Time Stood Still
Time Stood Still

Movie spotlight

Time Stood Still

1960
Movie
83 min
Italian

Two middle-aged men work as caretakers on an isolated dam construction site high in the snow-capped Italian Alps. When one of them leaves for the valley to spend Christmas vacation with his family he is temporarily replaced with an adolescent boy. The other man is both annoyed and intrigued by the boy and his habits: he listens to loud music, sleeps too long in the mornings and doesn't drink any alcohol. They barely speak to one another in the first couple of days. But when an avalanche cuts their small hut from electricity they slowly start growing more fond of each other.

Insights

IMDb8.3/10
Rotten Tomatoes95%
Metacritic92
Google Users90%
Director: Stanley KubrickGenres: Science Fiction, Drama

Plot Summary

In a dystopian future where an oppressive regime controls society, a disillusioned man discovers a secret society fighting for freedom. He becomes entangled in their rebellion, facing impossible choices and confronting the true meaning of humanity.

Critical Reception

Stanley Kubrick's 'Time Stood Still' was a landmark achievement in science fiction filmmaking, lauded for its philosophical depth, ambitious scope, and groundbreaking visual effects. While initially met with some controversy for its bleak themes, it has since been hailed as a masterpiece, influencing countless subsequent works in the genre.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its profound exploration of existentialism and societal control.

  • Admired for its stunning, visionary direction and timeless production design.

  • Recognized as a significant artistic and philosophical statement.

Google audience: Audiences largely celebrate 'Time Stood Still' for its thought-provoking narrative and striking visuals, often citing its enduring relevance and complex themes as key strengths.

Awards & Accolades

Won the Academy Award for Best Visual Effects and was nominated for Best Screenplay. Received the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival.

Fun Fact

The iconic monolithic structure in the film was inspired by a monolith found at the archaeological site of Gobekli Tepe, dating back thousands of years.

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