Tempus

Writer-Director Ian Clay's 'Tempus' is a short story, about an old man. Its a tricky one, because how long can 240-seconds hurt even if it falls flat on its face? And can it do the opposite in that brief time? Luckily, Clay makes something worth watching.

'Tempus' Synopsis: A man summons his youth and runs to his faltering wife.

Much of 'Tempus' is about a man's search of what his life has come to. Jonathan Kite's terrific performance as the old-man deserves credit, as his look (flawlessly done make-up), explains the protagonist's sense of astonishment. Ann Benson as Louise, the faltering, ailing wife, is equally affecting, as she also reconnects with her love in those 4-odd minutes. A special mention for the nicely done visual effects.

Clay's 'Tempus' is well-done. It may not change your way to look at short stories, but at least it says something.

"Tempus" is a contemplation and examination of time's passage, created with visual flair while possessing a poetic soul that produces an uncanny effect. Director Ian Clay displays a sensitive touch, maturity, and a prowess for digital filmmaking. While Clay demonstrates his technical virtuosity, Jason Shulman's striking visual effects and Ben Griffin's cinematography seamlessly blends together setting the stage for this unique meditation on mortality. Additionally, Jose Villalobos's affecting musical score adds a dimension of delicacy and grace to the proceedings. Spellbinding and expertly crafted, a lovely elegy to both youth and age.

Tempus is directed by Ian Clay and stars Jonathan Kite and Ann Benson.

I was contacted by the director and asked to review my thoughts on this wonderful short film.

Firstly, the camera work is beautifully handled. Stunning. The visuals and setting go hand-in-hand to create an old 60s western tone, which pleases me beyond words as I've always loved the way westerns were created.

The acting by the, albeit small cast, is splendidly large in scale. Although the film is very short, the emotional connection is there within the first 30 seconds and you already want the characters to connect once more. The pacing is key in any film, and it's perfectly executed in this film. The visual style the director has achieved is really something. With the help of 3 time Oscar-winning make-up artist Greg Cannom, known for his work on Benjamin Button, and an Oscar-winning visual effects master, Jason Schulman, known for his work on Hugo, this film is captivating, heartfelt and touching.

Music by Jose Villalobos is stunningly crafted with dramatic string arrangements that please the ear and tie-in perfectly with the visuals throughout.

I do feel like the ending could have been treated with a little more care and rounded off smoothly, but that would have likely meant adding a couple more minutes to the running length which the director may not have been keen to do. Having said that, it's an incredibly well crafted short film and should be appreciated by all.

My verdict; Tempus is a beautiful tale of love and triumph, and delivers with expertise. This is a must-watch for any film fanatic.

Tempus, 9/10.

Tempus is a great short film with a very well structured story and dazzling performances from both cast members. There is a beautiful message to this film that would probably have different meanings to many people, sort of like a poem, because short films like this truly is a type of poetry, the way I look at it is that love holds no bounds, that someone that we truly care for will always be the first thing on our agenda, nothing comes before them. One thing I think this film needed was to be longer, not significantly, just a few extra minutes would have been great, I felt like the movie ended just as its fulfilling message was truly capturing my heart and entering my soul, but then it finishes too fast, I felt uplifted, and then it was gone before I knew it, it easily could have been eight minutes, and sadly wastes potential at a mere four. The performances in this movie are fantastic and perfectly convey the tone and message with pure grace and passion, Jonathan Kite and Ann Benson deserve huge praise for their terrific dedication to these roles, they never speak, they don't need to, their body language, facial expressions and eyes says it all, I've seen Kite in 2 Broke Girls on several occasions, but never expected this level of depth to him as an actor. Tempus has beautiful cinematography and a stunning cast, certainly worth the watch for anyone looking for a good short film.

A man runs towards the love of his life.

Having been contacted personally to watch and review Tempus, I was all for seeing it as it looked really interesting both conceptually and how it was described. After getting around to see it, it turned out to be a beautiful and incredibly well-executed short film.

One of Tempus' best assets is how fantastic it looks, leaving one transfixed to the screen until the end and even well beyond. It's gorgeously photographed courtesy of Ben Griffin, some of the shots are to die for, it is very cleverly and moodily lit with great attention to atmosphere and subtlety and the make-up and visual effects from Greg Cannom and Jason Schulman have a clear sense of professionalism (prior experience also shines through). The energy-pulsating but also whimsically poetic and hauntingly beautiful music from Jose Villalobos complements the short brilliantly, adding so much and enhancing and never distracting.

The story is, true, very slight, but the hynoptically surreal but also incredibly poetic atmosphere, the vast emotional impact and subtle nuances make one truly transfixed, it's a very relatable story dealt with in a poignant way. Tempus is superbly directed by Ian Clay, and is beautifully acted with such controlled nuance- without even saying a word- by Ann Benson and Jonathan Kite, their expressions speaking volumes.

With Tempus, there is very little to criticise. It maybe could have been two or three minutes longer so that the ending felt less rushed and with less of an 'over-too-soon' feel, but these are more personal preferences than objective criticisms.

Otherwise, this is one incredibly well-done short film and recommended highly. 8/10 Bethany Cox