One of the main focuses of this site from the beginning has been to try and highlight some lesser known films and those are forgotten. Hence the title of the column. I enjoy the more popular films too, but I like to seek out the indie flicks. Usually, I just pick films from those I've already seen. This week however is different, as the movie was suggested to me by Reputation@Stake. I'm only too happy to take suggestions of films for review. Especially when I haven't heard of them before.
Now Showing:
11 Minutes Ago (2007)
Netflix: Streaming
Written & Directed By:
Bob Gebert
Starring:
Ian Michaels, Christinia Mauro (Stellina Blue, Little Big Top)
The Gist:
A time traveler, only capable of staying in the past for 11 minutes at a time, spends two years travelling back to a wedding reception 48 years in the past. Throughout the course of a two hour evening he begins to piece together a very fragmented evening of love and philosophy.
Why You Should Watch It:
It's original, with a well written story that uses science fiction, more as a backdrop, to illustrate great characters. It's a very sweet film that will stay with you after it's over. Also, the whole thing was shot over the course of day in 8 11 minute real-time takes, which often gives it the feeling of watching a play on screen.
Why You Probably Haven't Seen It:
It did some festivals, but that's it. No real release to speak of.
Scene to Savor:
I guess I'd say, when you find out where the camera was.
Comments:
Before I delve into it, let me state quite clearly that I loved it.
That said the film is a mess. I would love to know what the budget was exactly, cause I'm guessing near 20 bucks. The production quality, is not great. But I've watched worse, so that's not even a big thing for me. The boast about shooting it in 8 eleven minute segments over one day maybe cool, but its results often leave something to be desired in terms of acting.
There are several places where a line is delivered in such a way that just doesn't feel right. And some of the acting in general I felt was pretty bad. In terms of directing, it's mostly okay, but messy in places. I suppose that could be said to be a part of the film, since the whole thing is supposed to be filmed by a crew at the wedding reception. But there's a difference between playing bad, and cutting it so that it takes you out of the film.
While I loved the writing and the story, there are spots where I felt the dialog was just bad. Most of the film it's great, but in some of the more emotional moments, it just veers off.
But while I had all these problems with it, I'd suggest forgetting them and giving the film a try. Good indie films deserve to be seen, and this one, with all its problems, is still pretty great.
Overall on a scale of missed gems: 3 out of 5
Well, the film may be a mess with a budget of about 20 bucks, but I really want to see it. I'm going to check if Netflix has it. Thanks for the recommendation. It sounds intriguing. Doralynn
ReplyDeleteI was actually looking for a flick to watch on netflix streaming. I will have to check it out.
ReplyDeleteSounds a little like Source Code and Jake's eight minute limit.
ReplyDeleteDoralynn, it's available on netflix, but streaming only I believe.
ReplyDeletePTM, It's definitely worth a watch.
Alex, It's not really an action film. Other than the time limit, they're really very different films.
I too thought Source Code-like influences. But not being an action movie would make that a slight difference. I am always on the lookout for one-off flicks that I can get into. I may check this out.
ReplyDeleteIf it was anything at all like The Time Traveler's Wife, then I'm not interested......I just couldn't get into that movie. (Never read the book, but heard it was better).
ReplyDeleteThis sounds oddly similar to "The Time Traveler's Wife".....however, I feel like this would probably be a little less schmaltzy.
ReplyDeleteChuck, It's a real character driven film. The sci-fi is merely a small part of it.
ReplyDeleteMarlene & Erika, I've seen the Time Traveler's Wife, and this goes a completely different direction.
Sounds interesting. I might have to check it out.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a film I'd have no patience for. (Granted, I have little patience for most movies.) You don't think this back and forth in time thing is overdone, TS?
ReplyDelete"That said the film is a mess." <--You always deliver at least one line that makes me laugh. Thanks.
xoRobyn