The Hidden Gem: Justin Timberlake's Mind-Blowing Sci-Fi Debut
Experience an underrated gem of 2011 with Justin Timberlake in the thrilling sci-fi film, In Time With a captivating premise and an intense climax, this movie exceeds expectations thanks to its exceptional talent and gripping storyline
Highlights
"In Time" is a mind-bending sci-fi film that explores a world where time is currency and society is divided into time zones.
The film excels in its captivating ideas and visually breathtaking cinematography by Roger Deakins. Despite certain deficiencies, its bold political commentary and unforgettable performances ensure it is a rewarding choice.
New Zealand filmmaker Andrew Niccol, known for his works in esoteric sci-fi, takes the phrase "remember that time is money" quite literally in his 2011 film, In Time. This thought-provoking and ambitious studio production explores a world where time is currency, raising intriguing questions about socioeconomic divisions and the management of people's time. Niccol's previous works in the genre include Gattaca, a dystopian film depicting a society driven by eugenics, and the renowned psychological dramedy, The Truman Show. After a decade-long hiatus from sci-fi, Niccol returns with this mind-bending narrative.
What is In Time about?
In the year 2169, humanity has been genetically modified to cease aging at 25. However, this comes with a catch - individuals are only granted one more year to live unless they can acquire additional time through means such as work or gambling. Each person has a glowing green clock embedded in their forearm, which enables them to exchange time with others by linking arms and interfacing. Once the clock reaches zero, the individual's time runs out, resulting in their demise.
Due to the fragile nature of this time currency, society has been divided into different time zones. The impoverished population resides in Dayton, a rundown area where people have less time on their clocks than a complete day. In Dayton, it is not uncommon for individuals to pass away on the streets during broad daylight.
Our protagonist, Will Salas (played by Justin Timberlake), works in a factory and resides in Dayton with his mother, Rachel (played by Olivia Wilde), as they struggle to stay afloat financially. One fateful evening after work, Will encounters a man named Henry Hamilton (played by Matt Bomer), hailing from the prosperous district of New Greenwich. In New Greenwich, the affluent class lives in perpetual life by amassing copious amounts of time and inflating prices for the working class. Henry possesses over a century on his clock and, in his intoxicated state, is generously covering everyone's bar tabs until he catches the attention of a gang of Minutemen.
The Minutemen, led by Fortis (played by Alex Pettyfer), are time thieves who prey on the vulnerable. After Will comes to Henry's rescue, Henry transfers all of his time to Will and tragically meets his demise before an outdoor security camera, resulting in Will becoming the prime suspect for Henry's death.
What is the Climax of In Time?
Raymond Leon, a Timekeeper and former colleague of Will's father, is hot on his heels. To avoid suspicion, Will relocates to New Greenwich, where he crosses paths with Philippe Weis, a powerful banker with control over the time companies and a personal vendetta against Will's family. Will also encounters Philippe's daughter, Sylvia, who is trapped under her father's strict security measures that the wealthy are subjected to.
At a lavish poker game, Will and Sylvia meet, but their reunion is cut short when Raymond arrests Will for murder and seizes most of his remaining hours. Determined to bring down the corrupt system, Will takes matters into his own hands and kidnaps Sylvia. Together, they return to Dayton and devise a daring plan reminiscent of Bonnie and Clyde crossed with Robin Hood in the 22nd century.
What Are the Strengths of In Time?
In Time expertly combines complex and thought-provoking material with enticing storylines (Hollywood would be captivated by eternal youth) and thrilling action sequences. The former consistently engages the audience, while the latter falls short. To compensate for the lackluster action, acclaimed cinematographer Roger Deakins (known for collaborations with the Coen brothers and Sam Mendes) expertly captures and illuminates the industrial and upscale streets of Los Angeles.
Deakins, in collaboration with four-time Academy Award-winning costume designer Colleen Atwood and production designer Alex McDowell, creates a world that feels authentic despite its fantastical elements. Additionally, the performances add depth to the otherwise formulaic storyline. Timberlake's on-screen presence remains captivating even in a role that lacks significant narrative demands.
The film relies heavily on its technical aspects to carry the weight. Regrettably, the satire falls short of its potential despite its compelling ideas. Nonetheless, it is a rare sight to witness a studio film exhibit such audacity in its political statements, particularly when they unapologetically embrace a leftist perspective. Let there be no doubt: the satire is not merely implied, but rather expressed explicitly. Characters openly condemn the system for perpetuating poverty among the less fortunate, while attributing the wealth of the privileged solely to theft from the ordinary citizen. This, in itself, renders In Time a remarkably memorable undertaking that succeeds more often than it falters.
