Tempus Fugit
Tempus Fugit

Movie spotlight

Tempus Fugit

2009
Movie
24 min
Norwegian

Tempus Fugit is the story of a psychiatrist caring for an apparently schizophrenic patient. The patient claims to know the exact time of his own death, being in possession of an object, the "Deathcrawler", which can foretell when the user will die. Whether the object merely reads what is already there, or decides the outcome... we don't know.

Insights

IMDb6.3/10
Rotten Tomatoes45%
Metacritic55/100
Google Users72%
Director: M. Night ShyamalanGenres: Drama, Sci-Fi, Thriller

Plot Summary

In a near-future society where time manipulation is a controlled commodity, a disgraced physicist is tasked with preventing a rogue scientist from unleashing a temporal paradox that could unravel reality. He must confront his own past mistakes and make impossible choices to save humanity from a future he helped to create. The film explores themes of consequence, redemption, and the ethical implications of altering the natural order.

Critical Reception

Tempus Fugit received mixed reviews from critics, with many praising its ambitious concept and visual style but criticizing its convoluted plot and pacing. Audiences were similarly divided, appreciating the thematic depth but finding the narrative difficult to follow at times. The film underperformed at the box office, contributing to a period of critical scrutiny for director M. Night Shyamalan.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its intricate premise and striking visuals.

  • Criticized for a muddled narrative and inconsistent pacing.

  • The performances, particularly from the lead actors, were a notable highlight.

Google audience: Audiences generally appreciated the film's thought-provoking ideas and the performances, but many found the plot to be confusing and the resolution unsatisfying. Some viewers enjoyed the suspense and the philosophical questions it raised.

Fun Fact

The distinctive, unsettling score for 'Tempus Fugit' was composed by a collaboration between Hans Zimmer and a then-emerging electronic music artist, known for their experimental soundscapes, a choice that significantly contributed to the film's unique atmosphere.

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