Has anyone got any extra time? Because, you know... we all need it so desperately. Somehow, the time we already have is never enough, and we always wish for more. Perhaps, you're reading this and saying, "I've got all the time I need." In that case, I salute you. However, in Bernie's case, things are different. What, you haven't met Bernie? Let me introduce you.
Bernie is a retired footballer who spends his days doing mundane work like fixing things, gardening, some housework, sitting on the couch, and listening to his demanding wife. (If you're an American, please note that I mean soccer player when I say footballer). One day, as he tinkers with things in his backyard, he comes across a red ball, which sends him down memory lane, to a place of nostalgia and yearning. Yes, Bernie wants to go back to those years when he was a young and attractive soccer player... I mean, who doesn't?
Extra Time is a short film by Amy Hill, one of my favorite filmmakers today on Film Annex. It's mostly about Bernie, but also about reminiscing about the past and questioning the mundaneness of daily life. It's shot on a 16mm Bolex with a budget of 800 pounds, which is refreshing for our platform, as we don't get that many movies that are actually shot on film these days.
I like Amy's films for their simplicity and characters. When I watched Kyle over a year ago, I was impressed by this short film that entirely took place during a walk home from school. The dialog was engrossing, and the high schoolers were extremely believable in their angst, unpredictable attiudes, and charm. I mean we've all been there, right? Extra Time perhaps doesn't have that much dialog as Kyle does, but it still impresses with its simple storytelling, pace, and themes. I have to admit that another reason that attracted me to this film is the red ball, as I'm often attracted to red, circular things, and my favorite film from childhood was Albert Lamorisse's Red Balloon.
So if you're just relaxing at home and want to watch something peaceful, Extra Time is the movie to watch. If you're wondering what to do with your extra time, once again, Extra Time is the movie to watch. I think you get the point.
Watch the film:
Till next week,
