In Time

Living in a future where people stop ageing at 25 Will Salas (Justin Timberlake) is a man almost out of time. One of the many poor forced to barter for more of it so he can live Will thinks he has hit the jackpot when a saviour gives him his remaining time-cycle. When accused of murder he goes on the run with only Sylvia (Amanda Seyfried) as help. With the police-like Timekeepers on his tail, led by Leon (Cillian Murphy) Will has his work cut out before time finally catches up with him.

Time is a commodity everyone desires. Whether it’s having more hours to do what we want or living longer it’s something we all live by. In Time’s characters are ones literally trying to live for each second as it becomes highly desired. Written and Directed by Andrew Niccol and featuring Justin Timberlake’s first lead role, it generally makes an illuminating exploration of how occasionally it may not be on our side.

In Time is an interesting look at how the phrase ‘living in the moment’ dominates a society desperate to do so. As Will trades his remaining time with others in order to evade capture the story’s sense of urgency becomes palatable. This gives purpose to an otherwise ramshackle plot going in too many directions. Initially a techno thriller, it turns into a ‘Bonnie and Clyde’-esque crime tale not making much sense. When focussing on a particular strand it works but often the narrative is frustratingly murky.

The world which is shown is an interesting one even if proceedings are begun much too quickly. Not enough of this strange existence is shown before audiences are rushed into the ‘chase/catch’ scenario. This becomes wearing after awhile and dilutes the large amount of intriguing ideas demanding attention. Timberlake makes for a fine hero however even if his range isn’t that great. He’s the best out of a bad lot who seem to lack the requisite emotion to convey the drama of their plight.

Directed by Andrew Niccol
Produced by Marc Abraham
                     Amy Israel
                     Kristel Laiblin
                     Eric Newman
Written by Andrew Niccol
                 Starring Justin Timberlake
                 Amanda Seyfried
                 Cillian Murphy
                 Olivia Wilde
                 Alex Pettyfer

Studio Regency Enterprises
           New Regency
           Strike Entertainment
Release date October 28, 2011
Running time 115 minutes

An interesting concoction of ideas and action, In Time is mostly engaging. Whilst the plot could have been better handled one can see the path it was trying to create and doesn’t become a waste of viewer’s own precious time.

For more see

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1637688/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/In_Time