Romanian Director Radu Jude Blends Tragedy and Farce in Latest Film
In a recent Zoom interview with Radu Jude, the acclaimed Romanian director of “Do Not Expect Too Much from the End of the World,” he offered a glimpse into his creative process that is as unconventional as his films. Jude, known for his bold and brazen visions of Romanian history and contemporary life, shared his screen to reveal a collection of texts and images that inspire him, ranging from Van Gogh still lifes to Japanese haikus.
Jude’s latest film, “Do Not Expect Too Much from the End of the World,” follows Angela, a film production assistant in Bucharest who spends her days shuttling clients and equipment around the city. The black comedy intertwines scenes from the present day with colorful clips from the 1980s, showcasing the struggles of two women named Angela who are trapped in thankless jobs.
Born and raised in Bucharest, Jude draws from his own experiences living through the communist dictatorship of Nicolae Ceausescu to infuse his work with a raw and gritty energy. He is known for pushing boundaries and challenging societal norms, as seen in his previous film “Bad Luck Banging or Loony Porn,” which won the Golden Bear award.
Jude’s collaboration with actress Ilinca Manolache, who plays Angela in his latest film, brings a punk energy to the character through references to Andy Warhol and performances by Nico of “The Velvet Underground.” Manolache’s portrayal of Bobita, an online alter-ego created independently of the film, adds a layer of sordid satire that reflects Jude’s irreverent approach to storytelling.
Despite being compared to the likes of Jean-Luc Godard for his political and experimental style, Jude remains humble about his work. He sees cinema as a medium to explore the beauty in all kinds of images, whether they come from history books or Instagram pages. For Jude, the key to creating impactful cinema lies in embracing imperfection and pushing the boundaries of traditional storytelling.
As Jude continues to challenge conventions and blur the lines between tragedy and farce in his films, audiences can expect to be taken on a wild and unpredictable ride through his unique vision of Romanian cinema. “Do Not Expect Too Much from the End of the World” is set to hit U.S. theaters on Friday, offering viewers a glimpse into the mind of one of Romania’s most daring and innovative filmmakers.
