Time is a futile thing. We never seem to have enough of it and when we do have it, we don’t quite know how to cherish it.

Director Andrew Niccol’s In Time delves into topics of immortality, classless society, and the desperation of those less fortunate. It’s an entertaining film, though, not a very substantial one.

Still, In Time immerses and captures the viewer in equal, dynamic measures.

Set in the relatively near future, Justin Timberlake headlines as Will Salas in a world where the human race stops aging at 25. From then ones point of existence is to die within the next year, to of course “avoid over population”. The catch? Currency gains you more time in life. The rich prosper in immortality, while the poor live day to day – literally and figuratively.

Will is on the bottom end of the totem poll. We see his beautiful mother Rachel, played Olivia Wilde, die seconds before he can get to her. This inspires Will to help the people who can’t spend time resting at night in fear of not waking up in the morning. To help those who work hard day in and day out, only to get taxed an inexplicable amount by the Government.

This is all made possible after a wild night that entails Will saving Henry Hamilton (Matt Bommer), an upper class citizen who’s had enough of life after 105 years. The lost soul gives all his time to Salas. Now, with over a century to live, the once scarcely surviving individual leaves the “ghetto” and heads for New Greenwich, the land of the “wealthy.” It’s there he meets the lovely and privileged Sylvia (played by Amanda Seyfried).

What transpires is nothing new. She’s activates her rebellious side after Will grants her freedom from her vindictive father Philippe (played by Vincent Kartheiser). Unfortunately, the Time Collectors (the police of the future generation) charge Will with theft of years – prosecuting him for stealing the time given to Will by Mr. Hamilton.

In Time is jam-packed with political undertones – none of which are all that subtle. It makes poignant observations, though. The rich live in a society nearly untouchable by the general public. They prosper in their good fortune, while the middle class and the lower class struggle through standard hardships of poverty and mediocrity. This is all very well portrayed here.

Amanda Seyfried (left) and Justin Timberlake (right) engage in a friendly formal dance in Andrew Niccol's "In Time"

Still, Andrew Niccol’s exploration of the human existence is one silly film. The premise is not so absurd– but as with many of Niccol’s endeavors, he merely tap dances around issues. Occasionally he puts his foot down, but those steps are far and few.

I suppose the premise – a thoroughly intriguing one – naturally brings out haphazard plotlines. Too much of the film contains people running after each other in desperate hope of time. The trick is if one puts their arm on your arm, then they receive some of your time. This of course spawns moments where Will and Sylvia sprint towards each other in order to touch arms.

Also, there’s so much foreshadowing here that it no longer becomes ingenious, but rather ridiculous. I could go on a tyrant with examples, but I’ll spare you the time and just mention one. For about a whole 30 seconds we here about Will’s father and how he was a fighter who waited till the very last seconds of his life to win his matches. The Chief Time Collector, Raymond Leon (played brilliantly by Cillian Murphy), keeps repeating to Will “don’t end up like your father – don’t make the same mistakes he made.” Very profound material, especially when you don’t know what the hell he’s talking about.

I’d like to say the whole father business is the only quirk within In Time. But I’d be drastically lying. It’s because of the plethora of inconsistencies and idiosyncrasies that make Niccol’s newest endeavor what it is: a beautifully shot film, with a nuanced concept, and solid actors.

All substantially brought down by the baffling missed execution and construction of what could have been a great film.

Rating:

In Time (2011)

Cast: Olivia Wilde, Amanda Seyfried, Justin Timberlake

Director: Andrew Niccol

Writer: Andrew Niccol

Runtime: 109 minutes

Genre: thriller, sf, action

Trailer In Time

by CinemaRx