As part of an initiative called iFeatures, where three movies were made on modest-sized budgets in Bristol, England, 8 Minutes Idle is the final of the trio of films (Flying Blind and In the Dark Half being the other too) to finally make its way to cinemas. Though director Mark Simon Hewis’ debut production had hit a snag when the film’s initial distributor went bust – fortunately cash raised by members of the British public and celebrities such as Stephen Merchant and Dom Joly, have ensured this film will get a theatrical release after all – and given the creativity and jocular charm to this low-budget piece, that can only be a good thing.
Based on the novel by Matt Thorne, we delve into the idle existence of Dan (Tom Hughes) – a twenty-something who spends his days working in a call centre, and his evenings contending with a dysfunctional and erratic mother, who one day kicks him out for no reason at all. With limited options, Dan secretly moves into the office, staying behind after working hours to spend the evenings in the stationary cupboard, along with his family cat, who he’s sneaked in along with him. Homeless and working in a soulless environment, under the authoritarian eye of his boss Alice (Montserrat Lombard), the one thing that keeps Dan going is his infatuation with his colleague Teri (Ophelia Lovibond). Though just like everything else in his life, that too seems to be on the path to nowhere.
Though there are certainly endearing qualities to this production, 8 Minutes Idle is agonizingly contrived in its quirkiness, and is irritatingly kooky. Though the surrealism is beneficial on occasion, with some comedic moments deriving from pure absurdity, this picture is almost like a parody of films like Juno and Garden State. We are even treated to animated, musical interludes, unashamedly breaking up this film into chapters, to inform us of what day of the week it is. It’s a shame, because this film comes into its element when more subtle and intimate. At times the film is worn down with various plot points, such as Dan’s parents winning the lottery, as one of many overbearing additions to a film that’s already got so much going on. Instead, the film benefits when more simplistic, exploring the sheer mundanity of everyday office life, and when focusing on the romantic story between Dan and Teri. That being said, they’re no Tim and Dawn.
Hughes shines in the lead role however, displaying a natural charisma that allows for us to stay on our protagonist’s side throughout. He’s playing an underdog of sorts – and a flawed one at that – and you fully adhere to the fact Dan has so few friends, despite his inherent charm. He’s physically convincing too, making himself seem somewhat gangly, adding to the slapstick nature of the film. Turning in an intense performance in I Am Soldier, here’s an actor showing off some real acting range at present, consistently impressing as a leading man, regardless of the genre. All of the characters in the film do have to win over the audience, as they’re instantly on the back foot given their profession, as a vocation that the general public tend to get frustrated with on a daily basis. It’s therefore fun to go beneath the surface and get to know the people on the other end of the line, and fortunately the affability from the actors ensures that they’re humanised to great effect.
However, there are too many supporting roles – all completely absurd in their own way, with unique idiosyncrasies and quirks. It may leave much scope for a sitcom, but regrettably in just 90 minutes, many of these characters aren’t allowed the opportunity to develop, and aren’t quite explored nor fleshed out as much as they could be. On the plus side, for the second time this year we’re witness to a lonely man travelling around on public transport with his pet cat. Here’s hoping the Coen brothers have started a movement.
[Rating:3/5]
