Review of Five Seconds To Spare

Introduction

William, a keyboard player, witnesses a brutal murder of the lead singer of The Unfortunates by a pair of dwarves. Running out of the building he runs straight under a car. The film then flashes back three weeks to explain how William got to such a low point in his life.

William has moved to London to join his band, The Alaska Factory, where they hope to make it big on the pop scene. Their manager introduces them to Vincent, a record producer, possibly big in the 1970`s,whose behaviour borders on the psychotic. William is upset that his fellow band members ignore his songs because they are so depressing. Getting a job, playing piano in a department store he meets the lovely Madeline. But Madeline seems unattainable and he welcomes the attentions of the mysterious Karla who appears to be attracted to him.

Video

Rather a gloomy film and it looks very much made on the cheap.
Locations are all rather grim too.

Audio

Dolby Digital -the dialogue and music are clear if undistinguished.

Features

Interviews with Ray Winstone, Max Beesley, Jonathan Coe, Sean Pertwee and Valentiana Cervi

Fascinating if you want to know how Max trained in method acting.

Trailer-watch this instead of the film.

Music Promo-a promo with more extended look at the film.

Conclusion

If you`ve five seconds to spare…go and watch something else. Even Sean Pertwee probably wishes he`d gone for the remake of Worzel Gummidge. John Peel looks like an icon and also looks like he wishes he`d stuck to Radio 1.
Ray Winstone gives his great mad-dog performance but the plot largely borrows from other more distinguished films and the music is unremarkable.

Perhaps it just thinks it is cleverer than it is. As a BBC film it would make a late-night filler but I was so depressed by this example of Brit filmmaking I had to watch a decent film straight afterwards.