“Films about one moment” is a unique genre that focuses on a specific event, situation, or moment in time. These films often explore the depth of human emotions, character development, and the impact of singular events on individuals or communities. The narrative is concentrated on a single crucial moment, allowing for an in-depth examination of the characters' experiences, decisions, and the consequences that follow.
“12 Angry Men”, 1956
Director: Sidney Lumet
Directed by Sidney Lumet, this classic film revolves around the deliberation process of a jury in a murder trial. The entire movie takes place in one room as the jurors debate the fate of the accused, delving into their personal biases, values, and the power dynamics within the group.
Starring: Henry Fonda, Martin Balsam, Lee J. Cobb, Joseph Sweeney, Ed Begley, George Voskovec, John Fiedler, E.G. Marshall, Jack Klugman, Ed Binns, Jack Warden, Robert Webber, Rudy Bond, Tom Gorman, James Kelly, Billy Nelson, John Savoca, Walter Stocker;
Production year: 1956;
Genre: drama, detective, crime;
Age: 16+;
Duration: 96 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 9;
More information about the film “12 Angry Men” on the website imdb.com
“Locke”, 2013
Director: Steven Knight
Directed by Steven Knight, this minimalist drama unfolds in real-time as Ivan Locke, played by Tom Hardy, makes a series of phone calls while driving to London. The film delves into his personal and professional life, exploring the impact of his decisions on himself and his relationships.
Starring: Tom Hardy, Olivia Colman, Ruth Wilson, Andrew Scott, Ben Daniels, Tom Holland, Bill Milner, Danny Webb, Alice Lowe, Silas Carson, Lee Ross, Kirsty Dillon, Alice Cady;
Production year: 2013;
Genre: drama;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 85 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,1;
“Nick of Time”, 1995
Director: John Badham
In this thriller directed by John Badham, Gene Watson, portrayed by Johnny Depp, finds himself forced to assassinate a politician within 90 minutes to save his kidnapped daughter. The film unfolds in real-time, capturing the tension and desperation of the protagonist's race against time.
Starring: Johnny Depp, Courtney Chase, Charles S. Dutton, Christopher Walken, Roma Maffia, Marsha Mason, Peter Strauss, Gloria Reuben, Bill Smitrovich, G.D. Spradlin, Yul Vazquez, Edith Diaz, Armando Ortega, C.J. Bau, Cynthena Sanders, Dana Mackey, Christopher Jacobs, Charles Carroll, Miguel Nájera, Jerry Tondo, Lance Hunter Voorhees, John Azevedo Jr., Lance August, Peter Mackenzie, Rick Zieff, Tom Bradley, Michael Chong, Cynthia Noritake, Holly Kuespert, Pamela Dunlap, Jan Speck, Tom Lawrence, Robert Buckingham, Clark Johnson, Antony Sandoval, Isabel García Lorca, Nicole Mancera, Yolanda Gonzáles, Antonette Saftler, Teddy Beeler, Alison Stuart, Greg Bronson, Jan Citron, Bobby DeLeon, Sunit Gupta, Casey Lowe, Michael Satterfield, Bobby Sussman, Ray Uhler;
Production year: 1995;
Genre: action, thriller, drama, crime;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 90 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,3;
More information about the film “Nick of Time” on the website imdb.com
“Buried”, 2010
Director: Rodrigo Cortés
Directed by Rodrigo Cortés, this claustrophobic thriller follows Paul Conroy, played by Ryan Reynolds, who wakes up buried alive in a coffin with only a cell phone and a lighter. The entire film takes place within the confines of the coffin, as Paul tries to negotiate his way out while facing his impending demise.
Starring: Ryan Reynolds, José Luis García-Pérez, Robert Paterson, Stephen Tobolowsky, Samantha Mathis, Ivana Miño, Warner Loughlin, Erik Palladino, Kali Rocha, Chris Martin, Cade Dundish, Mary Birdsong, Kirk Baily, Anne Lockhart, Robert Clotworthy, Michalla Petersen, Juan Hidalgo, Abdelilah Ben Massou, Joe Guarneri, Heath Centazzo, Devlet Bahceli;
Production year: 2010;
Genre: thriller, drama, detective;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 95 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7;
“Timecode”, 2000
Director: Mike Figgis
Directed by Mike Figgis, this experimental film is presented in a split-screen format, capturing four continuous 93-minute takes. The narrative follows interwoven stories of characters in and around a Hollywood film studio, portraying a series of interconnected events and relationships in real-time.
Starring: Xander Berkeley, Golden Brooks, Saffron Burrows, Viveka Davis, Richard Edson, Aimee Graham, Salma Hayek, Glenne Headly, Andrew Heckler, Holly Hunter, Danny Huston, Daphna Kastner, Patrick Kearney, Elizabeth Low, Kyle MacLachlan, Mía Maestro, Leslie Mann, Suzy Nakamura, Alessandro Nivola, Zuleikha Robinson, Julian Sands, Stellan Skarsgård, Jeanne Tripplehorn, Steven Weber, Holly Houston, Laurie Metcalf, Colette Divine, David Schatanoff Jr., Patty Tobin;
Production year: 2000;
Genre: drama, melodrama;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 97 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6;
More information about the film “Timecode” on the website imdb.com
These films about one moment offer a captivating exploration of the human experience within the confines of a singular event, demonstrating the power of storytelling within a compressed timeframe.
In this captivating selection of films centered around a single moment, the power of storytelling reaches new heights as each narrative unfolds within the confines of a singular, impactful event. From heart-wrenching tragedies to heartwarming triumphs, these films offer a poignant exploration of the human experience, highlighting the profound impact of a single moment on the lives of the characters. Through masterful direction, compelling performances, and thought-provoking themes, these films remind us that within the briefest of moments, lives can be forever changed, and the echoes of that moment can reverberate through time, leaving an indelible mark on the audience's soul.
