Nine 1/2 Minutes (2002)

Directors:

Josh Appignanesi
Misha Manson-Smith

Writers:

Josh Appignanesi (writer)
Misha Manson-Smith (writer)

Release Date:

1 December 2002 (UK)

Genre:

Short | Romance

Plot:

A couple meet on a blind date and go from introduction, seduction, relationship, boredom, to break up - in 9 1/2 minutes. |

Plot Keywords:

Number In Title

Cast

David Tennant	...	Charlie
Zoe Telford	...	Heather
Marcus Markou	...	Popcorn seller
Félicité Du Jeu	...	Saskia

Also Known As:

Nine and a Half Minutes (UK) (alternative spelling)

Runtime:

10 min

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Filming Locations:

London, England, UK

Company:

Mercenary Films Ltd.

Speed dating, 21st Century style: Spoilers Possible

May contain spoilers. A few of the perils of the blind date are explored in this interesting and rather surreal comedy. The female character is smug, successful, controlling and domineering and comes to the date with an agenda. Her would-be swain is played by the divine David Tennant in a camel corduroy jacket, so I adored him on sight. Charlie is a less driven personality than she, presenting as someone who is uncomplicated, amusing, ordinarily intelligent, not as risk-averse as she seems to be and perfectly aware that he is being played like a trout on a line. He seems a nice bloke. Rather than wasting her valuable time, finding out the usual way if they are going to be compatible, she suggests that - on this first date- they play out scenarios of what may transpire in their relationship over the next three months. In about 9 minutes, they learn something about each other. What is revealed is often less evident than what is kept hidden. In rapid succession,they go to the movies; they 'get to the sex', but in a G Rated sort of way, for viewers who need to know about this; they break up; they encounter each other again in passing. This film is a quirky little conceit that could fall flat on its face and nearly does once or twice. But it's saved by excellent comic timing and sharp performances from the two leads. It's only fair to give the writer, director and editor some share of the kudos too. Like all good comedies, there is a sting in the tail. Or is there? Watch it and see what you think!

Well worth spending time on this one.