The Death of Mr. Lazarescu

AFTER MR. LAZARESCU SUFFERS TERRIBLE HEADACHES, HE FINALLY CALLS FOR AN AMBULANCE. ACCOMPANIED BY MEDIC MIOARA, LAZARESCU BEGINS HIS NIGHT-LONG JOURNEY THROUGH A VARIETY OF HOSPITALS IN SEARCH OF PROPER MEDICAL CARE WHILE A STRESSED SOCIETY IS LAID BARE, AND COMPASSION AND INDIFFERENCE CLASH.

The Death of Mr. Lazarescu is a sadly funny film that tells the story of an old man whom no one really knows or cares about. When he falls ill and needs medical treatment, he faces a team of busy doctors who are concerned because they have to be, not because they really care. Running just over 2-1/2 hours, this Romanian film allows the viewer to visualize how suffocatingly slow time must seem for Lazarescu (Ion Fiscuteanu), who isn't expecting the best treatment--just any treatment would be nice. With the exception of a conscientious paramedic, there doesn't seem to be much concern whether he lives or dies. TV viewers have been weaned on medical dramas such as ER, Chicago Hope, and House--all of which depict physicians who will go to all lengths to cure their patients. While noble and entertaining, these series probably offer less realism than The Death of Mr. Lazarescu, in which lack of funds and staff don't allow time for suitable bedside manner. No one is vilified, not even some of the hospital staff that is disgusted by the side effects of their patients' illnesses. The story is well told in a humane and mesmerizing manner that yanks at the heartstrings while still eliciting a laugh or two. --Jae-Ha Kim