Keswick Film Club - The Death of Mr Lazarescu

Synopsis

A marvellously, witty and compassionate film chronicling the last few hours in the life of an aging man who lives alone, with his cats and his super-strong booze in a Bucharest flat. Director Cristi Puiu's real purpose is to show the indignity, sadness and sheer mundanity with which an unexceptional, lonely 62 year old can leave this earth one night within hours of reporting a suspicious headache to the emergency services.

Puiu also moves beyond social concerns with an account of life's fragility and vulnerability that is subtly and persuasively philosophical. We, armed with the knowledge of the title, begin to contemplate the power of death over life ... Excellent performances throughout, the dialogue and cinematography are frighteningly true to life.

Winner - UN CERTAIN REGARD - Cannes 2005