Randall Cole’s 2008 Canadian Indie Crime Drama film titled Real Time stars Randy Quaid and Jay Baruchel unraveling a twisted and peculiar narrative of fate, salvation, and death. The film is different from the rest in the sense that it incorporates a live action format whereby the plot revolves around two and stands at one hour fictive crossing of events.
Plot Summary
The story follows Andy (Jay Baruchel), an adolescent who possesses a uniquely turbulent sense of judgement. A compulsive gambler in debt to great villains, Andy is in an endless cycle of decline, having made far too many enemies among the powerful. However, fate has it that he is abducted by a middle aged hitman – Reuban (Randy Quaid) – who has been ordered to ‘deal with’ Andy.
It is not only the assignment that Reuban performs right way, but also takes Andy on a tour around the town. This is against the background of the recollection of his past, thoughts that an hour can be possessed in a different way. There is some resolving trust that builds between the two men while they are together. Reuban who’s a realist and has been in this job before tries to help Andy comprehend the various paths he’s taken and the opportunities he’s let go. It begins as tense and stressful as a battle for life but later evolves to be about the person and their beliefs about time, death and regret.
Performances
The two actors have a lot of fun in the lead up to their performances and make interesting off-set chemistry which directly translates to Quaid and Baruchel’s astonishing performances. Rex is a surprising Randy, not only softer but also quieter as the hitman Reuban who Journeys the world and works with philosophical aim. Baruchel who is largely comedic presents Andy in an angry way that is needed for the character because Andy is a person that has failed so many times and finally comes back only to late. In spite of those differences, the two have managed to work together as one and are able to play their parts well.
Themes
Real Time is a powerful and philosophical film that examines the issues of redemption, responsibility, and the purpose of life. We are compelled to consider how much time can actually be utilized and what can be achieved or even contemplated in such a short span. Time here is essential because it speaks to Andy’s very last moments and highlights the essence of the viewer-bearer relationship in a distinct manner. The film also touches on the concept of bonds with other people as the characters find themselves in rather unusual situations. For instance, Reuban is portrayed at first as emotionally distant from his job but that changes when he spends time with Andy and surprises himself with feelings of deep sympathy and self-reflection.
Cinematography and style
It engages us even more due to concern that what actually is going to happen next. The real-time structure, as it is shown, enables the film to run smoothly with each minute appearing to add weight to the film as everything begins to unfold. The characters and the development of their relations are emphasized by the straightforwardness of the direction and the austere camera work. In regard to the surrounding space, it is the big-city diner’s multi-layered streets and other places of their excursion, which emphasize the banality of existence in contrast with the stress of the circumstances.
Reception The Ministry of Real Time earned good remarks from the critics as it is a unique concept film whose plot developed from the characters. More emphasis was placed on intimate narratives, humor, and the chemistry between Quaid and Baruchel actors. Due to the real-time nature of the film, some audience’s felt the film had a restrained pace, but for the fans of such character driven narration however, the movie’s melancholic views and moral context were very effective. Overall Impressions Real Time is an interesting and bold concept created independent film, which can be rightly distinguished by its plot and also by the major actors. It is an interesting mixture of dark comedy, drama, and self-reflection about how we live our lives and what every one of us chooses to be on a given day. This is a film with no attempt made to hurry with the answers, allowing the audience to linger on the feelings and choices of the characters. Suggested Audience For all character oriented films exploring themes of morality, redemption and time & space constraints, Real Time offers more of perspective and substance. Such viewers – fans of independent cinema, executed in the style of neutral storytelling, and fans of the combination of dark humor with philosophical connotations, this film will be interesting in principle.
