Here in the land of the free and the home of "sex is worse than violence," the MPAA reviews and rates every single movie that gets a wide release, thereby ensuring that little Timmy will never be subjected to the unimaginable horror of seeing a single female nipple floating amidst a sea of simulated carnage. Across the pond, they have a similarly draconian organization called the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC), whose review process costs filmmakers the equivalent of $9 per minute of footage. This is a particular problem for independent filmmakers like Charlie Lyne, who doesn't just have $1,300 to toss around when he has to pay his staff in whatever the fancy British equivalent of Monopoly money is. Britty Bucks? To stand up to this tyranny, Lyne took to Kickstarter. Now, you're probably thinking that he did so in order to raise the funds to get one of his films rated, and in a way you'd be right... but this was not just any film. See, Lyne promised that for every nine dollars and change he raised, he'd submit footage of another minute of paint drying to the BBFC. He raised enough to force the stuffy British censorship authority to dutifully sit through around 10 hours of white paint drying on a brick wall. The board assigned the imaginatively titled Paint Drying a U rating (the equivalent of a G here in the United States) before notifying Peter Jackson that his record had been broken.
65 Reviews
A masterpiece
sofia_stenroos29 March 2021
Best 10 hours of my life.
IsaacAuzzy31 March 2018
Warning: Spoilers
This documentary flawed me. Going in I thought it would be boring, but It was the complete opposite. I often looked at the screen in total shock in how meticulously crafted the set design was. I don't really feel the need to bring up the directing but I'm going to anyway. The way Charlie Lyne handles the camera with such precision, you can tell not a single frame was waisted. I can safely say that this might be the best movie ever created, and that It will be a modern classic. I will be sure to watch it again as soon as possible and share it to all my friends and family. Would recommend with out hesitation.
9/10, too fast paced, but overall pretty good!
arestrash13 December 2022
9/10, too fast paced, but overall pretty good!
I think the plot moved too fast in the second act, it would be great if they applied more layers to the plot before the last act, it would helped the film to develop a better color pallet and with that cause a more durable effect.
But it was the first film of this kind, I hope they continue with this series, I always wanted to watch concrete curing in real time, or maybe in an epic about continents drifting!
Keep the good work, I eager for the sequence!!! I'll watch now in 0,25x to find Easter eggs and create an Youtube video about the details!
I think the plot moved too fast in the second act, it would be great if they applied more layers to the plot before the last act, it would helped the film to develop a better color pallet and with that cause a more durable effect.
But it was the first film of this kind, I hope they continue with this series, I always wanted to watch concrete curing in real time, or maybe in an epic about continents drifting!
Keep the good work, I eager for the sequence!!! I'll watch now in 0,25x to find Easter eggs and create an Youtube video about the details!
A brilliant satire!
azren-delmare5 November 2016
While some might balk at the 10 hour run time, I can wholeheartedly say that it is completely worth the time. It is especially valuable for those who are in, or are considering entering, the field of politics; the patience required to truly appreciate this work will prepare you for the drudge of your chosen career.
Those who *can* appreciate the brilliance of "Paint Drying" will find it extremely fulfilling, and an incredible satire on modern filmmaking; the drying paint is symbolic of how after the exciting parts (the painting equaling the writing, acting, etc.), everyone involved in the production must sit through the meticulous post-filming processes (editing, sfx, etc), which can take a seemingly interminable amount of time.
I won't spoil the ending, but suffice to say, it was a satisfying conclusion to the hours I had spent on the edge of my seat, with my eyes glued to the screen.
(Also, Charlie Lyne is amazing for this beautiful joke!)
Those who *can* appreciate the brilliance of "Paint Drying" will find it extremely fulfilling, and an incredible satire on modern filmmaking; the drying paint is symbolic of how after the exciting parts (the painting equaling the writing, acting, etc.), everyone involved in the production must sit through the meticulous post-filming processes (editing, sfx, etc), which can take a seemingly interminable amount of time.
I won't spoil the ending, but suffice to say, it was a satisfying conclusion to the hours I had spent on the edge of my seat, with my eyes glued to the screen.
(Also, Charlie Lyne is amazing for this beautiful joke!)
It's like watching paint dry
mwhitcombe-222-8253524 November 2016
Warning: Spoilers
For some hours, the film does progress quite slowly, however the plot does thicken. As it rolls on, a brush of irony should be noticed.
Towards the end, some dry humour is noticed.
The result is a cinematographic representation of the renewal of masonry with white paint, and I would say that the director was more than successful in portraying this in a consistent and factual way.
The only negative point regarding this film that springs to mind, is that it ends before we get to see the final result - at the end there are clearly some areas that have not dried completely. Despite this disappointment, I would still recommend adding this timeless classic to any home's film library.
Also notable is the lack of a "Caution: Wet Paint" sign.
In a few words, this film does exactly what it says on the tin.
Towards the end, some dry humour is noticed.
The result is a cinematographic representation of the renewal of masonry with white paint, and I would say that the director was more than successful in portraying this in a consistent and factual way.
The only negative point regarding this film that springs to mind, is that it ends before we get to see the final result - at the end there are clearly some areas that have not dried completely. Despite this disappointment, I would still recommend adding this timeless classic to any home's film library.
Also notable is the lack of a "Caution: Wet Paint" sign.
In a few words, this film does exactly what it says on the tin.
Absolutely Poetic.
viruboby22 October 2023
In the quiet corridors of contemporary cinema, where artistic brilliance often meets commercial constraints, "Paint Drying" emerges as a beacon of sheer brilliance. Director has meticulously woven a tapestry of emotions, aesthetics, and intellect, creating a cinematic masterpiece that defies conventional storytelling. Within its 120-minute runtime, the film effortlessly elevates cinema to the echelons of high art, leaving its audience awestruck and profoundly moved.
At its core, "Paint Drying" is a testament to the power of visual storytelling. From the very first frame, the audience is plunged into a mesmerizing world of color and light, where each scene is akin to a painting come to life. The cinematography, masterfully orchestrated, captures the nuances of human expression with unparalleled finesse. Every frame is pregnant with symbolism, every shot a stroke of genius. The film's visual allure is impossible to ignore; it seeps into your consciousness, leaving an indelible imprint that lingers long after the credits roll.
The narrative, although subtle, possesses an extraordinary depth. It meanders through the intricacies of the human experience, exploring themes of love, loss, and the indefatigable human spirit. The characters, brought to life by a stellar cast, breathe authenticity into the story. Their dialogues are sparse yet profound, and their emotions are conveyed through subtle glances and nuanced gestures. This minimalist approach to storytelling allows the audience to immerse themselves fully in the characters' world, forging a profound emotional connection.
What sets "Paint Drying" apart is its ability to seamlessly blend the visual and auditory elements into a harmonious symphony. The musical score, haunting and evocative, serves as the film's heartbeat. It punctuates the silence with its melancholic notes, enhancing the emotional resonance of each scene. The synergy between visuals and music creates an immersive experience, enveloping the audience in a cocoon of sensory delight.
Beyond its aesthetic brilliance, the film delves into the depths of the human psyche. It poses existential questions that linger in the air, challenging viewers to reflect on the very essence of their existence. The philosophical undercurrents are subtle yet thought-provoking, inviting introspection in the midst of visual splendor. "Paint Drying" is not merely a movie; it is a contemplative journey that stimulates the intellect and touches the soul.
In conclusion, "Paint Drying" is a triumph of artistic vision and storytelling prowess. It is a cinematic gem that invites viewers to experience the world through the lens of a true auteur. As the lights dim and the screen comes to life, this film transcends the boundaries of cinema, becoming a transcendent work of art that will be remembered for generations to come.
At its core, "Paint Drying" is a testament to the power of visual storytelling. From the very first frame, the audience is plunged into a mesmerizing world of color and light, where each scene is akin to a painting come to life. The cinematography, masterfully orchestrated, captures the nuances of human expression with unparalleled finesse. Every frame is pregnant with symbolism, every shot a stroke of genius. The film's visual allure is impossible to ignore; it seeps into your consciousness, leaving an indelible imprint that lingers long after the credits roll.
The narrative, although subtle, possesses an extraordinary depth. It meanders through the intricacies of the human experience, exploring themes of love, loss, and the indefatigable human spirit. The characters, brought to life by a stellar cast, breathe authenticity into the story. Their dialogues are sparse yet profound, and their emotions are conveyed through subtle glances and nuanced gestures. This minimalist approach to storytelling allows the audience to immerse themselves fully in the characters' world, forging a profound emotional connection.
What sets "Paint Drying" apart is its ability to seamlessly blend the visual and auditory elements into a harmonious symphony. The musical score, haunting and evocative, serves as the film's heartbeat. It punctuates the silence with its melancholic notes, enhancing the emotional resonance of each scene. The synergy between visuals and music creates an immersive experience, enveloping the audience in a cocoon of sensory delight.
Beyond its aesthetic brilliance, the film delves into the depths of the human psyche. It poses existential questions that linger in the air, challenging viewers to reflect on the very essence of their existence. The philosophical undercurrents are subtle yet thought-provoking, inviting introspection in the midst of visual splendor. "Paint Drying" is not merely a movie; it is a contemplative journey that stimulates the intellect and touches the soul.
In conclusion, "Paint Drying" is a triumph of artistic vision and storytelling prowess. It is a cinematic gem that invites viewers to experience the world through the lens of a true auteur. As the lights dim and the screen comes to life, this film transcends the boundaries of cinema, becoming a transcendent work of art that will be remembered for generations to come.
The Grandmaster of All Classics
Dicrostonyx16 October 2020
Such a vivid, compelling and a profound cinematic experience. The film does exactly what it promises while keeping the audience nailed to their seats. It follows a very traditional, chronological plot line and yet it manages to adduce something you've never seen before, something unheard of.
Sure, the film is a bit on the longer side and you might be thinking whether it's completely worth your time, which is a fair argument. But I promise you this; there isn't one second there which didn't have its timely place.
Pure perfection brought to life by the filmmaker mastermind Charlie Lynd. Definitely a name to be on the lookout for in the future.
Sure, the film is a bit on the longer side and you might be thinking whether it's completely worth your time, which is a fair argument. But I promise you this; there isn't one second there which didn't have its timely place.
Pure perfection brought to life by the filmmaker mastermind Charlie Lynd. Definitely a name to be on the lookout for in the future.
intriguing and captivating action packed like no other film
stilts-18 August 2023
Absolutely loved this film; it spoke to me and inspired me like no other film has. I would love to see a sequel or maybe even a prequel.
If you enjoy an action-packed, edge-of-your-seat film, this is the movie for you. The director did not hold back on this captivating adventure, full of mystery and suspense. This film will move you in ways you never thought possible.
With every layer of paint, it's like it's adding another piece to your soul and filling that empty part of yourself you had long forgotten about, bringing you back to that long-lost part of your inner self.
This film is one for the ages. I could not recommend it enough.
If you enjoy an action-packed, edge-of-your-seat film, this is the movie for you. The director did not hold back on this captivating adventure, full of mystery and suspense. This film will move you in ways you never thought possible.
With every layer of paint, it's like it's adding another piece to your soul and filling that empty part of yourself you had long forgotten about, bringing you back to that long-lost part of your inner self.
This film is one for the ages. I could not recommend it enough.
Forever changed me
maxbraddy6 January 2021
When I first saw this I thought "here we go, more Oscar bait with no substance" boy was I wrong. I laughed, I cried and thought about this long after the end.
The cinematography, actor and script came together beautifully to create a true artistic masterpiece.
Highly recommend
The cinematography, actor and script came together beautifully to create a true artistic masterpiece.
Highly recommend
Ingmar Bergman would have loved this film
jromanbaker29 May 2023
A stroke of genius and the plot really is there. Paint does dry, and if you watch closely you can see this happen, and now once the paint is dry the climax ! The paint has dried, or has it ? To watch closely again just to make sure. I hope the BBFC watched very closely and did their duty so that we, the audience do not get a glimpse of something nasty appearing. Bergman would have loved this, and it would have reminded him of ' Smiles of a Summer's Night ' and how in the 1950's the BBFC found a woman's nipple, which even Bergman did not know it was there. I think ( hope ) that the nipple has now been restored and I hope they have done their job in letting us glimpse it. Paint drying indeed-they trawled their way through it and what fun they must have had in cutting it off!! Sorry, out.
Does not explore the subject sufficiently.
Partnerfrankreich16 November 2022
Unlike most of the posters here, I feel that, despite the length of the film, which would normally provide a gifted director with the opportunity to explore this multifaceted subject to the fullest, Mr. Lynne failed to answer a number of fundamental questions.
OK, we are afforded the rare occasion to watch paint dry. Fair enough. But WHY does the paint dry? What is its motivation for drying? What inner struggles does it face in deciding whether to dry or not? What metaphysical conclusions are to be drawn from its drying? What theological consequences flow from its drying? Why is it that wet paint inevitably dries but, having dried, it can never return to its initial moist state without additional paint being applied? What does this tell us about the supposedly triumphant march of universal progress? Is this a subtle statement about the human condition? Are we all doomed to perpetual drying during our short stay on Earth?
Obviously, a sequel will be needed to deal with these issues. Humanity demands "Paint Drying - Part 2"!
OK, we are afforded the rare occasion to watch paint dry. Fair enough. But WHY does the paint dry? What is its motivation for drying? What inner struggles does it face in deciding whether to dry or not? What metaphysical conclusions are to be drawn from its drying? What theological consequences flow from its drying? Why is it that wet paint inevitably dries but, having dried, it can never return to its initial moist state without additional paint being applied? What does this tell us about the supposedly triumphant march of universal progress? Is this a subtle statement about the human condition? Are we all doomed to perpetual drying during our short stay on Earth?
Obviously, a sequel will be needed to deal with these issues. Humanity demands "Paint Drying - Part 2"!
Absolute Masterprice
niewidzialnarekarynku27 December 2020
Best Movie Ever
margonzalezz11 November 2019
Paint drying is one of the most thrilling fantasy movies out there you will not find any better movie out there it has so much plot development and all the characters are all so likable it will break your heart to see them dry by the end of the movie you will question your existence
Not historically accurate - all White paint
hersheybenjamin15 July 2023
This film was mostly well done but the casting is 100% White paint. No Black paint at all. This is problematic because historically a lot of paint that dried has been Black. This film does not represent history. This is deeply concerning seeing as Black paint is readily available and just as high quality as White paint, and there was no reason to choose all White paint. Disappointing.
I hoped that this was a simple oversight and not intentional bias, but when I reached out to the "behind the scenes" crew regarding this issue it was like talking to a brick wall. Sadly this is what I've come to expect from modern productions. Otherwise the film was good.
I hoped that this was a simple oversight and not intentional bias, but when I reached out to the "behind the scenes" crew regarding this issue it was like talking to a brick wall. Sadly this is what I've come to expect from modern productions. Otherwise the film was good.
Just saw it in IMAX 3D!!!!!
maxrosen-9310830 November 2023
Warning: Spoilers
Omg, Paint Drying in IMAX 3D was SO much better than the original theatrical release! I've seen this misunderstood epic five or six times before, but never got the full impact - or fully understood the ending - until now. THANK YOU to the Smithsonian Institution and Louis Vuitton for sponsoring this mind blowing visual feast!
My ONE complaint is that this was merely the ten hour version, and not the fabled Director's Cut with an additional six hours of deleted scenes.
One can only hope genius director Charlie Shackleton receive funding to complete his new work, Grass Growing, very soon. Cheerio!
My ONE complaint is that this was merely the ten hour version, and not the fabled Director's Cut with an additional six hours of deleted scenes.
One can only hope genius director Charlie Shackleton receive funding to complete his new work, Grass Growing, very soon. Cheerio!
This movie changed me spiritually.
Blue42069idk23 July 2023
Oh boy, where do I even begin with "Paintstravaganza"? This movie is an absolute rollercoaster of emotions. By emotions, I mean there's a deep and meaningful connection with boredom, tedium, and existential contemplation!
The plot of this artistic masterpiece revolves around a riveting story of paint drying on a wall for a solid 10 hours. Yes, you heard that right - 10 hours of pure, unadulterated paint-drying action! The plot twists are as subtle as the color shifts in the paint - blink and you'll miss it!
This movie was able to take what I believe and change me spiritually.
I laughed, I cried, this movie made me truly understand what the meaning to life was and I was able to finally understand what mans greatest wonders are, and truly realize our purpose in this world we live in. -Blue.
The plot of this artistic masterpiece revolves around a riveting story of paint drying on a wall for a solid 10 hours. Yes, you heard that right - 10 hours of pure, unadulterated paint-drying action! The plot twists are as subtle as the color shifts in the paint - blink and you'll miss it!
This movie was able to take what I believe and change me spiritually.
I laughed, I cried, this movie made me truly understand what the meaning to life was and I was able to finally understand what mans greatest wonders are, and truly realize our purpose in this world we live in. -Blue.
Rivals Shakespeare and Scorsese
randomguy-4809726 April 2022
The title says it all. I first watched this movie as a joke because I saw a post on it on instagram. But within the first minute of watching the film, I knew I would never be the same. The dialogue, the cinematography, the set design, everything just works together perfectly to create a film that will never be topped. I am lucky this came out in my life time and I feel truly sorry for the billions of people who could not see this in theirs.
Too long very slow moving
wallacewainhouse-6826231 May 2020
Warning: Spoilers
My first issue with this movie is that there is a spoiler in the title, if it had a different title I would give 3 out of ten. It started off great but after about an hour it was pretty obvious what was going to happen, although it's better than most movies out there I really didn't enjoy it. I might give it another watch in case I missed something first time around
Words can't explain how good this was
turtleseven11 October 2019
Absolutely Stunning!
ian_saynor26 May 2021
This movie delivered everything you would expect from a film about paint drying! It delivered in spades. The level of detail put into the film production is second to none. I started to zone out at about 7 hours 15, but they soon picked up the pace and got back on with the action!
Life-changing
frey-2182520 July 2022
Warning: Spoilers
I will admit, I initially did not have high hopes for Paint Drying. I expected that, like so many movies of the modern age, it would be yet another formulaic cookie-cutter movie following the same structure and same plot as all the rest, designed to appeal to the masses and nothing more, prioritising marketability and popularity over character development and artistry. I am glad to say that I have never been more wrong.
From the moment I sat down to watch this movie, I knew it was something special. The opening caught my attention in a way that few movies ever have, and I was hooked from the very first second. From there, I was taken on a journey unlike any other. I felt the epic highs and lows of the paint drying, and found myself utterly immersed in every frame. It was exquisitely detailed, beautifully filmed, and, I confess, highly emotionally charged, bringing a tear to my eye once or twice as I realised the sheer splendour of a life so different to my own. Indeed, I found myself beginning to empathise with both paint and wall as the film began to broaden my mind and open me up to new perspectives and mindsets.
Prior to being edited, the Wikipedia article for this movie summarised the plot in two simple words: 'it dries.' But I think that anyone who's seen this movie can agree that it does much more than that. It begins; it ends. It laughs, it cries. It lives, it dies. It starts off wet, and then, yes, it dries. And yet it is not the drying of the paint but how we got there; the highs and lows of the process, a process which we, too, have undergone, as we become part of it and make the journey with it.
I can say very assuredly that this film changed my life. For that reason, it is not for the faint of heart or weak of conviction. If you cannot handle your worldview being questioned and reshaped by what may be the most transformative work since the 1996 Doctor Who TV Movie, this is not for you. Feel free to save yourself some time and watch Avengers: Endgame, and leave with your perceptions unaltered and your mind pleasantly blank, silent but for the sound a single potato makes as it rotates in a microwave (the potato in this case is your brain). But for those of us who wish to break free from the needless convention of society, those who seek individuality, truth, and meaning, I cannot recommend this film enough. Since its release, I have been using this film to weed out potential romantic partners by seeing who was able to make the commitment of watching it in one full sitting; only one man could, and we will celebrate our 15th anniversary on Saturday (note: we are aware that the movie was only released 6 years ago, and as such it is implausible that we've been married for 15 years, but, thanks to its incredible power of changing perspectives, multiple consecutive viewings have allowed us both to break free from the bindings of linear time; yet another reason to watch the movie). It was masterfully executed, and, should the director wish to release a sequel, he would have my full support and endorsement.
From the moment I sat down to watch this movie, I knew it was something special. The opening caught my attention in a way that few movies ever have, and I was hooked from the very first second. From there, I was taken on a journey unlike any other. I felt the epic highs and lows of the paint drying, and found myself utterly immersed in every frame. It was exquisitely detailed, beautifully filmed, and, I confess, highly emotionally charged, bringing a tear to my eye once or twice as I realised the sheer splendour of a life so different to my own. Indeed, I found myself beginning to empathise with both paint and wall as the film began to broaden my mind and open me up to new perspectives and mindsets.
Prior to being edited, the Wikipedia article for this movie summarised the plot in two simple words: 'it dries.' But I think that anyone who's seen this movie can agree that it does much more than that. It begins; it ends. It laughs, it cries. It lives, it dies. It starts off wet, and then, yes, it dries. And yet it is not the drying of the paint but how we got there; the highs and lows of the process, a process which we, too, have undergone, as we become part of it and make the journey with it.
I can say very assuredly that this film changed my life. For that reason, it is not for the faint of heart or weak of conviction. If you cannot handle your worldview being questioned and reshaped by what may be the most transformative work since the 1996 Doctor Who TV Movie, this is not for you. Feel free to save yourself some time and watch Avengers: Endgame, and leave with your perceptions unaltered and your mind pleasantly blank, silent but for the sound a single potato makes as it rotates in a microwave (the potato in this case is your brain). But for those of us who wish to break free from the needless convention of society, those who seek individuality, truth, and meaning, I cannot recommend this film enough. Since its release, I have been using this film to weed out potential romantic partners by seeing who was able to make the commitment of watching it in one full sitting; only one man could, and we will celebrate our 15th anniversary on Saturday (note: we are aware that the movie was only released 6 years ago, and as such it is implausible that we've been married for 15 years, but, thanks to its incredible power of changing perspectives, multiple consecutive viewings have allowed us both to break free from the bindings of linear time; yet another reason to watch the movie). It was masterfully executed, and, should the director wish to release a sequel, he would have my full support and endorsement.
See also
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