Film

'Timecrimes': Superb Classic

By Marcos Bernal-Salas

Friday, December 12, 2008

What are the fundamental elements for a good science-fiction story? The answer could have many of the different plots and twist of the great classics. But fundamentally the one essential plot is where the lead character breaks the natural laws – particularly to fix something of the past or the future – depending where the story takes place. ‘Timecrimes’ is such a story and rare film – and one of the reasons why it was this year’s Official Selection in the Sundance Film Festival and Audience Award Winner in the Fantastic Fest in 2007. Writer and director Nacho Vigalondo draws from the best traditions of classic science fiction to craft a story that will keep the audience guessing and at the edge of their seats.

‘Timecrimes’ sets out in a steady pace watching over Hector’s sedimentary life, as he settles into his new country home, lounging around and relaxing out on the lawn chair. Until suddenly his curiosity chimes in as he inspects the calm surroundings through his binoculars and catches a sight of a naked woman. In a moment of curiosity Hector steps out into the woods and then is attacked by a sinister man whose head is wrapped in bandages. The cat-and-mouse chase leads Hector into a laboratory and then into a scientific device that takes him back in time – to a few hours earlier in the day.

Of course, the story though might seem linear in thought is carefully arranged throughout the film. Vigalondo is very meticulous about each scene in the story and its enticing series of events – without it the puzzle in Hector’s time traveling wouldn’t make any sense. The delivery of the story – though might come across as a playful scheme – is nothing short than brilliant making it a mesmerizing look into a plausible future. Especially, when the outcome of playing with the laws of nature might not be the one expected.

Perhaps one of the most interesting elements of ‘Timecrimes’ – aside from its tragic irony – is that it follows a classic filmmaking formula of presenting a story with a complicated character and adding layers to his inimitable obstacles. It is a rare approach for a feature debut but one that definitely pays off for Vigalondo. The classic science-fiction story is back with a sense of curiosity and wonder.

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