Laura, a New York novelist, suspects her husband Dean is cheating. Her charming, wealthy father Felix, a lifelong playboy, convinces her to help him spy on Dean. The film is lighter than most of Coppola's work. Watch how it uses car chases and quiet talks to explore a father-daughter bond.
At a glance
On the Rocks is a 2020 comedy and drama film directed by Sofia Coppola. This breakdown covers 4 techniques (2 narrative, 1 psychology and 1 cinematography), each with the scene where you can see it. If you like how it is made, Vicky Cristina Barcelona uses several of the same techniques.
Pairing two characters of different generations or loyalties who must cooperate, so their friction drives both the comedy and the growth.
How this film uses it
Laura is cautious and Felix is a flirt who believes men are built to cheat. Their stakeout drives both the comedy and the fight about her childhood. They have to cooperate even when they disagree.
Where to see it
The stakeout. Felix picks Laura up in his vintage sports car and speeds after Dean's cab.
Giving a character a protective manner, such as charm, cynicism or intellect, that hides vulnerability. The audience sees the defense first and the wound it covers later.
How this film uses it
Felix uses charm to hide his own failures. He flirts with everyone, including the police who pull him over. His act works on strangers, then falls apart when Laura confronts him.
Where to see it
The traffic stop. Felix talks the officers out of a ticket by naming someone he knows.
Building up the usual genre expectations, like the villain getting caught and the climax approaching, then refusing to deliver them. Your own anticipation is what makes the letdown hit so hard.
How this film uses it
The film builds toward a confrontation with Dean and a clear answer. When Laura bursts into the room in Mexico, she finds Fiona and a female friend instead of an affair. The big reveal never comes.
Where to see it
The Mexico resort. Laura rushes into Dean's room and finds Fiona with her friend.
Filming in recognizable real places so the setting acts like part of the cast. Streets, buildings and landscapes shape the mood of the story.
How this film uses it
The stakeout runs through real Manhattan streets, where Felix's vintage car looks out of place among cabs. The city's speed and noise are the world Felix cuts through with charm. The setting also shows how small Laura's life has become.
Where to see it
The chase through the city. After Dean leaves in a cab with Fiona, Felix speeds after them through the streets.
Questions
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