Review of The Death of Mr. Lazarescu (2005) by Tom W — 25 Oct 2007

Upon reflection, I can understand why The Times rated "The Death of Mr. Lazarescu" five stars out of five. However, I certainly wasn't in agreement as I was watching it. I considered the film dull and (somewhat ironically) lifeless as the minutes slowly passed.

Strangely though, it has had an outlasting resonance like no other film I've seen in a while. The film has stayed in my mind a lot since I watched it. I now consider it profound on a humanistic level (what could be more poignant than seeing the slow demise of a human being?).

One thing's for sure: you can't write this film off after just one viewing. The film relied on a lot of deadpan humour and (probably) repetition, which, coupled with its darkest of comedy roots, would be nigh-on impossible to get across in English subtitles without losing some of its kick.

I waited and waited for the comedy to come but I was expecting the wrong type of comedy of which would have almost certainly ruined the film. The humour is very, very dark but when you consider the subject matter, you would understand that no other type of humour would have suited it.

Don't expect to be in for an easy ride but it pays off dividends in the long-term.