Memorable, crazy movie

A Disappointing Continuation

The performances transcend the film's tropes, grounding it in characters that feel more complete than this subgenre often produces.

Like the great film, it's made with a great deal of visible affection both in front of and behind the camera.

The opening of the film boasts and sets an interesting tone, however as soon as the film progresses it's nothing but downhill. Weak story, unnatural dialogue and multiple camera issues (such as cameramen being in the shot) bring down what could've been a masterpiece of modern cinema. It has many sound issues that took me out of the film but with an idea as ambitious as this I understand that good sound would've been difficult. The film also relies too heavily on it's concept thus sacrificing good story for mediocre extravaganza. I commend Figgis for attempting something different with the medium of film but he should have spent more time developing characters and story. Definitely an intriguing film, however would not recommend for other people to watch.

The idea for Timecode is an excellent idea and it seems like such a concept could have amazing potential. Sadly, it simply does not have the greatness to make it a memorable revolutionary film. Sure, this concept has never been done before, but it doesn't make up for the fact that the film tells a boring story and feels more like a video than a prestigious film.It is extremely difficult to follow all four screens throughout the duration of the film. Not all screens focus on a specific story, but certain stories are made less important than others which is disappointing with this film trying to be a good web-life film as well as the first to capture real time from four cameras.The audio mixing definitely manipulates the way the audience attempts to watch the film. Certain dialogue is tuned down so that only one or two screens can be heard and which have more "importance" than the others at certain times in the film. This may help to focus on what is essential in each moment, but overall all information within a story should be essential, so when some of that information is tuned out it can be an aggravating experience and not enjoyable.This is a failed experiment to change cinema forever.2.0/4.0

People who don't like this film clearly don't get it, or are too lazy to pay attention (similar to those who don't like reading subtitles; their intellect just can't keep up). I saw it in the theatre upon its release in 2000 and found it an exhilarating experience. I wish more directors would be as bold as Figgis in their storytelling. The multiple-screen technique is a variation on traditional mise-en-scene, but instead of all the action being presented in one frame, there are 4. On-screen elements can not only move within each frame, but move among them. This really opens up stylistic and theoretical possibilities for the filmmaker. I understand that Figgis has used the technique in subsequent films but not to the degree that was used in 'Timecode.

As I sat down to watch this movie I was cursing because I couldn't find the remote. Lucky break for me! After a few minutes of uncomfortable misgivings, I mean! 4 screens of hand-held camera with weirdly variable sound - Oh God, what am I watching here? I slowly became hooked and hypnotised. I would suddenly realise that I had been so intent on the top left corner that the situation in the bottom right had changed from an interior with one character to an exterior following another and I hadn't noticed when and how this had happened. If I had the remote I would have been constantly stopping and rewinding and I would have totally destroyed the flow.So, here's the thing thing. If you are watching this movie for the first time on DVD or VHS - loose the remote control! Not a Great Film but an interesting and noble experiment. (And heartening to know there are still some grown-ups left in Hollywood).