esrosedotblog

CIRCLES OF HELL

Today's film was

The Death of Mr. Lazarescu (2006)

This is a Romanian film, in real time.

Simple. A man is sick. He calls for an ambulance. We follow him through the hell of the health care system.

It is a Romanian system but not particularly so. I can see the same jumble, misdirection, non-caring incompetence in any country. Anecdotes from friends would confirm that it can and does happen here on a daily basis.

Not coincidentally, Mr. Lazarescu's fist name is Dante. I don't think that is Romanian but maybe. It is certainly symbolic.

At first, this film feels too amateurish. There is too much verité in the cinema.

Slowly, the story evolves until the frustration and suspense of the situation take hold. It is mesmerizing. An exercise in futility over which no one, least of all Mr. Lazarescu, has control.

It is too long. I could have let him go sooner than the film did.

It is funny. As there is little doubt of the outcome, the title 'spoils' it after all, there is still suspense. We do not give up on him as the professionals seem to.

Then, as I have pointed out, I give up as well. I feel a bit of guilt for it.

Not a lot. It is a movie.

But a good learning experience.

His sole advocate throughout this film is an EMT nurse who will not give up.

Don't count on this happening to you. Get a friend to go along. A must!

He has that chance and they muff it.

I will give this a 3 out of Netflix5. It was very good but I would not want to see it again.

Note that this is called a comedy in some reviews. Not a bit. Funny? Forget it. It has its moments but they are only dramatic relief from the unremitting pain.

Labels: film