042 - Bad Timing (1980)

DVD Box

Bad Timing begins with Milena Flaherty (Theresa Russell) being rushed to hospital following an overdose. Her psychologist lover, Alex Linden (Art Garfunkel), found her in that state and goes to the hospital where he is questioned by the police who suspect that she may be the victim of foul play on his behalf.

Half of the film is based around the current events, following the police questioning of Alex, while the other half studies the relationship that Alex and Milena had leading up to the overdose. Their background shows a very checkered path, so the police must deduce exactly what part, if any, the secluded professor played.

Theatrical Poster
Source: Wikipedia

The film is very clever in the way that it portrays the events. It cuts the story in half at the point of the main event and concurrently shows both halves, but it also adds in a psychological crossover, by showing the same person in the same position but at a different time and in different circumstances.

This could cause confusion between the events - it is a little bit off-putting at the beginning - but Garfunkel displays that he is not just a musical talent by showing off his range of acting. While Flaherty just has to lie down in the hospital, she makes up for it in her interpretation of a woman falling slowly in and out of madness and is impressive.

It should noted that this film doesn't really tell much of a story and primarily focuses on the personalities of the characters. That's not to say it's a bad film, but more one that can be open to various interpretations. If film was art, this would certainly be a Picasso.

Recommended.

• Empire Review
• Internet Movie Database
• Wikipedia
• Amazon