We Live in Time: A Reflection on the Director’s Unconventional Approach

In the world of cinema, few directors have been as daring and innovative as Terry Gilliam. With a career spanning over five decades, Gilliam has consistently pushed the boundaries of storytelling and visual representation. His latest project, “We Live in Time,” is no exception. This extraordinary film is a testament to Gilliam’s unwavering dedication to his artistic vision and his refusal to conform to conventional norms.

“We Live in Time” is a complex and ambitious project that defies easy categorization. Part documentary, part experimental film, and part philosophical musing, the movie is a deeply personal exploration of humanity’s relationship with time. The film’s title is apt, for it is a meditation on the very fabric of our existence. Through a series of surreal and often disturbing tableaux, Gilliam invites us to confront the existential implications of living in a world where time is both finite and infinite.

Gilliam’s approach to filmmaking is characterized by a willingness to take risks and challenge his audience’s expectations. His films often feature non-linear narratives, unconventional cinematography, and a blend of realistic and fantastical elements. “We Live in Time” is no exception, with its use of stop-motion animation, found footage, and 3D projection mapping creating a dreamlike atmosphere that is both mesmerizing and unsettling.

One of the film’s most striking aspects is its exploration of the human experience through the lens of time. Gilliam invites us to consider the ways in which our perception of time shapes our understanding of ourselves and our place in the world. He shows us how our relationship with time can be both empowering and terrifying, as we struggle to make sense of our finite existence in an infinite universe.

Throughout the film, Gilliam employs a range of techniques to convey his ideas. He uses humor and irony to probe the absurdities of our relationship with time, while also deploying deeper, more emotional moments to grasp the human cost of our mortality. The result is a film that is both intellectually stimulating and emotionally resonant, a true masterpiece of contemporary cinema.

“We Live in Time” is also a deeply personal film, for Gilliam has always been drawn to themes of mortality and the human condition. His films often feature characters struggling to come to terms with their own mortality, as in “Brazil” and “The Fisher King.” Here, he brings his own experiences and perspectives to bear, weaving together a rich tapestry of ideas and emotions that are both deeply personal and universally relatable.

In conclusion, “We Live in Time” is a landmark film that showcases Terry Gilliam’s unique vision and artistic genius. This extraordinary movie is a must-see for anyone interested in innovative storytelling, experimental filmmaking, and the search for meaning in a chaotic world. With its bold visuals, provocative themes, and deeply personal tone, “We Live in Time” is a cinematic experience that will stay with us for years to come.

Rating: ⁵⁄₅

Director: Terry Gilliam

Editor: Kate Weaver

Production Company: Panorama Entertainment

Release Date: March 2023