Sam tends to get in the way of Ali’s life and therefore his actions can seem to portray him as a bad parent when in fact he is doing all that he can to help his son grow and not be in the same position that he is in.

Stéphanie constantly tries her hardest to be as independent as possible as to not need anyone’s help. One of her biggest gripes and fears is that of not being able to be herself anymore, she feels ashamed when people see her the way she really is. Ali becomes one of the only people that she truly feel normal around, they bond because of this fact. Their relationship extends beyond a sexual relationship, they understand each other’s struggles and find the strength within them to aid and assist each other.