In “The Death of Mr. Lazarescu” an old man develops what he believes to be complications due to his stomach ulcer surgery from 14 years ago. The paramedics arrive and take him hospital to hospital in search of a place that is willing to operate on him but cannot find one. The movie is Romanian and it shows many characteristics of Romanian film. In a world of globalization, this film seems to be almost strictly Romanian. Common characteristics of Romanian film that “The Death of Mr. Lazarescu” contains are long takes, low lighting, and few camera angles. From start to finish, the film is approximately two and a half hours and it feels that long watching it.
The film seems to drag on because of the long takes and heavy conversation which are something not common in Hollywood films. In some scenes, the low lighting prevents you from even being able to see the characters faces and read their reactions. I believe this takes away from the film. Because of the few camera angles and long takes, it seems like the movie was shot with only one camera, and editing was almost not necessary. Other than the credits, the film lacked any music or sound that was not part of the scene. Many of the elements of the film that have been named make the film very dull and make it drag on forever. The plot seems to lack depth and does not keep the viewer interested. The Romanian characteristics that are in the film make the film difficult to watch for American viewers that are used to action films.
-Robert Hicks
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I agree with what you are saying about the long takes and the movie feeling long. I also agree with the fact that there is no music subtracts certain elements from the film that would make it more entertaining. However, you fail to mention whether or not the messages about Romania were portrayed effectively or not, something which seemed important throughout the film.
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