Review of Timecode (2000) by Nemka . — 25 Jun 2007
From a technical standpoint, Timecode is absolutely fascinating. Four cameras shot in real-time as a fairly large cast interacts throughout parts of LA, centered around a film production office. The footage from all four cameras is shown at the same time on a split screen, and the genius of the post-production unit emerges when you realize that you're looking *exactly* where they want you to look, even with many other things happening on screen because of subtle (and not so subtle) audio edits and clues.
I would say that the plot takes a backseat to the "gimmick," but it's really more like the plot is being dragged along behind the car in one of those UHaul bins on wheels. If Timecode had been shot without this narrative convention--well, that's a big "if.
" Let's just say that it wouldn't have been shot. I love this movie because I'm fascinated by the art of post-production editing, and I don't recommend watching Timecode unless you do as well.
If you do watch it, make sure the screen is large; otherwise you'll wind up with a headache. If you do like Timecode, be sure to check out Russian Ark. A lot of it went over my head because I'm not familiar with Russian history, but it's fascinating in the same way, in that the entire film was shot in one continuous take.
This review of Timecode (2000) was written by Nemka . on 25 Jun 2007.
Timecode has generally received mixed reviews.
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