NICOLE ALBERTSON
Life Editor
“4 Months, 3 Weeks, 2 Days” successfully tackles a sensitive subject with its realistic portrayal of a late-term abortion in communist Romania in 1987. This disturbing and insightful film is a vision of depression and desperation when the people of Romania were forced into communism under the Ceausescu regime.
Already taking home 14 awards and earning 10 more nominations, including Best Foreign Film at the Golden Globes, “4 Months” is a mind-blowing look into the struggles and turbulent times of Eastern Europe in the 1980s.
The film centers on the often talked- about and always debatable subject of abortion. In “4 Months,” Otilia (Anamaria Marinca) helps her roommate, Gabita (Laura Vasiliu), arrange a late-term abortion. At the time, any type of abortion or contraception was illegal in Romania. Through their terrifying and nerve-racking experience, Otilia realizes just how far she will go for her friend and what kind of sacrifices she is willing to make.
Writer and director Christian Mungiu brings to life the anxiety, fear and scandal that many women underwent for an abortion. By using a hand camera instead of a mounted lens, the film moves with each scene and character action in a documentary style. The constant motion, or no motion at all, brings the audience into the scene with the women as they try to gain control of their situation.
Since the film only takes place over a one-day period, Mungiu portrays the film in real time and makes the audience feel each minute of time through long shots and prolonged scenes. This quiet film uses words sparingly and concentrates on the palpable tension between the characters.
But lasting more than two hours, “4 Months” runs much longer than it should, ultimately taking away from the quality of the film. While Mungiu focuses on each character and uses the camera to carry each character’s emotions through the screen, some scenes run for double the amount of time they should and end up slowing the film down.
This character-driven film is a study on the personal strength that each person must muster in order to survive. Marinca steps up as the real star of the film by showing Otilia’s strength and vulnerability. She delivers a genuine combination of power and vulnerability while Vasiliu cowards within Gabita’s weak and naive nature. The balance between the two characters shows a true, trusting relationship through their difficulties.
In true European form, “4 Months” addresses abortion with truth and honesty unlike audiences have seen before. As Gabita prepares for her procedure, Otilia takes the initiative by reserving the hotel and meeting Domnu Bebe (Vlad Ivanov), who is known for performing late-term abortions. According to Romanian laws, all three are liable for more than three years of prison if they are caught.
Once the kinks for the procedure are worked out, “4 Months” gets graphic as the audience watches the procedure and impending result. While at times unnecessary, the dramatic realism of the film is sympathetic and compelling.
Although the film centers on abortion, it is very careful not to place blame or opinion in either court. Gabita’s condition is not politically discussed, but rather sympathized and regarded as a horrible situation.
“4 Months” is a heartbreaking film that documents people put in a desperate situation. It conquers this taboo subject matter with grace and sympathy and shows that even the worst situations can bring out the best in someone else. With Mungiu’s realistic portrayal of communist Romania, all viewers are guaranteed to have their eyes opened to an unknown world.
02-07-2008
