Timecode (Time Code) (2000)

68% of critics liked it
(80 reviews)
48% of users liked it
(4,426 ratings)

Director Mike Figgis helmed this ground-breaking experimental feature, filmed with four synchronized digital video cameras in four separate locations. The story, outlined in advance but otherwise improvised, was enacted in a single continuous take, like a stage play, with the unedited images from… More Director Mike Figgis helmed this ground-breaking experimental feature, filmed with four synchronized digital video cameras in four separate locations. The story, outlined in advance but otherwise improvised, was enacted in a single continuous take, like a stage play, with the unedited images from all four locations presented on the screen at once. Figgis and his crew chose the best single run-through, and the result is the film's final release version. The story focuses on four main characters around the casting sessions for a film called Bitch of Louisiana to be directed by Lester Moore (Richard Edson): Alex Green (Stellan Skarsgard), the studio executive overseeing Moore's project; his wife Emma (Saffron Burrows); gangster Lauren Hathaway (Jeanne Tripplehorn); and her unfaithful lover Rose (Salma Hayek). These characters' paths cross as murder, infidelity, and dirty dealings are interrupted by an earthquake and its aftershocks. Time Code 2000 also features Kyle MacLachlan, Holly Hunter, Julian Sands, Steven Weber, Danny Huston, Viveka Davis, and Laurie Metcalf. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi

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Rating, Runtime: R, 1 hr. 37 min.
Directed By: Mike Figgis
Genres: Drama, Comedy

In Theaters: Apr 28, 2000 Wide
On DVD: Dec 26, 2000
Studio: Sony Pictures Entertainment

Critic Reviews

A.O. Scott, New York Times
Most movies offer carefully calibrated insults to the intelligence. This one just might make you smarter.
Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times
I recommend the film.
Gemma Files, Film.com
Often disorganized, but never less than entertaining.

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Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)

Featured Audience Ratings

Curtis L

Hmmm. I'd like to see this film re-made with a different cast and plot and director and producer and DP and screenwriter and sound guy and editor. The idea is cool: four things happening at once split on the screen in four ways, and they are all continuous shots in real time.… More
Hmmm. I'd like to see this film re-made with a different cast and plot and director and producer and DP and screenwriter and sound guy and editor. The idea is cool: four things happening at once split on the screen in four ways, and they are all continuous shots in real time. Could be awesome, but...epic fail.
Luke B

Timecode should be hailed as a masterpiece of complex cinematic techniques. The film is shot through 4 different cameras, each one consisting of one single take. Each camera is screened at the same time, taking up a quarter of the screen. What may seem pretentious, it kind of is even… More
Timecode should be hailed as a masterpiece of complex cinematic techniques. The film is shot through 4 different cameras, each one consisting of one single take. Each camera is screened at the same time, taking up a quarter of the screen. What may seem pretentious, it kind of is even the film itself points this out, demonstrates how film can still be a mind blowing experience without CGI etc. The actors are all remarkable, each one improvising there way around the final film. Another amazing fact is the timing and how everything runs perfectly. It takes a while to get used to the four screens but soon you get used to it. Watching the screen with sound at that particular time but watching the other screens out of the corner of your eye. Thumbs up to the camera men who I don't think got caught in a reflexion once. The story itself is also rather interesting, mostly as we get to see what minor characters do when not being filmed or at the center of attention. Multiple viewings will serve this film very well.
Lafe F

An interesting experiment in filmmaking, but bad acting and a dull story made it less watchable.
Emily B

A four-way split screen and four continuous takes. Admittingly the concept can take a while to get use to. Whilst this may not be to everyone's liking it is without doubt an intriguing experiment.

Cast

            Xander Berkeley as Evan Watz

            Golden Brooks as Onyx Richardson

            Saffron Burrows as Emma

            Viveka Davis as Victoria Cohen

            Richard Edson as Lester Moore

            Aimee Graham as Sikh Nurse

            Salma Hayek as Rose

            Glenne Headly as Therapist

            Andrew Heckler as Auditioning Actor

            Holly Houston as Alex's Assistant

            Holly Hunter as Executive

            Danny Huston as Randy

            Daphna Kaster as Auditioning Actor

            Patrick Kearney as Drug House Owner

            Elizabeth Low as Penny

            Kyle MacLachlan as Scott "Bunny" Drysdale

            Mia Maestro as Ana Pauls

            Leslie Mann as Cherine

            Laurie Metcalf as Dava Adair

            Suzy Nakamura as Connie Ling

            Alessandro Nivola as Joey Z

            Zuleikha Robinson as Lester's Assistant

            Julian Sands as Quentin

            Stellan Skarsgård as Alex Green

            Jeanne Tripplehorn as Lauren Hathaway

            Steven Weber as Darren Fetzer
See full cast

Timecode (Time Code) (2000)

Critic Reviews

Featured Audience Ratings

Curtis L

Luke B

Lafe F

Emily B

Cast

Trailers & Clips

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