Time Out (L' Emploi du temps) Reviews

engaging character study that probes far deeper than American films dare tread

Full Review | Original Score: B

Laurent Cantet's sophomore film, a brilliant character study of the impact of unemployment on one ordinary man's life and personality, places him at the forefront of a new generation of exciting Gallic directors.

Full Review | Original Score: A

Cantet takes his time, letting us become almost comfortable in Vincent's presence, then shocking us with the audacity of his lies.

Full Review | Original Score: A-

A nonviolent yet tragic tale of job alienation and self-worth.

Full Review | Original Score: 3.5/4

Time Out ... manage[s] to remain compelling for all of its austerity and simplicity, acknowledging a strong performance by Recoing ...

Full Review | Original Score: B

Here's a sleepy little treasure folks! Veteran French stage actor, Aurélien Recoing, looms in the film. He is at once foreboding and inviting.

Full Review | Original Score: 4/4

A fascinating, unique exploration of the nature of work.

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An intriguing character study and a meditation on the psychology of work and the nature of scams.

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From a deceptively simple premise, this deeply moving French drama develops a startling story that works both as a detailed personal portrait and as a rather frightening examination of modern times.

Full Review | Original Score: 4/5

Quiet and slow-paced, as all the finest French films are, Time Out modestly redefines the psychological thriller.

Full Review | Original Score: 3.5/5

Locked out, by choice or chance, Vincent strikes a profound chord in this startling, evocative film.

Full Review | Original Score: 3.5/4

This film may not restore one's confidence in global capitalism and how it shapes human relations, but for a tonic to restore one's faith in cinema art in a period of diminishing rewards it should not be missed.

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Paced like a Chabrol film and just as riveting.

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Consistently interesting, often moving, anchored by a nuanced performance by Recoing

Full Review | Original Score: B+

The movie could have toppled easily without a strong lead actor, and fortunately, Vincent's inner turmoil is entirely convincing, thanks to Recoing's subtle turn.

Full Review | Original Score: 3/4

Time Out is as serious as a pink slip. And more than that, it's an observant, unfussily poetic meditation about identity and alienation.

| Original Score: 4/5

Cantet perfectly captures the hotel lobbies, two-lane highways, and roadside cafes that permeate Vincent's days

| Original Score: 3.5/4

Time Out is deep and delicious, growing more and more intriguing with each passing scene.

Full Review | Original Score: 3/4

a powerful look at how surprisingly fragile an ordinary life can be.

Full Review | Original Score: 3/4

It is the kind of fine, original work that critics and discriminating filmgoers applaud.

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