By the time the minimalism flourished, many voices – not only viewers, but also professionals – sighed over the disappearing of the genre film. The viewers took comfort in watching old Romanian films, from “the
golden age” on TV; some professionals from the elder generations tried to show the minimalist artists how that was not the way to make films. The festivals were validating the productions of the New Wave and the audiences raised their eyebrows in front of any Romanian film. The situation continues to be somewhat the same, though…
Though this autumn many comedies rushed on the big screens; the comedy is a very loved genre by the spectators and not only by those who consider the film as an entertainmentand nothing more, because “we have enough problems in life that make our head explode, when we go to see a film we just want to enjoy and relax.” But we are in a bit of a danger that if we want to meet this need, the film will go back to its primary vocation, which is the type ofentertainment from an amusement fair, though…
Though the autumn bouquet that I talked about earlier proves that both ways are possible. The comedy can be vulgar and of a doubtful morality (
#Selfie69), but it can also be of a good quality, without too much “in your face”, with smart jokes and funny hints (
Two Lottery Tickets). The audience validated both versions. For many weeks, both of them have been on the screen all over the country, in many copies and at the best showtimes. Both of them hit the record of the Romanian film, which usually gets crushed in the competition with the American film, though…
Though it`s a long way to go until they reach Top 10 (they are both in Top 30). Talking about comedies, we can also add
Eastern Business (which is ranked #133) and the unwearied
Garlic (which is ranked #120) that show up on the screen every now and then, refusing to end its journey, because the audience still wants it. Besides the comedies, the thriller films seem to come alive; the people seem to enjoy it more on TV and the proof is represented by the HBO original productions
Shadows and
Silent Valley; not at all as successful are the feature films on the big screen, unfortunately –
Dogs made by BogdanMirică, for instance, who from his debut, asserts his option for the genre film. Radu Jude made a late choice, but he chose to fall into the arms of literature; he either chooses characters and lines (have a look at
Aferim! and the list of books from the end credits), or tries to put it on the screen in a rather bookish more than cinematic way (
Scarred Hearts).
One way or another, the young Romanian film entered a stage of diversity, which could open a door to the viewer`s heart.
