Review of The Death of Mr. Lazarescu (2005) by Paul Q — 22 Jul 2008
I don't understand how this was the "most acclaimed comedy of the year." I didn't find even a frame funny, though it was certainly absurdist - and realist - in its depiction of the death of the title character.
Mr. Lazarescu manages to make more of an imprint as a character drunkenly talking to his cats as the movie opens than most movie characters do in two hours chock full of dismal dialogue. This film chronicles Mr.
Lazarescu's rapid decline almost like a documentary, with a paramedic hopelessly yet somehow hopefully schlepping him from one hospital to the next, exposing holes in health care and human character.
The film is actually not so black; in fact, through all the frustration, arrogance, and outright cruelty, there are tiny gems of kindness that shine all the brighter for their surroundings. I look forward to what director Christi Puiu plans as a series of films centered on Bucharest.
His start is a masterpiece.
This review of The Death of Mr. Lazarescu (2005) was written by Paul Q on 22 July 2008.
The Death of Mr. Lazarescu has generally received very positive reviews.
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