Timecode (2000 film)
From The Art and Popular Culture Encyclopedia
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Timecode is a 2000 experimental drama film, directed by Mike Figgis.
The film is constructed from four continuous 90-minute takes that were filmed simultaneously by four cameramen; the screen is divided into quarters and the four shots are shown simultaneously. The film depicts several groups of people in Los Angeles as they interact and conflict while preparing for the shooting of a movie. The dialogue was largely improvised, and the sound mix of the film is designed so that the most significant of the four sequences on screen dominates the soundtrack at any given moment.
The movie was shot on videotape. This was transferred to film for the theatrical release, but the VHS and DVD releases present the original videotape stock.
The film was shot 15 different times over a period of two weeks and Figgis selected the best version for theatrical release; this version was filmed on November 19, 1999, beginning at 3.00 pm. The DVD release includes the first attempt as a bonus feature. Additionally on the DVD release, viewers have access to all audio tracks to allow for custom sound mixing, rather than the mix of the finished film.
The film takes place in and around a film production company office, and involves several interweaving plot threads including: young actress (played by Salma Hayek) who tries to score a screen test from her secret boyfriend, a noted but disillusioned director; meanwhile, her tryst with him is discovered by her girlfriend. The director's wife is seen debating about asking him for a divorce, and meanwhile numerous film industry types pitch ideas for the next big hit film.
A homage to this film can be heard during another of Mike Figgis' films, Hotel, in the first moment the screen is split into four quadrants. The sound of milk being steamed in one quadrant and the sound of an actor tapping beats onto a paperback novel in another quadrant, combine to create a very subtle imitation of the sounds and music heard during the first few minutes in the film Timecode.
