Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #22529 in DVD
• Released on: 2003-10-27
• Rating: Suitable for 15 years and over
• Aspect ratio: 1.33:1
• Number of discs: 1
• Format: PAL
• Original language: English
• Number of discs: 1
• Running time: 97 minutes

Synopsis
Shot in one continuous 93-minute take, Mike Figgis' TIMECODE is a brave and audacious experiment in digital film making. Utilising a quartered screen format, this multi-narrative drama does not rely on a script, instead it uses the improvisation skills of the actors based around the story of a casting session. The viewer, in effect, acts as their own editor and the four linked stories unfold, following the shallow Los Angeles characters and the ultimate murder.

Customer Reviews

Timecode: Foursome
Time Code is a masterpiece of directing and acting. It is filmed on four digital cameras, each on following a different character, all in one take! Then each recording is played on a different corner of the screen.

Although it sounds confusing the result is genius. You can follow the character whose action seems most relevant, or scan the whole picture as the movement and dialogue echo and clash with each other. Because it is all done with no cuts or edits the actors have to adlib for the entire length of the film. The actors have a chance to truly take on their roles.

With excellent music throughout, clever camera work, planning and directing, with lively acting and a story, whilst not gripping or action-packed, certainly able to hold its own, Timecode is unmissable!

And with extras and bonuses on the DVD, if you like real acting, clever ideas or an interest in film you will not be dissapointed with this.

It's a gimmick, but it works
So the idea: set four digital cameras rolling at the same time and put the reulting takes up on the screen simultaneously , using the soundtrack to shift your attention between story strands. Oh, and by the way, lets have the actors improvise their scripts. This could be the recipe for a complete mess of a film, but for the most part Mike Figgis pulls it off.

At heart this is a story of a suspicious lover spying on the partner she suspects of cheating. This is played out against the backdrop of a troubled film production company. It’s not the greatest story ever told, which is part of the reason I’m only awarding 4 stars, though there is plenty of whit and some moments of real emotional engagement. Another reasons not to give Timecode top marks is that it becomes too self referential, which I feels detracts from the story.

So what is it about Timecode that does work? Well, firstly some great performances from a strong cast. Salma Hayek in particular is perfect as the manipulative wanabe starlet at the centre of the piece. The “four scenes at once” format is also a success, as it melds the story threads together in a fascinating way. Once you acclimatise to what’s going on (which took me about 20 minutes) it does start to draw you onto the movie.

Not perfect, but well worth checking out.

Annoying and unwatchable.
I rented this movie based on the positive reviews, however I found this movie annoying and unwatchable. I couldn't concentrate, and I didn't find the split screen clever at all. A complete waste of time. Needless to say, I would not recommend this "movie".