Tempus

Sometimes the simplest stories are the most compelling.

A man rushes to the bedside of his dying wife.

No sound except the lovely score by José Villalobos, which effectively helps convey emotion.

Told completely in slow-motion- an interesting creative choice.

It's visually impressive, jam packed with symbolism, and shows what can be done with not the largest budget, I'm guessing.

Clocking it at 3 minutes, it doesn't overstay it's welcome, but ends just at the right time and on the right note.

It moved me. I liked it. Check it out.

Once I finished watching this short, only one word came into my mind: Art. I really don't have anything negative to say about this film. It never hurts to express love by the means of art. And here everyone involved pulled it off perfectly. From the cinematic tone, to the visuals and the score. Its very hard to get a true vibe of what a director can accomplish with short films, this goes to a cast and everyone involved.(Compared to a full featured film) But this was neatly done and touching. So congratulations to everyone involved. My name is Dusty Webb and I rate and review films. I have seen all kinds of films, really. I recommend this video to loving couples, of all ages. You may want to use it as a pass-time with a lover, or a future one at that.

I got a very nice message from writer/director Ian Clay asking me to review his short film TEMPUS . Ian mentioned that shorts are rarely seen and he's right . They're normally under-seen and are usually labours of love . If someone sends me a polite message I'll respond by giving an honest review

Ian mentioned the technical boys had a lot of previous experience including make-up artist Greg Cannom who is the recipient of three Oscars ! To be honest there's not a lot of narrative but being just under four minutes long including credits there doesn't need to be . The premise is man runs towards shack where his wife lies dying and it's the visual journey rather than the journey itself that is the main focus . Despite having a number of award winning artists working behind the scenes it was cinematographer Ben Griffin working on his second project . The major breath taking moment is when the protagonist reaches the shack

A well done short film due to the technical achievements

Tempus is directed by Ian Clay and stars Jonathan Kite and Ann Benson.

I was contacted by the director and asked to review my thoughts on this wonderful short film.

Firstly, the camera work is beautifully handled. Stunning. The visuals and setting go hand-in-hand to create an old 60s western tone, which pleases me beyond words as I've always loved the way westerns were created.

The acting by the, albeit small cast, is splendidly large in scale. Although the film is very short, the emotional connection is there within the first 30 seconds and you already want the characters to connect once more. The pacing is key in any film, and it's perfectly executed in this film. The visual style the director has achieved is really something. With the help of 3 time Oscar-winning make-up artist Greg Cannom, known for his work on Benjamin Button, and an Oscar-winning visual effects master, Jason Schulman, known for his work on Hugo, this film is captivating, heartfelt and touching.

Music by Jose Villalobos is stunningly crafted with dramatic string arrangements that please the ear and tie-in perfectly with the visuals throughout.

I do feel like the ending could have been treated with a little more care and rounded off smoothly, but that would have likely meant adding a couple more minutes to the running length which the director may not have been keen to do. Having said that, it's an incredibly well crafted short film and should be appreciated by all.

My verdict; Tempus is a beautiful tale of love and triumph, and delivers with expertise. This is a must-watch for any film fanatic.

Tempus, 9/10.

Loosely clutching a document in his right hand, an elderly man walks laboriously through a rustic setting. His pace slowly quickens. Finally, he runs to join an elderly woman who is, apparently, on her death bed… Clocking in at under five minutes, this is a very short film. However, it accomplishes everything needed. Given the popularity of music videos in the 1980s, followed by "YouTube" and the shortening attention span of each generation, short "motion pictures" should have regained more of their popularity. This is also a "silent" film, which is another genre worth revisiting...

Written and directed by Ian Clay, the narrative in "Tempus" is poetically conveyed. The characters are clearly a couple, who have (been) separated. With one now dying, there is an urgency for the old man, portrayed by Jonathan Kite, to join the old woman, portrayed by Ann Benson. Greg Cannom's makeup department contributes to Mr. Kite's convincing performance. The age-spotted close-up buffered something unnaturally telegraphed around the forehead, in a medium shot. Photography by Ben Griffin is exceptional. The score, by Jose Villalobos, moves the story without distracting...

Filmmakers tend to go crazy with technical gimmicks, but Mr. Clay effectively uses "slow motion" to move his story. This effect is used to reverse the ravages of time and gives the old man enough strength to make his trip. It also plays with the fact that the film runs very quickly. When I learned my mother was dying, I recall how slowly everything seemed to be moving. Rushing to the airport, I felt everything was moving in slow motion. When I neared home, I was running… but it still it wasn't fast enough. Finally, at her bedside, I felt like a small boy again. "Tempus" works.

******** Tempus (2015-04-20) Ian Clay ~ Jonathan Kite, Ann Benson