Review of 11:14 (2004) by Craig S — 30 Jan 2008

Directed by: Greg Marcks.

Starring: Hilary Swank, Rachael Leigh Cook, Shawn Hatosy, Colin Hanks, Patrick Swayze.

"A dark comedy with killer timing"...A tagline that says it all.

The story follows 2 completely different accidents that happen at the exact same time in the small town of Middleton...and they are both something that affects and connects the lives of 5 unexpecting people.

I had this recommended to me with no real idea on what to expect, I just instantly thought that with the common idea of the film becoming a fad in films more recently like 'Crash' (then again, this was made in 2003) that I was to expect this dark, character driven thriller...I was wrong. Within the first 20 minutes, I sat there think 'what the hell?'. I didn't know where it was heading, but I held out to see exactly what it had set out to be and I was stunned at the finished result.

THIS IS NOT A THRILLER! There, I said it, the American DVD cover mixes the ideas from 'The Dead Girl' and 'Crash' (yes I know this was made before them) and the synopsis on the back gave the impression of a dark thriller...but I always love surprises. As a dark comedy on such a gloomy idea, the film works. Greg Marcks is a man to look out for. Working off his own script, he certainly shows inspiration from at least a dozen other filmmakers but he stylishly creates the film with inventive angles and shots, an engaging atmosphere and devilish wit, all wrapped together with deft pacing...it's really quite refreshing. His screenplay overcomes one flaw brilliantly...and that flaw is his characters. At the end of the day, each character is given there time on screen, but never as a study on who they are, but merely just what they do through the events and you would really hope that these characters had more depth so that you could really like this film...thankfully, the rest helps. Not only is it tightly constructed and thoughtful, but he manages to wipe any of the audiences guesses or 'final words' on what will happen with some truly inventive and crafty twists and surprises throughout (even a few strange ideas to keep the dark humor fueled).

The performances are fine, but its really nothing to jump about. Hilary Swank really is enjoying her quirky and slightly odd character and we are given enough for us to enjoy her natural charisma and Rachael Leigh Cook shows something promising. The rest do what they can and deliver fine performances but ultimately, they are sitting on undeveloped characters.

I feel the need to say 'style over substance', but I would be wrong in some aspect. 11:14 is unexpectedly refreshing, different and stylishly executed, its an unexpected dark comedy that hits the mark and is crafty in its construction that is as tight and well thought out as you would want it to be...pity we didn't care for any of the messy and undeveloped characters that could have pulled the film down if it hadn't been for the brilliance everywhere else.