4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days (2007)

Brief Intro

“4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days” is a gripping Romanian drama film directed by Cristian Mungiu. Released in 2007, it follows the harrowing story of two university friends, Otilia and Gabita, during the final years of communism in Romania. The film centers on their attempt to arrange an illegal abortion, exposing the oppressive socio-political climate of the time.

Literary Devices Used in 4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days

Here are ten literary devices used in the film, each with specific examples from the movie:

1. Symbolism

Movie Scene	Device Example
Gabita’s hidden pregnancy	The hidden pregnancy symbolizes the suppression of women’s rights and freedoms under a repressive regime.
The cigarettes shared between Otilia and Bebe	Cigarettes symbolize the characters’ exchange of control and power dynamics.

2. Foreshadowing

Movie Scene	Device Example
Otilia’s tense phone call with her boyfriend	Foreshadows the strain in their relationship due to the upcoming events.
Gabita’s initial nervousness	Foreshadows the complications and dangers that will arise during the abortion process.

3. Irony

Movie Scene	Device Example
The university setting	It’s ironic that the characters are educated but still vulnerable to the brutal realities of their society.
Bebe’s calm demeanor	His calmness is ironic given the severity and illegality of his actions.

4. Metaphor

Movie Scene	Device Example
The title “4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days”	Serves as a metaphor for the duration of Gabita’s pregnancy, highlighting the gravity of their situation.
Otilia’s journey through the city	Metaphor for navigating the oppressive and dangerous societal landscape.

5. Motif

Movie Scene	Device Example
Recurring shots of keys and locked doors	Emphasize themes of entrapment and control.
Repetition of cold, clinical environments	Highlights the harsh, unfeeling nature of the regime and society.

6. Juxtaposition

Movie Scene	Device Example
Otilia’s boyfriend’s family dinner vs. abortion scene	Juxtaposes normalcy with the horror of their secret struggle.
The university vs. the dingy hotel	Contrasts intellectual pursuits with the grim realities faced by the characters.

7. Realism

Movie Scene	Device Example
Entire film shot with natural lighting	Enhances the realism and immersive quality of the narrative.
Use of long takes	Maintains the authenticity and tension of real-time events.

8. Stream of Consciousness

Movie Scene	Device Example
Otilia’s inner thoughts during tense moments	Provides insight into her mental state and emotions.
Gabita’s fragmented speech	Reflects her anxiety and desperation.

9. Minimalism

Movie Scene	Device Example
Sparse dialogue	Forces viewers to focus on non-verbal cues and the gravity of the situation.
Simple settings	Emphasize the bleakness of the characters’ reality.

10. Allegory

Movie Scene	Device Example
The entire film	Can be seen as an allegory for the struggles of Romanian society under communist rule.
Characters’ struggles	Represent broader societal issues of control, freedom, and human rights.

Character Analysis Through Literary Devices

Character Studies

Otilia

Literary Device	Explanation
Irony	Despite her strength, Otilia is often placed in situations where her control is undermined.
Stream of Consciousness	Her internal monologue reveals her resilience and internal conflict.

Gabita

Literary Device	Explanation
Symbolism	Her hidden pregnancy symbolizes broader societal oppression.
Metaphor	Gabita’s fragility and indecision mirror the instability of the society they live in.

Bebe

Literary Device	Explanation
Irony	His calm demeanor contrasts with his predatory nature.
Foreshadowing	His initial interactions hint at the exploitation and control he will exert.

Character Dynamics

The relationship between Otilia and Gabita is central to the narrative. Otilia’s unwavering support and sacrifices highlight themes of friendship and loyalty, while also emphasizing the gendered power dynamics and societal pressures they face. Their bond is juxtaposed with the transactional, predatory relationship with Bebe, further underscoring themes of exploitation and power imbalance.

Thematic Analysis

Oppression and Control

Literary Device	Explanation
Symbolism	Gabita’s pregnancy symbolizes the control the state has over women’s bodies.
Juxtaposition	The freedom of university life vs. the oppression outside it.

Friendship and Sacrifice

Literary Device	Explanation
Irony	Otilia’s sacrifices are ironic given Gabita’s often passive demeanor.
Motif	Recurring acts of kindness and support highlight the theme of sacrifice.

Fear and Desperation

Literary Device	Explanation
Stream of Consciousness	Reveals the characters’ inner turmoil and desperation.
Minimalism	The sparse dialogue underscores the pervasive sense of fear.

Cinematic Techniques That Enhance Literary Devices

Literary Device	Technique	Explanation
Realism	Natural lighting	Enhances the authenticity and immersion.
Foreshadowing	Long takes	Builds tension and foreshadows impending danger.
Minimalism	Sparse dialogue	Focuses on visual storytelling to convey themes.

Key Scene Analysis

Scene: Otilia and Bebe’s Negotiation

YouTube Link: Otilia and Bebe’s Negotiation

Breakdown: In this tense scene, the use of close-ups and dim lighting highlights the power imbalance and Otilia’s vulnerability. The sparse dialogue and long takes create an atmosphere of claustrophobia and dread.

Scene: The Abortion

YouTube Link: The Abortion Scene

Breakdown: This scene’s stark realism is heightened by the use of natural lighting and real-time pacing. The minimal dialogue and clinical setting emphasize the brutality and desperation of the situation.

Scene: Otilia’s Journey Through the City

YouTube Link: Otilia’s Journey

Breakdown: Otilia’s journey is a metaphor for navigating a dangerous and oppressive society. The handheld camera work and use of shadows enhance the sense of unease and tension.

Conclusion

To engage readers and test their understanding, here’s an interactive quiz about the literary devices used in the movie.

Quiz:

1. Which literary device is used to highlight the oppressive nature of the regime?
   • A) Symbolism
   • B) Irony
   • C) Foreshadowing
2. What does the recurring motif of keys and locked doors symbolize?
   • A) Freedom
   • B) Entrapment
   • C) Power
3. How does the use of natural lighting enhance the film’s realism?
   • A) Creates a dreamy atmosphere
   • B) Adds authenticity
   • C) Highlights the beauty of the scenes
4. Which character’s internal monologue reveals resilience and internal conflict?
   • A) Bebe
   • B) Otilia
   • C) Gabita
5. The title “4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days” serves as a metaphor for:
   • A) The duration of a prison sentence
   • B) The span of Gabita’s pregnancy
   • C) The time since the fall of communism

Answers:

1. A) Symbolism
2. B) Entrapment
3. B) Adds authenticity
4. B) Otilia
5. B) The span of Gabita’s pregnancy