10 Minutes Later0
Posted In Reviews
Written and Directed by Kirsten Tan
ADFP Project 2005
Runtime: 11min 30s
A cobweb, spokes of a wheel, strings of cheese from pizza. These strange images came to my mind while watching this short. Maybe it has to do with the fact that this movie focused on connection and the strange way we change each other because of it. I have yet to surmise whether these images are a good thing or a bad thing but they did make me think. How do I effect people I do not know? How often do I inexplicably change a persons life without knowing it? If anything, 10 Minutes Later attempts to compel audiences to do just that – to ponder about the possibilities of 10 simple minutes.
Composing of numerous characters, each with their own problems, dislikes and sometimes perverse behaviors, 10 Minutes Later is primarily about how a series of ‘connections’ can create drastic changes and outcomes within 10 minutes. The film revolves around these events like spokes of a wheel, using elements of sound and touch to jump from one character to the next.
When we take a closer look the short films structure we can draw parallels with many movies such as Pulp Fiction and other such ‘interweaving’ plot lines. We see numerous characters all representing some aspect of human nature – an elderly couple whose relationship with each other has deteriorated so much so that conversations about characters on TV shows seem more intimate; a suicidal teenage girl lying in a bathtub filled with her own blood and an ambulance driver, of all people, ignoring a person he himself has injured and settling for a cigarette instead.
The cinematography was well-done and one of the strongest parts of this film . For example we see the warm lighting in most places, picking out highlights in characters faces and making the whole film seem very homely and familiar, although at times we want to see more . For example the attempted suicide scene seem too warm to be considered visually dangerous – I did not feel like there was any danger there however it was intriguing to see suicide portrayed romantically. We see a young girl ready to commit suicide – lighted candles awaiting her on either side – intimate and relaxing. On the words are scribed : ‘ Life for each man is a solitary cell of which its walls are mirrors.’
For this simple fact I must say it was the most visually striking scene for me. Why? Suicide is always seen as such a cold and emotionally void subject – never have I seen a suicide scene that seemed almost “right” and “perfect” – like a first kiss or a moment you would want to remember forever. This scene for me seemed almost magical – perhaps portraying death by choice as something more than pain and unhappiness – but rather one of release and inner tranquility.
The pacing of the movie is good – moving from one character to the next through numerous means – through drains and below floors. There are numerous focus pulls in the film, which are simple but effective ( the opening shot of our shop keeper picking up the phone and another with our elderly couple as well). Over all the mood of the film was captured well – creating an every changing atmosphere to suit the every changing characters on screen.
Over all I did not think this film was bad at all. While at times I felt the characters could have been more fleshy – in the 11 minutes it took to tell the story , it was done well with considerable effort especially to make the characters have their own quirks, ( from the opening ‘Ah Beng’ who seems to get on everyone’s nerves) , to the deeply disturbing paramedic than defies the meaning to his very existence by taking a course of action that will certainly make you think. It comes full circle, and the ending id tied nicely to the beginning to give is a sense of flow and continuity.
In the end 10 Minutes was a good attempt at something meaningful and did keep my interest as well as make me think .
Reviewed by Kane Wheatley-Holder
