If I Want to Whistle, I Whistle (2010)

If I Want to Whistle, I Whistle (Eu când vreau să fluier, fluier) is a 2010 Romanian drama–thriller about Silviu, a young man nearing the end of his sentence in a juvenile detention center. Just before his release, his world is thrown into turmoil when he learns that his estranged mother plans to take his younger brother, whom Silviu deeply cares for, away to Italy.

Feeling cornered, Silviu becomes desperate, fearing the loss of his brother and the life he’s tried to hold onto from behind bars. His emotions escalate when he develops a strong connection with a social worker named Ana, who is conducting research at the detention center. As Silviu’s release day approaches, his bottled-up emotions and desperation to stop his mother from taking his brother come to a boiling point, leading to a gripping and intense climax.

Plot:

The film opens with 18-year-old Silviu (played by George Piștereanu) serving the last few days of a four-year sentence in a juvenile detention center. Silviu is a quiet, brooding figure, attempting to stay out of trouble as he awaits his imminent release. He holds onto the hope of reuniting with his younger brother, whom he raised when their mother abandoned them years ago.

However, everything changes when Silviu’s mother (Clara Vodă) suddenly reappears and announces her plan to take Silviu’s brother to Italy. This revelation shatters Silviu’s fragile sense of control and rekindles his anger towards his mother, who he blames for his troubled past. Fearing that his brother will suffer the same abandonment, Silviu feels powerless as he watches his world crumble just as he’s about to regain his freedom.

Silviu becomes increasingly agitated as his attempts to convince his mother fail. He forms a bond with Ana (Ada Condeescu), a sociology student doing research at the detention center. Ana becomes an object of his desire, and in his mind, she represents the normalcy and emotional connection that he craves but has been denied.

As his desperation grows, Silviu takes Ana hostage during a tense encounter at the detention center. The situation spirals out of control, and Silviu’s internal conflict comes to a head as he tries to make sense of his emotions, his impending freedom, and his desire to protect his brother. The film’s climax is filled with tension, as Silviu is pushed to the edge, and his final decisions lead to unexpected consequences.

Review:

If I Want to Whistle, I Whistle received critical acclaim for its raw, minimalist style and intense performances, especially from George Piștereanu in the lead role. The film is a haunting and powerful depiction of a young man’s struggle with the weight of his past, the fractured dynamics of family, and the desire for control over his life.

Strengths:

• Performance: George Piștereanu’s portrayal of Silviu is a standout, delivering a performance that is both brooding and emotionally charged. He skillfully conveys Silviu’s inner turmoil and desperation as he grapples with his emotions and attempts to reclaim control over his fate.
• Realism: Director Florin Șerban’s stark, documentary-like style adds to the realism of the film, effectively immersing viewers into the harsh realities of life in a juvenile detention center. The film’s pacing is deliberately slow, which adds to the tension and reflects the monotony of Silviu’s life behind bars.
• Emotional Intensity: The film excels in portraying the emotional complexity of its characters, particularly in the interactions between Silviu and his mother, which are fraught with tension, regret, and unresolved pain. The hostage scene is particularly gripping, as it shows Silviu’s desperation and vulnerability.

Weaknesses:

• Pacing: Some viewers may find the film’s pacing slow, especially in the first half, where not much action occurs. However, this deliberate pacing helps build the tension and emotional payoff in the climax.
• Minimalist Plot: The plot is straightforward, and the film is more of a character study than a typical narrative-driven drama. While this approach works well for some, others may feel that the film lacks complexity in terms of story development.

Awards:

If I Want to Whistle, I Whistle achieved significant recognition on the international film circuit, particularly at the prestigious Berlin International Film Festival, where it won the Silver Bear – Grand Jury Prize. The film also received the Alfred Bauer Prize, an award given for a feature film that opens new perspectives in filmmaking. These accolades helped solidify the film’s status as an important entry in the Romanian New Wave cinema movement.

The film was also Romania’s official entry for the Best Foreign Language Film at the 83rd Academy Awards, though it did not make the final shortlist.

Popularity:

If I Want to Whistle, I Whistle gained considerable attention due to its festival success and critical acclaim. It became a standout film in the Romanian New Wave, known for its emphasis on realism, gritty storytelling, and focus on societal issues. The film found a dedicated audience among international arthouse cinema fans and is appreciated for its emotional depth and stark portrayal of life in a detention center.

While the film did not reach mainstream popularity outside of the festival circuit, it has earned a cult following and is often praised for its unflinching look at youth, crime, and the consequences of societal neglect. Its awards at the Berlin International Film Festival boosted its profile, making it one of the most notable Romanian films of the 2010s

If I Want to Whistle, I Whistle is an intense and emotional drama that offers a raw look at a young man’s struggle to protect his family and find his place in a world that seems determined to leave him behind. With strong performances, especially from its lead, and a gripping, minimalist style, the film has earned its place as a significant work in Romanian cinema and continues to resonate with viewers for its exploration of desperation, control, and human connection.