Brilliant physics
professor J.T. Neumeyer (Timothy Hutton) receives a briefcase with a
file containing all the details of his own murder. He at first
believes it’s a prank, but then things begin happening just as the
file shows and he must work to change the future.
CRITIQUE
Science-fiction and the thriller genre don’t always combine well. The
union can tend to produce preposterous plots. A new miniseries just
out on DVD keeps from this by setting the story in the present-day and
rooting the conflicts in reality. An attention-grabbing plot and good
performances are the attractions of 5ive Days to Midnight.
The script here is
to be given a lot of credit for the success of the production. While
it does have its flaws, some dialogue could be better and a final
twist about the identity of the villain strikes as predictable and a
bit contrived, yet the major elements of plot and character are more
than adequate. J.T. is simply an intelligent man who wants to survive
and uses logic to try to solve his dilemma. Each of the suspects,
J.T.’s daughter and his girlfriend, all make distinctive impressions.
The plot does well to make you wonder if J.T. will be able to change
things and exactly who it is who may kill him. I almost couldn’t get
the final episode to play and at first I thought, “My DVD player can’t
tear up, I have to see how this ends!” But I got the issue resolved.
Action and interpersonal drama definitely keep things exciting in this
miniseries.
The direction and
production design also add to the quality here. The visual effects
that appear do so at the most appropriate times and without any
obviousness. For example, the moment when the briefcase arrives, it is
accompanied by a ripple. Director Watkins also inserts camera angles
and movement that feel in line with the tone of the production. He
also uses a film speed manipulation to create a “jerky” effect, but it
may be a bit overused. The design here is memorable as well. Take a
look at that futuristic briefcase and the art direction of the
apartment of Carl Axelrod, one of J.T.’s students who ends up being
important. Clocks are everywhere.
Timothy Hutton, a
personal favorite of mine and previous Oscar winner for Ordinary
People, is good here, able to portray an intelligent person pushed
in an extraordinary situation. I also like Angus McFadyen, who does a
good villainous role here (and that’s not revealing anything). Hamish
Linklater as Carl is eccentric and fun to watch.
THE VIDEO
The television
format gets the widescreen treatment and it’s good for noticing all
the details of the production design.
THE AUDIO
5.1 Dolby Digital
enhances the fine soundtrack of the miniseries. Closed captioning and
English and Spanish subtitles are offered.
THE EXTRAS
Fractures of Time:
A studio featurette that a basic behind-the-scenes extra, with
interviews with the actors, director, and cinematographer. There is
some fascinating discussion here of the techniques, such as the use of
multiple cameras, the story, the shooting sequence.
Remixing Reality:
This is a studio featurette about the special effects. This is perhaps
the most interesting, with details about how digitized photos helped
create the visual effects, the use of green screen, and more.
The Formula for
Design:
Another studio featurette, this time about the production design. Just
as interesting as the other two features, there is discussion about
the design of the integral briefcase from the future, the art
direction of some of the sets, and the use of similar shapes and
movement and especially clocks in the design.
Proving Destiny:
This studio featurette is all about the scene where J.T. realizes the
briefcase is real. Extensive behind the scenes footage gives all the
details about the way the filmmakers accomplished all the elements
necessary for the scene.
Audio Commentary:
Here is where the extras get weak. Two of the miniseries’ episodes
have commentary by the director and cinematographer but they aren’t
worth listening to. They don’t reveal much not seen in the featurettes
and they frequently laugh over each other’s comments so not everything
comes through.
FINAL THOUGHTS
5ive Days to
Midnight
is a miniseries of above average quality, thanks to its exciting plot,
good performances, and dense production design. The DVD presentation
is good all around, especially the mostly stellar extra features. I
wish I had caught this in its original television broadcast.
