Special Screening - Death of Mr. Lazarescu

Finally, finally.... one of the most acclaimed films of that year and the darling of most critics - the Romanian dark comedy THE DEATH OF MR. LAZARESCU gets a special screening in Toronto. 

This film did open and play in London and given an elaborate write-up in Sight & Sound.

THE DEATH OF MR. LAZARESCU (Romania 2005) *****
Directed by Cristi Puiu

The grim reaper has come for Mr. Lazarescu (Ion Fiscuteanu).  But the joke is both on the reaper and his victim as director Cristi Puiu will not let his protagonist die.  Initially complaining of a headache, then moved by a kind-hearted paramedic (Luminita Gheorghiu) with a heart of gold from hospital to hospital for treatment, poor alcoholic Lazarescu if not throwing up half the time is giving the Romanian medical system a hard time.  One doctor says it quite accurately when questioned (by Lazarescu) on his responsibility in the medical profession: “the patient has a responsibility too!” So goes Puiu’s genuinely intriguing social satire of the medical system that exists in every country.  Sad, brutal in parts, but never relenting, Puiu’s film has heart primarily because he sees the good in each of his characters, whether victim, aggressor or bystander.  The result is a remarkable film, touted as the best 10 of the year by most critics, and a film funny, sad and quietly powerful that finally gets a showing in Toronto during Cinematheque Ontario’s special program, screening of their best 10 alternative films of the decade.

(Special Screening: Sun Feb 14th 7 pm)

Check:
http://www.cinemathequeontario.ca
and
the article Cinematheque Ontario best 10 of the decade
for more information.