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The Death of Mr. Lazarescu

Drama


 

Follows the title character as he is passed on from hospital to hospital waiting for dire attention.

As the health of Mr. Lazarescu deteriorates then fails, so does this film. If the intention was to force the audience to associate with (and endure) Mr. Lazarescu's suffering, then it is a resonating success. The shaky handheld camerawork becomes nauseating, and the drawn out length nearly bores us to death. You can't help finding yourself willing his demise to come sooner, not to end his agony, but your own. Such is the lack of empathy created by unstirring, stagnant scenes. Avoid like the plague.

Andrew O'Dea

MIFF 2008
153 mins




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