Tempus

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

"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.

Sometimes the simplest stories are the most compelling.

A man rushes to the bedside of his dying wife.

No sound except the lovely score by José Villalobos, which effectively helps convey emotion.

Told completely in slow-motion- an interesting creative choice.

It's visually impressive, jam packed with symbolism, and shows what can be done with not the largest budget, I'm guessing.

Clocking it at 3 minutes, it doesn't overstay it's welcome, but ends just at the right time and on the right note.

It moved me. I liked it. Check it out.

Once I finished watching this short, only one word came into my mind: Art. I really don't have anything negative to say about this film. It never hurts to express love by the means of art. And here everyone involved pulled it off perfectly. From the cinematic tone, to the visuals and the score. Its very hard to get a true vibe of what a director can accomplish with short films, this goes to a cast and everyone involved.(Compared to a full featured film) But this was neatly done and touching. So congratulations to everyone involved. My name is Dusty Webb and I rate and review films. I have seen all kinds of films, really. I recommend this video to loving couples, of all ages. You may want to use it as a pass-time with a lover, or a future one at that.

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.