Watch Time Indefinite
- NR
- 1993
- 1 hr 54 min
-
7.7 (405)
Time Indefinite is a documentary directed by Ross McElwee, released in 1993. The film chronicles the life of the filmmaker, Ross, as he navigates through a series of life-changing events, including his marriage and the birth of his child, and the terminal illness of his father. Through a series of interviews, footage of family gatherings, and personal reflection, a picture emerges of a family struggling to come to terms with the changing nature of their relationships. Ross is shown grappling with the concepts of mortality, fatherhood, and personal responsibility. At times, he is introspective, exploring feelings of guilt, anxiety, and deep melancholy. At other times, he is irreverent and humorous, using wry quips to mask his deeper emotions.
The filmmaker sets out to document his father's final days, hoping to gain some insight into his own life and the nature of family relationships. As his father's condition worsens, Ross is forced to confront his own mortality and reflect on the impact of his life choices.
The narrative of the film is driven by a series of vignettes, each exploring a theme or idea that is central to Ross's story. These include scenes of his wedding, the birth of his son, and his father's funeral. The film is notable for its unvarnished portrayal of the joys and sorrows of family life.
Throughout the film, Ross employs a variety of cinematic techniques, including freeze frames, voiceover narration, and archival footage. These techniques serve to heighten the emotional resonance of the film and underscore its personal nature.
The film ends with a poignant scene of Ross standing on a beach, reflecting on the lessons he has learned throughout his journey. He speaks directly to the camera, offering a powerful and cathartic summation of his thoughts and feelings.
Time Indefinite is a moving and deeply personal film that will resonate with anyone who has grappled with the complexities of family relationships and the inevitability of mortality. Despite the weighty themes it explores, the film is imbued with a sense of humor and humanity that makes it accessible and engaging for audiences of all ages.
Time Indefinite is a 1993 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 54 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.7.