Karim Aïnouz’s Black Comedy Sparks Bad-Taste Uproar

Karim Aïnouz’s latest film, titled Rosebush Pruning, has ignited controversy with its daring approach to black comedy. Known for his unique storytelling, Aïnouz co-wrote this piece with Efthimis Filippou, a prominent figure in the Greek “Weird Wave.”

About the Film

Rosebush Pruning premiered in the competition section at the Berlin Film Festival. It draws inspiration from Marco Bellocchio’s 1965 film, Fists in the Pocket, while adding a modern layer of absurdity and dark humor. The film runs for approximately 1 hour and 35 minutes.

Plot Overview

Set against the backdrop of a beach in Spain, the narrative follows Edward, played by Callum Turner, who introduces his new friend George to the extravagant world of high fashion. George, a middle-aged man visiting from Athens, struggles to navigate this superficial environment.

The film unfolds the complexities of family relationships, highlighting Edward’s family dynamics. Following the death of their mother, who was tragically killed by wolves, Edward, his brothers Jack (Jamie Bell) and Robert (Lukas Gage), and their sister Anna (Riley Keough) find themselves in an unusual love triangle. Their fixation on Jack intensifies when he brings home a new girlfriend, Martha (Elle Fanning), a scenario that leads to unexpected tensions and outrageous antics.

Character Dynamics

• Edward: The narrator and fashion-obsessed character.
• George: An outsider who becomes embroiled in Edward’s family’s bizarre dynamics.
• Jack: The object of affection for his siblings, creating a web of incestuous relationships.
• Martha: The new girlfriend who struggles to fit into this eccentric family.
• Anna: Determined to sabotage Jack’s new relationship and protect her family’s peculiar lifestyle.

Performance and Direction

Aïnouz’s direction along with an outstanding cast of Gen Z and Millennial actors delivers riveting performances that disrupt conventional norms. Notable among them, Riley Keough stands out, echoing the lascivious energy reminiscent of characters from John Waters’ era.

Amid glimpses of outrageous behavior, including Robert’s bizarre act involving a knife, the film balances chaos with dark humor. Rosebush Pruning ultimately challenges viewers to confront their limits regarding taste and morality through its absurd yet captivating narrative.

Conclusion

This film by Karim Aïnouz encourages audiences to embrace the absurd. As a black comedy that pushes boundaries, it may just be one of the wildest offerings at the Berlin Festival this year. El-Balad encourages viewers to experience this unique work, where bad taste meets bold storytelling.