California Dreamin'

The Romanian writer and director of “CaliforniaDreamin’ (Endless)”, Cristian Nemescu,tragically died in a car accident before his debutwas completely edited. Shown unfinished andperhaps too long, it is still a brilliant film from adirector with an undeniable – but now unfulfilled– potential. Set in Romania at the time of thewar in Kosovo, a platoon of US Marines, withArmand Assante as their Captain, Doug Jones,is stopped at a rural railway station because theylack proper documents. The five-day standoff,inspired by a true event, unfolds a story of crossculturalinteractions and brief love affairs. ButNemesucu’s fairly complicated narration, withits Second World War prologue and puzzle ofplural characters, also hides undertones, whichinsinuate a broad critique of contemporary East-West politics. Visual surprises, black humor and indiscreet Dogma-looking cameraworkcontribute to the film’s humane sharpness.“California Dreamin’ (Endless)” remainsunfinished but is nevertheless a proof of talentand of the quality of the Romanian new wave.