The Death of Mr. Lazarescu
Director: Cristi Puiu
Year Released: 2005
Rating: 2.0
One-dimensional indictment of the health care system in Romania by director Puiu, who takes a one-way trip to The End with his title character as he gets carted from hospital to hospital because of overcrowding, crude doctors and Red Tape. The point of the picture becomes apparent by the first forty-five minutes or so, leading the rest to be rather familiar - plus, if you think the American Medical Establishment is substantially more efficient, you're delusional. At least with Denys Arcand's The Barbarian Invasions there were multiple levels at play - this just sets out to make you feel disgusted. Final note for those interested: I know you're probably supposed to pity Mr. Lazarescu, but his cirrhosis came from years of alcohol abuse, and throughout I thought the same thing they do: he brought this about by his own lifestyle choice. But then again maybe I am just heartless and inhuman, etc.
