Three people all connected in some way by this seat, all having their own problems and conflicts along the way. This three pronged narrative cycle ticks forward during the course of the movie and we see these three characters in a few ways.

One thing that stood out for me and that I was impressed with was its impeccable lighting and cinematography . The long drawn out shadows of the cinema created an ambiance to set the stage for the narrative as well as the interiors of all the characters respective homes. The cinema itself emitted an almost labyrinth like appeal due to this – spinning rays of light across the screen and really creating something more than just a location.

For our sexually-charged frustrated middle aged woman we are greeted with a slightly over saturated scene – with over exposed whites; glaring and bright. In the case of the old man we see him through a veil of pale colours – desaturated in many ways perhaps emphasizing the solitude he feels. For the young Indian girl close-ups and overpowering ambiance sound is present – perhaps to distract and distort and to give us an inkling into the problem this troubled youth is facing. I felt it added to the whole feel of the film which was in essence to represent these characters in many different ways.

The scene that I found most memorable though was our old man chasing a lonely cockroach around his flat. It was memorable, funny and in a way sad as well – bringing a range of emotions that was interesting for just one scene devoid of dialogue.

What I found equally interesting was the fact I could relate to the character of our troubled Indian Girl. Was this the aim for Anthony? To give a range of characters and problems so that we might , in turn, relate these problems in some way with our own lives? After all we all long for somethings we don’t usually get for find trouble in achieving. This stood out the most for me. G-23’s ability to relate to the audience in some way or another . I recently wrote in another forum about “What is Cinema?” In my opinion it is in this very powerful quality of relation. If I relate to one of the character on screen, I can see myself in their shoes and thus take something home with me once the film is over. How did they overcome their trials and tribulations? Did I really do that or was I really that unfair? Questions like these evolve from this relation after the movie is over and I felt that G-23’s ability to relate was its best and most defining feature.

Reviewed by Kane Wheatley-Holder

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