Don’t Let Time Run Out – Go See ‘The Clock’

Each movie varies; they have unique narratives, distinctive cast members, diverse characters, various dialects, and different themes. However, the common thread that binds them all is time – the time spent on their creation, the time needed to enjoy them. Time serves as the universal connector in every film, much like its role in our lives.

Characters on screen may occasionally traverse time or even halt it, while filmmakers can manipulate time’s progression using editing techniques. However, for the cinema-goers, time continues relentlessly. This idea is one of the themes explored in The Clock, a unique, 24-hour long video essay.

Christian Marclay, along with a group of researchers, assembled countless movie snippets featuring clocks, watches, and time-related references, which they then carefully sequenced into a continuous loop that also serves as a functional clock. Regardless of when you view The Clock, the onscreen time corresponds to the actual time you are watching it.

Over a span of five eventful years, I delved into creating an intriguing masterpiece titled “The Clock“. This remarkable piece made its grand debut to the public eye in 2010. Now, it graces the hallowed walls of MoMA, but

In the past, I’ve regrettably missed seeing “The Clock” when it played in New York City, so this time, I was resolute about catching it. The screening room where it’s shown at MoMA is quite small and features three tight rows of Ikea sofas. When the room becomes full, you must join a virtual queue and wait for someone to leave before you can enter. Once inside, you can watch for as long as you like, but if you need to leave for a restroom or food break, you’ll have to rejoin the line if you want to return. To minimize my waiting time, I arrived at MoMA when it opened at 10:30 AM, and fortunately, I was able to walk straight in.

A movie constructed entirely from clips depicting various instances of time progression might initially appear dull or monotonous. However, my experience watching “The Clock” for 100 minutes was anything but ordinary. These minutes seemed to fly by more swiftly than any I’ve spent in the cinema over the past 40 years. It was astonishing how quickly 10:30 transformed into noon. If not for my job and obligations, I would have happily remained until the Museum of Modern Art asked me to leave. Remarkably, focusing on time’s passage within a cinematic context seems to accelerate it instead.

Absolutely, The Clock offers a fair amount of immediate enjoyment, especially when it quickly reveals familiar films. For instance, in the portion I observed, I noticed movies like The Breakfast Club, Once Upon a Time in the West, Big Daddy, The 400 Blows, The Bank Job, The Game, Sideways, Falling Down, The Quick and the Dead, High Noon, Bad Santa, Easy Rider, and Dressed to Kill. Additionally, I spotted a brief clip from a TV show, which seemed somewhat at odds with Marclay’s agreement with his audience. However, considering that the clip in question was from an episode of The Twilight Zone titled “Time Enough at Last,” its connection to The Clock’s central idea might have been substantial enough to justify its inclusion.

Enjoying Marclay’s film choices can be just as exciting when you don’t recognize them, which frequently occurs in a video essay composed of about 12,000 movie snippets. After watching The Clock, viewers might find themselves eager to discover (or at least search online) some of the more peculiar scenes. As soon as I left the theater, I searched for the scene where a man climbs onto Big Ben’s face to prevent a bomb explosion (it’s from the 1978 remake of The Thirty Nine Steps, directed by Don Sharp). Even without context, that sequence is suspenseful; watching a man dangle hundreds of feet in the air will always make your hands sweat, even if you don’t know who the man is or why he’s up there. It’s fascinating how movies can have that effect, something you have ample opportunity to ponder while watching The Clock.

Beyond just what meets the eye, “The Clock” delves deeper into the intricacies of time, both visually portrayed on-screen and symbolically off-screen. It subtly critiques how many suspense films rely heavily on a ticking clock as a plot device or comedic tool. The filmmaker cleverly incorporates numerous scenes with well-known actors whose presence helps keep our focus steady. In a movie, an acquainted face instantly draws us in and aligns us with the character, even if their actions and intentions are ambiguous, like those in “The Clock”.

Frequent appearances by well-known actors lend an opportunity for viewers to consider how age impacts the human body over time. In the full-length episode I watched recently, Charles Bronson made three distinct appearances at three entirely different stages of his life; first as a youthful heartthrob, then as a seasoned, self-assured star, and finally as a maturing action hero. While photography freezes a single instant, a collection of such moments presents the illusion of time moving, flowing, and eventually slipping away like sand through an hourglass.

Regrettably, I could only watch The Clock for 100 minutes before someone else claimed my seat for this captivating and slightly mesmerizing event. As I left the theater, the movie switched unexpectedly to a distressing scene of a traffic collision from an unfamiliar film. In a surprising twist, Humphrey Bogart appeared on screen, and it seemed as though he had peered out the window in his own movie, catching sight of that very car accident.

Whatever happened next, I don’t know. I left, and The Clock kept going. Time marches on.

The Clock is on view at the Museum of Modern Art in New York City through February 17.

The Dumbest Questions People Ask Google About Movies

“Would a Sharknado be possible?”

Many people might find it hard to believe, but a massive tornado teeming with great white sharks is theoretically possible, albeit extremely rare. While you may not hear about such events on mainstream media, they have been reported in certain scientific circles. So, stay vigilant, folks!

“Was Ben Affleck in Batman 1989?”

Was Ben Affleck part of the 1989 Batman movie? It certainly doesn’t resemble Ben Affleck! Now, I wonder what age you think Ben Affleck would have been in 1989, Google users? Well, he was only 17 back then! Come on.

“How did Crocodile Dundee pass away?”

In a bit of a surprise, it’s important to clarify that Crocodile Dundee, a fictional character, has not passed away. Despite this misconception, the actor Paul Hogan who portrayed him is very much alive and well. It seems there may be some confusion as people might be thinking about Steve Irwin, the Crocodile Hunter, who did tragically pass in 2006.

“Why is 50 Shades of Grey not for kids?”

Why isn’t this romance novel suitable for children? Because it contains explicit descriptions of a graphic sexual relationship between a wealthy BDSM enthusiast and an inexperienced college student, making it unsuitable for young readers. Understood?

“How old is Elastigirl in The Incredibles 2?”

It’s puzzling why the age of Elastigirl in “Incredibles 2” seems important to some, considering she’s a fictional character. However, understanding her age could add depth to her character and storyline, as it might influence her experiences, decisions, and interactions within the animated world of the Incredibles. It’s fascinating how invested we can get in these characters, even though they are cartoons!

“What state does The Incredibles take place?”

Why do Google employees seem so obsessed with trivial details from the animated film series, The Incredibles? Given that The Incredibles is a work of fiction and an animation set in a fictitious universe where superheroes exist, it appears quite distant from our reality. The storyline often features a villain’s lair situated within a volcano, which is quite far removed from the geography we are familiar with. So, one may wonder why such specific details matter, or who is investing their cognitive resources on this topic?!?

“How old were the babies in Baby Geniuses?”

They were babies, guys. They were baby years old.

“Is VelociPastor a serious movie?”

People find it intriguing when they see the title “The VelociPastor” and a poster depicting a dinosaur in a priest’s attire. They might wonder, “Could this possibly be a genuine piece of cinema?” Just to make sure, they decide to check with Google before purchasing it on iTunes.

“Why is Cats movie so scary?”

You can Google this one, forever. You will never find a satisfactory answer to this question.

“What was the plan in Plan 9 From Outer Space?”

I wonder who would watch ‘Plan 9 From Outer Space’, find its illogical storyline puzzling, yet blame their own intelligence for not grasping it fully. They might even resort to Googling in an attempt to understand it better.

“Are Basic Instinct 1 and 2 connected?”

Indeed, it’s not common occurrence but rather an unusual coincidence that in 1992, a film titled “Basic Instinct,” starring Sharon Stone, was released as an erotic thriller. Interestingly enough, 14 years later, Stone reprised the same character in another erotic thriller called “Basic Instinct 2.” In retrospect, it’s quite peculiar!

“Is Amy the gorilla in Congo real?”

Stan Winston’s special effects are impressive, but they’re not as amazing as some people might think. No, Amy the gorilla from the movie “Congo” is not a real animal. She communicates using sign language! She wears a virtual reality glove that controls her signs! She even pretends to drink martinis, burp on cue, and smoke a cigar! You thought she was a genuine ape?

“What happened to Mike Myers?”

Could it be that this inquiry might not seem overly simple, but it’s actually a curiosity about the outcome following the release of the film “The Love Guru.” When you search for this title on Google, you may find that the less-than-impressive comedy significantly impacted Mike Myers’ career as a leading comedian, causing it to take a sharp downturn. Among the frequently asked questions suggested by Google is one that asks about Mike Myers and his current status. In truth, there are many fans who would appreciate knowing the answer to this question.

“Where can I watch Spider-Man: No Way Home in my house?”

It’s clear that the most frequently asked question regarding movies these days is about streaming locations. Surprisingly, for the film Spider-Man: No Way Home, the way this question was phrased stood out – instead of “Where can I stream Spider-Man: No Way Home?”, it was “Where can I watch Spider-Man: No Way Home in my house?”. It’s amusing, but you can actually watch Spider-Man: No Way Home anywhere in your home that has a television and an internet connection! There’s no need to pass judgment – if you have reliable internet service even in your bathroom, go ahead and enjoy the movie!

“Can I skip Star Wars Phantom Menace?”

If you’re pondering which Star Wars films are considered good or essential for understanding the storyline, some might look it up online. However, it’s absolutely fine if you choose to skip any movie that doesn’t interest you. They aren’t required viewing! Rest assured, not watching The Phantom Menace won’t get you booted off the internet.

“Is Mulholland Drive psychological?”

This question about whether Mulholland Drive is “psychological” might seem strange at first glance, but let me clarify. While it does delve into the psychological aspects of its characters, it’s important to note that most films do so in some way or another. So yes, Mulholland Drive can be considered psychological if we focus on its exploration of human thoughts and emotions. However, using this definition, almost every movie could be classified as psychological.

“Is Die Hard With a Vengeance the second one?”

When it comes to questions about sequels, such as those found in the “People Also Ask” section, determining the correct viewing order can sometimes be tricky. A good example of this confusion is the films “The Bourne Supremacy” and “The Bourne Ultimatum.” If you haven’t been keeping track, it might seem unclear which one came first. Conversely, in the case of “Die Hard,” where the second film is titled “Die Hard 2,” it’s much simpler to figure out the sequential order.

“Which is the 1st Avengers movie?”

It was unclear if “Age of Ultron” occurred before “Infinity War”. However, the first “Avengers” movie is simply titled “The Avengers”, which I assumed would make things clear.

“What does the X stand for in Jason X?”

It stands for X-cellent. (It stands for ten! It’s the tenth Friday the 13th! C’mon guys.)

“Is Titanic 1997 a true story?”

Occasionally, people ask Google a question that might seem a bit puzzling: “Is [Movie Title] based on a true story?” In certain instances, this query makes sense; some films appear realistic or are inspired by lesser-known historical events. However, it can be challenging to distinguish truth from fiction.

Take the case of Titanic, which is based on one of history’s most infamous maritime disasters. That one isn’t too difficult to deduce.

“Is Forrest Gump based on a true story?”

The film “Forrest Gump,” which tells the remarkable tale of a man who excelled in running, served in the Vietnam War, was awarded the Medal of Honor, interacted with several U.S. presidents, established a shrimp business, amassed wealth through Apple stocks, traveled across the country for years, and spent an extraordinary amount of time waiting at a bus stop, is based on true events.

“Is Happy Gilmore based on a true story?”

I’m still outraged that they transformed the tragic tale about the brutal and aggressive golfer who attacked Bob Barker into a joke, Adam Sandler. Don’t you have any sense of morality? This isn’t amusing!

“ Is Die Hard 1 based on a true story?”

In an absurdly imaginative scenario, let’s consider for a moment if “Die Hard” was a factual account. It would be quite intriguing to ponder the consequences if such were true. Now, bear with me as I make a wild assumption – yes, “Die Hard” is a real-life event. So, what transpired next? This extraordinary feat by a genuine New York cop was so captivating that it sparked a franchise. Or, in this alternate reality where “Die Hard” is factual, could every “Die Hard” movie be a true account of the real John McClane’s life? That man certainly has had an eventful existence.

“Is Air Bud based on a true story?”

Actually, the movie “Air Bud” isn’t based on real events. But interestingly, the fifth film in the series, titled “Air Bud: Spikes Back“, does have a factual basis. This film tells a tale of a dog who excelled not just in basketball but also in volleyball, and even helped apprehend some criminals. That’s right, it’s based on a true story!

“Is Human Centipede based on a true story?”

Check this out, the tagline for “The Human Centipede” claimed it was “100% medically accurate”! I understand that the movie revolves around a mad scientist who connects three individuals end-to-mouth, but why question a tagline, right?

“Is The Room movie based on a true story?”

In addition to being inspired by real events, “The Room” is essentially a factual account, serving as a documentary due to the fortunate presence of cameras capturing everything unfold. We’re indeed fortunate that they were there to record it all.

“Is 2012 based on a true story?”

Indeed, 2012… a year when there was quite a stir over the Mayan prophecy predicting an apocalypse. Allegedly, the world was swallowed by earthquakes and a colossal worldwide flood. Remember the film titled “2012” with John Cusack? Those were the days when movies seemed authentic and entertaining.

“Is the Sixth Sense movie based on a true story?”

Without giving away any spoilers for those of you who haven’t watched “The Sixth Sense” yet, it would indeed create quite a stir if the story behind this film were inspired by real events.

“Is Battlefield Earth Based on a True story?”

Battlefield Earth – A Science Fiction Movie in the Year 3000

Content: In this future-set film, cavemen engage in combat with towering extraterrestrials known as Psychlos, sporting colossal dreadlocks. John Travolta struts around wearing oversized platform boots and rubber tubes dangling from his nostrils. The question of whether it’s based on a true story might arise, leaving one to wonder if they’re experiencing a surreal dream.

“Is Freddy Got Fingered a masterpiece?”

Yes. Yes, it is. Next question.

2025-01-16 00:54