When I was 14, a classmate of mine called me to ask if I knew any doctor who performs abortion. Her friend needed to terminate pregnancy. I was offended by her question and doubted if it was for her because back then I can’t imagine a third person going through so much for someone else’s misconduct.
4 months, 3 weeks and 2 days isn’t a movie on pro-life or pro-choice but the life transformation of two girls involved in the illegal abortion in 1987 pre-revolution Romania.
For the first few minutes, we have no clue what the movie is about. Only when the doctor steps in to the hotel room, we are aware that it’s about Gabita (Laura Vasiliu) who wants to terminate her 4-months old pregnancy, and Otilia (Anamaria Marinca) her roommate who helps her to book the room and to bring in the doctor. Due to the predicament Gabita is in, Olli goes to the extent of having sex with the doctor when he demands higher fee. After dumping the expelled fetus in a trash chute, Olli requests Gabita not to talk about this anymore.
The characters that were shown to have genuine interest onto others initially end up not being so as the movie proceeds. The doctor who shows concern on Gabita’s well-being turns out to be a swindle. Olli who sacrifices for her friend, comes to know that Gabita lied to her. I think Gabita knew beforehand of the doctor’s request, but she trapped Olli to follow her to the room. What begins as a genuine friendship might not be after this incident.
Both men and women should watch this movie. It shows the exploitations women undergo in a society bound by unwanted strict laws. This is a never-ending scenario engulfing many women around the world and often time bystanders sadly become scape-goats like Olli.
Performances are top notch. More than the actors acting for the directors it looks like the director following the girls with his camera. Explanation by the doctor on the procedures of abortion and shots of the fetus in the bathroom are disturbing.
More than the core issue, the movie emphasizes on the visceral aspects of the characters. Despite being slow, it’s not surprising this memorable movie was nominated for golden globe awards.
When the movie ended, I couldn’t but replace Olli’s image with the girl who called me long time back.
9 comments:
Thanks for stopping by my blog...
Was this the movie that was nominated for Oscars, this time? Have to look out for this.
I watched - Vicky Christina Barcelona. I liked it...For the way it shows, craziest adventures of life, for the desperate search for peace and harmony in creative people.
Fella Movie Buff ?
Did ya Watchd 'Juno' ?
Deaths Head Roy: You're welcome
AJEYA RAO: It's a 2007 movie and was not nominated for Oscar but several others including Golden Globe 2007. I had to write a sexuality analysis paper on Vicky Christina Barcelona.
Sanity: I'm not a buff, but enjoy watching movies. Yes, I did watch Juno, a lighter take on similar issue.
Dot..Since i liked the movie VCB, can i read that paper? if you are willing to share...
AJEYA RAO: Thanks for your interest. What's your e-mail address?
ajeyar@yahoo.com
The movie was amazing and gripping! Did you notice how much level of detail the director paid? For example- when you see the characters get out of the car and close the door the door dosnt close at the first go- or when the characters enter their house she drops her coat missing the coat rack the first time..
Filarial: Yep, he gave importance even to the minute details.
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