smh.com.au
We Live in Time": Non-linear Romcom Explores Love and Resilience
We Live in Time", a British romantic comedy released January 23, follows the relationship of chef Almut and marketer Tobias, using a non-linear narrative to depict their enduring love amidst Almut's recurring cancer battles, showcasing their humor and resilience through unconventional events.
- What is the primary theme of "We Live in Time", and how does its non-linear narrative contribute to this theme?
- We Live in Time" is a British romantic comedy that follows the unconventional relationship of Almut (Florence Pugh), a successful chef and former figure skater, and Tobias (Andrew Garfield), a breakfast cereal marketer. Their relationship is punctuated by comedic events, including a near-miss on a freeway and an unexpected birth in a convenience store. The film uses a non-linear narrative structure, jumping between three periods of their lives.
- How does the film's comedic elements, such as the freeway accident and convenience store birth, interact with its serious theme of illness and mortality?
- The film's non-chronological storytelling, while initially disorienting, ultimately serves to highlight the resilience and humor the couple finds in the face of Almut's recurring cancer. Specific moments, like the roadside birth, showcase their adaptability and strengthen their bond, demonstrating that their love transcends the challenges they face. The unconventional narrative reflects the unpredictable nature of life and love.
- What are the potential long-term implications of "We Live in Time's" unconventional narrative structure on the romantic comedy genre, and how might audience reception affect future filmmaking?
- The film's unique narrative structure may alienate some viewers, but its focus on the couple's resilience and humor in the face of serious illness offers a fresh perspective on relationships and the human experience. This approach could influence future romantic comedies, encouraging more experimental storytelling that reflects the complexities of modern life. The success of the film will depend on audiences' receptiveness to its unconventional format.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The framing is largely positive, highlighting the film's humor and the strong performances. However, the critique of the non-linear narrative structure could be seen as a negative framing element, although it's presented as a constructive criticism rather than a condemnation.
Language Bias
The language used is largely neutral and descriptive. Terms like "deadpan jokes," "upbeat," and "raucous hysteria" are evocative but not excessively loaded. The use of "unrelenting weepie" is a slightly negative descriptor, but provides context for the overall tone.
Bias by Omission
The review focuses heavily on the plot and the performances of the lead actors, but omits discussion of other contributing factors to the film's success or failure, such as cinematography, music, or editing. While this is understandable given the space constraints of a review, the omission could lead to an incomplete understanding of the film's overall quality.
Sustainable Development Goals
The movie highlights the challenges and triumphs of a couple dealing with a serious illness (ovarian cancer), promoting awareness and showcasing resilience. The positive and upbeat tone, despite the difficult circumstances, offers a message of hope and strength in the face of adversity, indirectly supporting efforts to improve health and well-being.