Bad Timing

Bad Timing is a mind-bending full-length feature film directed by the audacious British filmmaker Nicolas Roeg, who famously directed "The Man Who Fell to Earth". Released in 1980, Bad Timing is a psychological and stylistic tour-de-force that doesn't shy away from confronting its audience with raw human emotions and intricate narrative structure.

Art Garfunkel, known internationally for his music as one half of the duo Simon & Garfunkel, takes on one of the principal roles in Bad Timing. Giving a riveting performance, Garfunkel portrays psychoanalyst Alex Linden residing in Vienna. Unlike his previous characters, Garfunkel showcases his ability to dive into more grave dramatic roles, persuasively carrying out this complex and somewhat controlling personality.

Co-starring with Garfunkel is Theresa Russell as the enchanting and elusive Milena, an ensnaring woman whose story intertwines with Alex. A relatively new face in the acting sphere from the 1980s, Russell's performance is hypnotic, her character is loaded with layers of complexity that morphs and changes throughout the narrative. Together, the chemistry between Russell and Garfunkel forms the real hearty and often disturbing essence of the story.

Playing a third central character is Harvey Keitel, renowned for his roles in Quentin Tarantino's films. Here, he embodies Inspector Netusil, a man whose investigation of a possible crime paves the way for the movie's narrative. Keitel's imposing presence adds tension and suspense to an already multi-layered plot.

Bad Timing can be described as a surreal exploration of sexual obsession and manipulation, lived out against the awe-inspiring backdrop of the city of Vienna, around which much of the movie orbits. The waltzing between past, present, and future in the course of the storytelling creates a disorienting effect, sketching out the emotional manipulation, and exploring themes of desire and control in a chilling manner. Psychoanalysis, linguistics, and sexuality are all explored here, challenging social norms and expectations in a truly Roeg-way.

The exquisitely designed cinematic landscape of Bad Timing involves a fragmented narrative, with often jarring cuts between different scenes and timeframes, emblematic of Roeg's distinctive style. The director uses flashbacks and nonlinear storytelling to narrate events from various perspectives, letting the viewer stitch together the pieces of an unfolding mystery. Echoing the nature of memory and perception, this nonlinear approach offers an incredibly immersive and mind-twirling experience.

Roeg’s choice of a vibrant European city as the physical setting of the movie adds another layer of depth, providing historic weight to the characters' modern conflicts. Notably, Anthony B. Richmond's cinematography uses Vienna's iconic architecture and contrasts it with intimate scenes to sharpen the film's psychological intensity.

Bad Timing is famously accompanied by a distinguished soundtrack, featuring an eclectic mix of original scores and popular songs by The Who, Billie Holiday, and Tom Waits, which augment the already heady atmosphere of the film.

Upon its release, Bad Timing kept viewers on the edge of their seats, proving itself to be a provocative psychological drama, challenging viewers both stylistically and thematically. It’s a thought-provoking, albeit disturbing exploration of human relationships, power, and manipulation.

In the end, Bad Timing hits a bullseye with its exploration of the darker facets of romantic relationships set in a thoughtfully crafted environment oozing mystery and disquiet. If you're looking for a movie that's bold and doesn't conform to typical Hollywood tropes, Bad Timing is worth a watch. Just be ready: this is a film that will keep you thinking long after the end credits roll.

In conclusion, Bad Timing is a multilayered psychological drama that powerfully exhibits intricate characters, intense performances, and an enigmatically haunting narrative. It is truly prime Nicolas Roeg, showcasing his fearless penchant for visually shocking and mentally stimulating storytelling. This film is a must-watch for any serious cinema aficionado who values challenging narratives, powerful performances, and a cinematic style that blurs the lines of conventional storytelling.