What Time Is It There?

Definition

'What Time Is It There?' is a 2001 film directed by Tsai Ming-liang that embodies the principles of slow cinema, focusing on the exploration of time and emotional isolation through long takes and minimal narrative. The film follows a grieving watchmaker who becomes fixated on the concept of time, as it examines the mundane aspects of life while inviting viewers to contemplate their own perceptions of time and connection. This slow-paced storytelling emphasizes moments of stillness and contemplation, allowing audiences to engage deeply with the characters' emotional landscapes.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. 'What Time Is It There?' utilizes minimal dialogue, relying instead on visual storytelling to convey the characters' emotional states and themes of loss and connection.
2. The film's structure features repetitive motifs, particularly the act of watching time pass, reinforcing the theme of temporal contemplation.
3. Tsai Ming-liang often employs static camera shots that linger on scenes for extended periods, encouraging viewers to reflect on the subtleties within each moment.
4. The setting in Taipei serves as a backdrop for exploring urban isolation, contrasting the character's inner loneliness with the bustling city around them.
5. Music plays a vital role in the film, enhancing the emotional resonance of scenes while underscoring the theme of time through its rhythmic patterns.

Review Questions

• How does 'What Time Is It There?' utilize slow cinema techniques to enhance its themes?
  • 'What Time Is It There?' employs slow cinema techniques such as long takes and minimal dialogue to enhance its exploration of time and emotional isolation. By allowing scenes to unfold at a leisurely pace, viewers are invited to immerse themselves in the characters' experiences and reflect on their feelings of grief and longing. This deliberate pacing encourages contemplation of the passage of time and how it affects human connections.
• Discuss how Tsai Ming-liang's use of setting contributes to the narrative structure of 'What Time Is It There?'.
  • In 'What Time Is It There?', Tsai Ming-liang uses Taipei as more than just a backdrop; it becomes integral to the narrative. The city's bustling environment contrasts sharply with the protagonist's sense of isolation, emphasizing feelings of loneliness even amidst a crowd. This juxtaposition reinforces the theme that physical proximity does not guarantee emotional connection, highlighting how individuals can feel disconnected in an urban landscape.
• Evaluate the significance of time as a theme in 'What Time Is It There?' and its relation to existential questions about human experience.
  • 'What Time Is It There?' elevates time from a mere background element to a central theme that prompts existential reflection. The film delves into how characters experience time differently based on their emotional states, particularly grief and longing. By presenting time as fluid rather than linear, Tsai Ming-liang encourages viewers to consider how their perceptions of time shape their existence and relationships with others, making profound statements about the human condition.

Related terms

Slow Cinema: 'Slow Cinema' refers to a genre of filmmaking characterized by long takes, minimal plot development, and an emphasis on visual and auditory experiences, often focusing on themes of time and existence.

Long Take: 'Long Take' is a shot that lasts significantly longer than the conventional editing pace of a film, often used in slow cinema to create a sense of realism and immersion in the narrative.

Existentialism: 'Existentialism' is a philosophical movement that emphasizes individual existence, freedom, and choice, frequently exploring themes of isolation and the search for meaning in life, which are prevalent in Tsai Ming-liang's work.