The Time Being

The Time Being is a thoughtful and metamorphic 2012 drama that masterfully blends themes of art, family, ambition, and mystery. This film stars household names such as three-time Tony Award winner Frank Langella, Wes Bentley, who shot to fame through American Beauty, and the critically acclaimed Sarah Paulson.

The film navigates the complex relationship between youth and aging, mentorship and manipulation, while effectively questioning the price one pays for the pursuit of artistry. It weaves a riveting narrative that keeps you engrossed from the opening scene to the closing credits.

The story revolves around a talented young artist and painter, Daniel (played by Wes Bentley), who is struggling to financially support his family through his artwork sales. As a devoted husband to his wife Olivia (Sarah Paulson) and a loving father to their young son Marco, Daniel is desperate to settle into a more stable and financially sound life to ensure a safe future for his family.

As Daniel struggles in his personal life, he's suddenly approached by an enigmatic millionaire named Warner Dax (played by Frank Langella). Warner, impressed by Daniel's talent, commissions him to carry out a series of seemingly innocuous and unrelated tasks, veiled as an experimental art project.

In an intriguing change of circumstances, the financially tight artist enters the recluse's opulent world and embarks on a mysterious journey chasing artistic dreams, dictated by Warner's peculiar and elusive requests. The audience gets to follow along as Daniel navigates this increasingly strange path, with Warner's intentions remaining unclear until the final act.

Frank Langella's seasoned acting handles the character of Warner with undeniable finesse. His nuanced performance as the peculiar yet charismatic impressario aids the narrative beautifully and provides a perfect canvas for Bentley's Daniel. Meanwhile, Wes Bentley plays the struggling emerging artist with emotional depth, capturing Daniel's artistic sensitivity and vulnerability with a heartrending honesty. And Sarah Paulson convincingly takes on the loving wife's role, adding more depth and humanity to our protagonist's journey.

The Time Being is not just a film, but a canvas that portrays art's different hues portrayed in metaphorical tones. The narrative unveils itself less like traditional storytelling and more like an art piece unfolding, echoing the central theme of artistic exploration. The spectacular cinematography capturing artistic visuals veritably breathes life into the film, further establishing the connection and tension between art and life that the screenplay delves into.

Director Nenad Cicin-Sain, who also co-wrote the screenplay with Richard N. Gladstein, has referred to their collaborative process as a “dialogue about art”. The narrative's layered tonality, contemplating the creative process, the personal sacrifices it necessitates, and the question of if and how far to push the boundaries for artistic greatness, emerges from this dialogue beautifully. They weave a sophisticated tapestry of ambition, artistic obsession, and personal cost, further complemented by a haunting score that adds an emotional resonance to the overall narrative.

This film is a visual and emotional exploration, blooming with stunning imagery, thought-provoking conversations, and insightful observations into the life of artists. It stands out as a creative endeavor that paints the struggles and tension of the creative process in broad strokes.

In essence, The Time Being serves as a contemplative cinema piece that seamlessly brings together the performing arts. It offers a deep dive into the world of artistry through a narrative that keeps the viewer guessing till the end. The central performances, impressive storyline, and striking visuals collaboratively create an intriguing piece that lingers and provokes thoughts long after the credit roll. It skillfully unravels themes of art, ambition, manipulation, and mystique, leaving audiences with a greater appreciation and curiosity for the art world and its inhabitants.

Whether you're a seasoned cinema-goer or an appreciator of art, The Time Being, with its eloquent and thought-provoking storytelling, is a must-watch for anyone seeking a slice of profound and poignant cinema.