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November 7, 2008
How are we spending life?
Real Time has comedy, adventure, surprise – and a moral.
JENNIFER BOJM
Recent years have seen the rise and success of several young Jewish actors. Most notably, Seth Rogen has taken Hollywood by storm. One name you may not be as familiar with is that of Jay Baruchel. He and Rogen have acted together in numerous films and television series, from the high school comedy Undeclared to the box office hit Knocked Up. Most recently, however, Baruchel is starring in Randall Cole's film Real Time.
What do we do with our time on this planet? This is the underlying question Cole's movie asks its audience. This Canadian film tells the story of Andy (Baruchel), a down and out gambler who believes his whole life has been cursed by bad luck. One morning, as he is walking in the street, he is picked up by Reuben (Randy Quaid), a hit man sent to kill him on account of his gambling debt. Reuben informs a skeptical Andy that he is going to kill him, but not before giving him a window of time to use however he chooses. As they set out to spend Andy's final hours, a strange and comedic relationship between the two is revealed. By giving Andy extra time to live, Rueben manages to teach an important lesson – that the course of one's life is decided, not by luck, but by the determination to make something of it. During his ordeal, Andy is forced to reconsider the value of his life and confront his failures.
I was not convinced, during the course of this movie, that I would come out with a positive opinion of it. However, after some funny moments and surprising twists, it was entertaining. One of the film's less impressive elements was its dialogue. Much of it was redundant, using similar conversations too many times. For this reason it was a little slow to get where the plot was going. As well, the dialogue was unsophisticated and simple, reminiscent at times of a high school play. There was also an over-use of profanity, which was unnecessary for the development of either the characters or the plot.
These criticisms notwithstanding, there were elements about this film that were entertaining. From beginning to end, the message it sought to explore was manifest throughout. The title, Real Time, encompasses various aspects of the film. It highlights its narrative and linear structure. The use of this format makes the film come across as being more realistic, thus the audience has a good chance of relating to the story. The title also references the main theme – time. How do we make our lives really matter? The growth of the relationship between Andy and Reuben truly confronts the issue of making time meaningful and appreciated.
While inviting the viewer to consider such a lofty subject as taking advantage of life, the film remains lighthearted and funny. Its use of comedy successfully makes light of a serious situation. Furthermore, the use of gambling as a theme effectively assists in portraying the film's message. It acts as a motif, symbolizing the tendency of some people to leave their lives up to chance and blame everything and everyone for their troubles but themselves.
At the outset of Real Time, both Andy and Reuben are portrayed as relatively simple characters. However, as the story progresses, both men become more dynamic, revealing more complex and sympathetic personalities. Quaid does a good job portraying the soft-hearted hit man, while I grew to like Baruchel as the detached and sarcastic Andy. The combination of comedy, action and surprise works to produce an ultimately enjoyable film.
Real Time opens in Vancouver today.
Jennifer Bojm is a University of British Columbia graduate with a bachelor's degree in religions, literature and the arts. She is also an aspiring singer.
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