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In the film “If I Had Legs, I’d Kick You”, Rose Byrne’s performance takes center stage as she portrays Linda, a mother on the brink of a nervous breakdown. Written and directed by Mary Bronstein, the film offers a deeply anxiety-inducing experience through its daring audio-visual approach, resulting in an excellent piece of work.
Byrne and Bronstein’s collaboration presents a compelling narrative of the gradual unraveling of a complex protagonist, shedding light on rarely explored facets of motherhood in cinema. The film’s unique storytelling and aesthetic language set it apart, offering a distressing yet hypnotic portrayal of a mother in crisis.
Exploring the thematic depth of the film, the first four scenes set up a dramatic escalation, showcasing Linda’s struggles and self-destructive tendencies. Through a series of therapy sessions and intimate moments, the audience is drawn into Linda’s chaotic world, empathizing with her internal turmoil and external challenges.
Throughout the film, Linda’s daughter remains off-screen, serving as a symbolic presence that influences Linda’s coping mechanisms and emotional detachment. By delving into the complexities of motherhood and societal expectations, the film challenges conventional portrayals of maternal roles and showcases the internal conflict faced by women like Linda.
“If I Had Legs, I’d Kick You” delivers a powerful audio-visual experience, pushing the boundaries of storytelling and character development. Through its raw and unsettling portrayal of motherhood, the film invites viewers to confront their own perceptions and biases, ultimately leaving a lasting impact on the audience.
Observing other people around her doesn’t necessarily mean Linda fully connects with them. When she picks up a baby that isn’t hers, the infant’s close up is accompanied by a piercing sound design that lasts an eternity. To Linda, everyone is somewhat of an annoying abstraction, whether intentionally or due to her state of mind. This also applies to one of her unstable patients, Caroline, a new mother who seems on the verge of psychosis yet expresses the same feelings of postpartum doubt as Linda.
Rose Byrne’s Performance
Bronstein skillfully captures Byrne’s nervous energy with constant close-ups that keep the character on edge, reminiscent of silent classic films like The Passion of Joan of Arc. As Linda’s nightly visits to her apartment reveal strange visions, the physical properties of the hole in her ceiling take on unexpected metaphysical implications. The drama that unfolds is thrilling, hilarious, and upsetting, largely due to Byrne’s fearless portrayal of the character.
As the camera alternates between close-ups and wider shots, Linda’s unease is palpable through Byrne’s fidgety body language. The continuous escalation of Linda’s challenges results in absurdly funny and cringe-worthy moments, showcasing Byrne’s ability to convey the character’s complexities and struggles in a lifelike manner.
