“The Death of Mr Lazarescu” is a Romanian film by director Chris Puiu. Mr Lazarescu is an old guy who lives in a flat with his three cats and obviously
drinks a lot. The film follows him over the course of a night from his flat to various hospitals as his health condition deteriorates. The film is laced with cynical characters and sarcastic doctors who look down on their subordinates. There is little pity for Mr Lazarescu and many of the scenes reminded me of my time as a hospital porter in London in the late 80’s.

This film is described as a black comedy and despite the sadness of the theme you do find yourself laughing at the sarcy wit of the hardened doctors.

As a composer I was aware that this film contained no music. Without doubt this adds to the realism of the movie and enhanced rather than detracted from it. I think that once a movie adds music it immediately moves into a fantasy scenario, it is an attempt to manipulate emotions and does not in anyway portray reality. There is nothing wrong with this of course but I think a film maker should be pretty sure of their intentions before they start adding music. Perhaps more creative ways of using music in a film would be cool, eg car radios, buskers, bands in pubs etc.

Anyway, I’m going off on one, The Death of Mr Lazarescu is a fantastic movie giving a glimpse into the hardness of life in post communist Bucharest. If your renting a movie this week give Hollywood a miss and watch this great work.