EXAM /
EXAMEN
ROMANIA 2003
DIRECTED BY: TITUS MUNTEANU, 88 MIN
A film-student working on her diploma-film meets with Cristi Sãndulescu,
who was wrongfully convicted of the brutal murder of a young woman. The
police – eager to bring the case to a close – knowingly arrested
the wrong man. Under the pressure of physical and psychological torture,
Cristi’s wife and friends begin to believe in his guilt and make
statements to that effect; even Cristi finally confesses. Five years later,
the real killer is caught – a psychopath who even brags about the
murders he committed. Cristi Sãndulescu is set free. Through flashbacks,
the film shows us how the life of a carefree man was totally and utterly
destroyed. At first, Cristi seeks revenge, but learns all too soon that
it will not change his situation nor bring him peace of mind. Everybody
blames the system and points to Ceausescu, who is said to have given the
orders personally.
In Romania, the film started a discussion about the country’s totalitarian
past and its consequences for present society. It implies that people
do not learn from history, because only personal experience allows them
to understand. This gap between the generations is a leitmotiv of the
film: Cristi’s father was a political prisoner, a fact that does
not interest his son until his own life takes a similar turn. When he
finally gets out of jail and tries to teach his kids about political symbolism,
his wife meets him with an utter lack of comprehension. Even his interview-partner
shows little compassion and – towards the end – a complete
lack of interest. Who today wants to hear about the old socialist past,
anyway?
Caligari: 22.04. / 3.30 p.m.
Bambi: 23.04. / 6 p.m.
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