Although the title of the film is somewhat reminiscent of the crime and romance film 'Speed', and the film starts with a car chase, and the viewer is constantly being reminded of the fast pace of life in the French capital, the unfolding of the story is much more reminiscent of 'À bout de souffle', especially as it is set in the same city. 'Tempo' does not achieve the brilliance of that French film, but it does not attempt to copy it. It sets a love triangle as the focal point of the story, and adds in some more criminal characters to enhance the difficulties that they main characters find themselves in.
After a cursory introduction to the three main characters in the car chase scene, the storytelling returns to eight days previously in order to relate the tale in its proper chronological sequence. The viewer is then introduced properly to Sarah, an insecure woman who is to a surprising degree likable despite her flaws, and Jack, who seems far too young for the relationship, but we learn more about the complexities as the film progresses. Melanie Griffith's portrayal of Sarah with her vulnerability and her positive attitude is the highlight of the film, but Hugh Dancy manages to make Jack's character very believable even with his increasing indecisiveness.
When Jack meets Jenny, they seem to fit together better, but Jack's love for Sarah lingers on. Jenny, played by Rachael Leigh Cook, is an intelligent young woman on her own in a far-off land, and falls in love as many young women in such a situation are wont to do. This mixture of intelligence and naivety is very similar to Jean Seberg's character in 'À bout de souffle', but Jenny is a far more down-to-earth person. Furthermore, Jack is an unassuming character, quite unlike Jean-Paul Belmondo's character in that film. The result is a sweet romance with the background of crime and another woman.
The fast traffic graphics which appeared now and then during the film were an unnecessary distraction. The photography was not the best feature, either.
The ending was surprising, dramatic and logical everything that you could wish, in fact.
The film combines a love story and a crime story much better than many more highly rated films.
After a cursory introduction to the three main characters in the car chase scene, the storytelling returns to eight days previously in order to relate the tale in its proper chronological sequence. The viewer is then introduced properly to Sarah, an insecure woman who is to a surprising degree likable despite her flaws, and Jack, who seems far too young for the relationship, but we learn more about the complexities as the film progresses. Melanie Griffith's portrayal of Sarah with her vulnerability and her positive attitude is the highlight of the film, but Hugh Dancy manages to make Jack's character very believable even with his increasing indecisiveness.
When Jack meets Jenny, they seem to fit together better, but Jack's love for Sarah lingers on. Jenny, played by Rachael Leigh Cook, is an intelligent young woman on her own in a far-off land, and falls in love as many young women in such a situation are wont to do. This mixture of intelligence and naivety is very similar to Jean Seberg's character in 'À bout de souffle', but Jenny is a far more down-to-earth person. Furthermore, Jack is an unassuming character, quite unlike Jean-Paul Belmondo's character in that film. The result is a sweet romance with the background of crime and another woman.
The fast traffic graphics which appeared now and then during the film were an unnecessary distraction. The photography was not the best feature, either.
The ending was surprising, dramatic and logical everything that you could wish, in fact.
The film combines a love story and a crime story much better than many more highly rated films.