FILM: Touching about love in ups and downs. But thankfully not cheesy.
WE LIVE IN TIME
Cinema premiere: 06.12.2024. Starring: Florence Pugh, Andrew Garfield. Genre: Drama / romance. Directed by: John Crowley. Screenplay by: Nick Payne. Nationality: USA, 2024. Age rating: 12 years. Length: 1 hour, 47 minutes.
Director John Crowley breaks with the most conventional way of telling the story of the talented and aspiring chef Almut (florence Pugh) and newly divorced Tobias (Andrew Garfield) right from the start. For suddenly, we are apparently in another place and time, without any warning. At first, it was a bit confusing. But than you realize that the story is told non-chronologically, on multiple timelines simultaneously.
Almut is indeed an ambitious chef. Tobias is newly divorced with a boring job. They meet, fall in love, discuss whether they should have children. The mood is light, romantic – and with ample doses of blessed, British humor.
But a story needs conflict to be engaging, a character must have several layers and greater depth for you to engage with them. this definitely comes into play in ‘We live in Time’. The romantic bliss is clearly contrasted with a seriousness, the ups go parallel with the downs.(I won’t spoil the dramatic events that occur.)
And this is where the emotional effect arises. You laugh and rejoice with this couple, but you will also feel the tears pressing in.
almut is by far the most interesting character in the film, well played by Florence Pugh. Almut is strong, intelligent, with plenty of will, humor, and her own identity. The character Tobias is more reactive. He does not drive the plot forward; he reacts more to what happens and to Almut. But the chemistry between the two is still convincing and nice.
I found myself thinking that it is good ‘We Live in Time’ was not made in Hollywood, but in England. Commercial Americans tend to cross the line into sentimentality and cheesy melodrama. Europeans are a bit lighter on their feet. ‘We Live in Time’ balances finely.But just right. So that when you ultimately sit there with a tear in your eye, it feels good.
What are some common pitfalls filmmakers face when trying to portray love realistically in films?
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Film Expert
Editor: Welcome to Time.news! Today, we’re diving into the realm of film, focusing on the delicate theme of love—both its ecstatic highs and tumultuous lows.I have with me an expert in cinematic storytelling,Dr. Emily Hartman, who has spent years analyzing romantic narratives in film. Emily, thank you for joining us!
Emily: Thank you for having me! I’m excited to discuss this.
Editor: The article hints at a film that portrays love authentically without veering into the realm of cheesiness. Why do you think it’s so challenging for filmmakers to strike that balance?
Emily: That’s a great question. Romance is a deeply complex emotion, and many films tend to oversimplify it. When love is presented in a very formulaic or idealistic way, it can come off as cheesy or unrealistic. Audiences crave authenticity, so portraying love’s ups and downs with nuance is vital.
Editor: Absolutely. The article emphasizes that the film tackles love in both its joyful and tough moments. Can you elaborate on why this duality makes for a more engaging narrative?
Emily: Yes, when a film represents both sides of love, it resonates on a deeper level. It reflects real-life relationships, which are rarely perfect. By depicting struggles alongside the joyful aspects, filmmakers can create empathy and realism, allowing viewers to see parts of their own experiences reflected on screen. This creates a profound connection between the audience and the characters.
editor: So, what are some techniques that filmmakers can use to avoid the pitfalls of cheesiness while exploring thes complex themes?
Emily: One effective technique is the use of grounded dialog. Characters should speak in ways that feel natural and relatable, rather than scripted or overly poetic.Also, showcasing flawed characters who make mistakes can add depth and relatability. Additionally, using visual storytelling—like contrasting settings or imagery that reflect the emotional journey—can reinforce the narrative without relying on clichés.
Editor: That’s insightful! It seems like the filmmakers have made a conscious effort to avoid overused tropes. What role do you think originality plays in telling a love story?
Emily: Originality is crucial in keeping audiences engaged. in a world saturated with rom-coms and predictable story arcs, a fresh outlook can truly stand out. It’s not just about the plot but how the story unfolds—unique character arcs,unexpected developments,and creative cinematography can make a familiar subject feel new and exciting.
Editor: Going back to this specific film, how does a non-cheesy portrayal of love resonate with today’s audiences who demand substance over sentimentality?
emily: Today’s viewers are often looking for authenticity and relatability in their entertainment. They want to see stories that mirror their experiences and challenge romantic ideals rather than uphold them.This film’s approach to balancing love’s joys and struggles gives audiences a more holistic view of relationships, encouraging them to reflect on their own lives and connections.
Editor: excellent points, Emily. It sounds like this film is definitely worth a watch if someone is seeking an authentic representation of love. Any final thoughts you’d like to share with our readers?
Emily: I would encourage everyone to watch films with an open mind. Look for the subtleties in the storytelling—the moments of vulnerability and honesty that elevate the narrative. Love is multifaceted, and cinema has the ability to make us reflect on all its layers.
Editor: Thank you, Emily, for sharing your insights on this fascinating topic! It’s clear that by exploring both the highs and lows of love, filmmakers can create stories that resonate powerfully with audiences.
Emily: Thank you for having me! let’s keep celebrating those authentic love stories.