Running Time

Carl has been in stir for five long years and is finally getting out. All he has thought about behind bars is pulling off the perfect heist, which he's got all planned out. Released, a free man again, Carl immediately meets up with his crew, enjoys the services of a prostitute (who happens to be an old flame) and sets out to rob the prison laundry system. Despite all his meticulous planning, that cruel mistress fate has a few tricks up her sleeve for Carl that will make his perfect score seem like the job from hell.

Directed by Josh Becker, 'Running Time' is a tense, atmospheric heist movie made to look like it's filmed in one continuous shot. This is something that is used in a lot of films, and can be distracting and gimmicky, with the audience often ignoring the narrative; spending their time instead trying to spot where the cuts are hidden. It never appears like a gimmick in 'Running Time' though, heightening the stress and tension of the situation Carl is in, as well as maintaining the audience's rapt attention throughout the movie's run.

It is also filmed as if it's happening in real time, another technique that can appear gimmicky in some movies, but- again- doesn't here, adding a sense of urgency to the proceedings. In fact, Kurt Rauf's handling of the cinematography feels consistently fresh and inventive, while the choice of shooting it in black and white lends the movie an atmosphere of film noir. Under Becker's direction, 'Running Time' has terrific visuals that stand out in the viewer's memory long after the credits have rolled.

Bruce Campbell delivers an understated performance as Carl, a criminal with a conscience. He never goes over-the-top, and his personality doesn't overshadow the role- which sometimes happens when the material he's working with isn't very strong (see 'Alien Apocalypse', also directed by Becker, if you have any doubts about this last point). He plays Carl like a classic, charming anti-hero, the kind one could imagine someone like Burt Lancaster would have played in his day. It's a shame the film isn't more widely seen as its one of Campbell's finest on-screen performances (up there with his terrific turn as Elvis in 'Bubba Ho-Tep').

The screenplay- written by Becker and Peter Choi- is strong and full of snappy, pulpy dialogue that would not be out of place in some of David Mamet's work from the late 90's. The story rockets along at a brisk pace, though a melodramatic, clichéd love story sub-plot involving the aforementioned prostitute does make the film drag a little- in the second half especially.

Though these scenes are well acted by Campbell- and Anita Barone as the prostitute- they are the weakest part of the film and could have benefitted from a more active set of hands during the editing process. Also, the members of Campbell's gang aren't very interesting or memorable characters, which is a shame as the actors perform admirably in their roles.

The film is engrossing though, not to mention highly entertaining. The heist sequence is particularly well filmed and acted, feeling as tense as a stretched bowstring in the last round of an archery competition. The story is fairly unpredictable as well, and Joseph LoDuca- who has scored a lot of Campbell and Becker's work, from 'The Evil Dead' to 'Xena: Warrior Princess'- provides an atmospheric soundtrack that contributes effectively to the film's frenetic, swift pacing.

Though some of the supporting roles are a little lacking in characterization and there are some sequences that could have used tightening up- either during the writing stage or in the editing room- this is one movie you don't want to miss out on. Shot with a distinct visual style and featuring a strong, subtle performance from Bruce Campbell, 'Running Time' is an enjoyable, original whirlwind of a crime caper.

It seems obvious to me that the creators of this film realized early on that they were working with script that is cliche, predictable and wholly uninteresting. So, instead of trying to make the story itself interesting, they decided to shoot it in what they must have believed to be an interesting way. Long takes, few cuts, real time, real mess.

These sort of films may be attention grabbing from an experimental veiwpoint, but don't offer much in the way of good storytelling. Movies are traditionally cut and edited the way they are for a very good reason...it works. While some may consider this style of filmmaking challenging and artistic, I think lazy is more on point: strap a steadicam operator with a rig, have him run around following the action for an ungodly amount of time and it only takes you two days to edit, wow!

The negative effects of shooting a film in such a way far outweigh the possible benefits. Sickening camera shifts (think Blair Witch), stagnant camera angles, and uneven acting performances are all inevitable results. Plus, it seems to me that the value of such extended takes come as a result of their scarcity. P.T. Anderson understands this, and while he almost always incorporates a long take or two in his films, they serve as juxtapose the more traditional shooting style and, are therefore interesting.

While "Running Time" may be a fascinating filmmaking exercise, this bizarre and ineffective shooting style, when combined with a poorly written script make this movie practically unwatchable and certainly unenjoyable. It appears as if the creator of this film was making it solely for himself and not for a viewing audience, which is fine, but these sort of pieces are better suited for film school projects than feature film releases.

Made in the same all-in-one-take method that Hitchcock (who is thanked in the end credits) created for ROPE, RUNNING TIME is actually more inventive on some levels. Hitchcock shot his film on a stage at Warner Bros., but Becker's is made out in the streets of Los Angeles. Granted, Hitchcock didn't have the highly mobile, lightweight camera equipment available to Becker, but it couldn't have been easy shooting RUNNING TIME (amusing, punning title) from moving cars and on Los Angeles streets.

The script is taut and well-written, and occasionally quite amusing as the hold-up men squabble amongst themselves during the robbery. The movie is also unexpectedly romantic in a tough, ultra-film-noir manner (the hero and heroine have sex before they recognize each other from high school).

Becker also varies the style impressively at times, from a rock-steady, documentary-style approach at the beginning, to a more surrealistic sequence during the robbery, as the camera shifts wildly from one perspective to another.

The film didn't have much theatrical distribution, and is evidently available on video only from the director, but video stores should stock it. This is one of those movies whose reputation will increase in the years to come.

This is an amazing movie. I popped the DVD into my player expecting a typical Bruce Campbell b-movie, but "Running Time" turned out to be much more than that. It succeeds on every level. Bruce Campbell shines in the leading role. I just love this man. This has got to be one of his best movies, right up there with the "Evil Dead" trilogy and "Bubba Ho-Tep". Actually, the whole cast is great. I especially fell for Anita Barone who I'd like to see in a lot more movies in the future. I won't spoil it for you, but watch out for her first meeting with Bruce Campbell's character in the movie. It's hilarious.

"Running Time" is shot in beautiful black and white, which gives the movie a film noir feeling. The script is written very cleverly with some witty dialog and tight pacing. From the beginning we are drawn into the story. The old real time formula works here for a change, although the concept does sometimes lead to a few lengths here and there. Still, the movie is far from ever getting boring and at 70 minutes running time "Running Time" (haha) is maybe even a bit too short. Doesn't matter. For me this one is an overlooked sleeper. If you get a chance, watch it!

Josh Becker's "Running Time" is a remarkably effective and economical heist flick shot in black and white with the illusion of being a single take. These stylistic anomalies may draw your attention at first, but "Running Time" is more than its experimental hook. It's a good, taut thriller with a sharp comic edge. It also has a refreshingly brisk pace (clocking in at about 70 minutes long).

Bruce Campbell is excellent in the lead role as Carl, an ex-con whose plan for the perfect heist is undone by the incompetence of his partner Patrick (Jeremy Roberts) and a general case of Murphy's law. Anita Barone also gives a winning performance as Carl's former high school squeeze, Janie.

"Running Time" is a fine film that deserves a wider audience. Help start the trend.