Stimulating Reflections Through Cinematic Adventures

Read Time:3 Minute, 19 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Once Within a Time
–

Genre: Comedy, Fantasy
Year Released: 2022, 2023 Oscilloscope theatrical
Runtime: 52m
Director(s): Godfrey Reggio, Jon Kane
Writer(s): Godfrey Reggio
Cast: Mike Tyson, Tara Khozein, Apollo Garcia Orellana, Brian Belott, John Flax, Sussan Deyhim, Miriam Kramer
Where To Watch: Opens in New York on October 13, 2023, at the IFC Center, and in Los Angeles on October 20 at Braindead Studios; for additional showtimes near you, check here www.oncewithinatime.oscilloscope.net

RAVING REVIEW: Embark on a journey where mythical history and today’s technological era coalesce into a visually stunning narrative; ONCE WITHIN A TIME stands as a testament to the innovative prowess of its creators, Godfrey Reggio and Jon Kane. This cinematic marvel does not merely narrate but rather envelops its viewers in a rich tapestry of symbolism and visual artistry, blending the charmingly familiar with the wildly fantastical. With a stimulating auditory landscape and a visual panorama that nudges reflection and wonder alike, this film elegantly intertwines the whimsical and the dire, offering an experience that is as intellectually invigorating as a visual delight.

This film will be something that even those experienced with Reggio’s work won’t be expecting what we get here. Step into a world where your sensory perceptions are kindled and caressed, and wolves harmonize serenades to an obelisk-like phone amidst a desolate terrain. ONCE WITHIN A TIME anchors its remarkable visuals as potent moments for introspective deliberation, fashioning an ambiance that captivates and mentally stimulates. Each frame is an invitation to immerse oneself into a dreamscape, a delicate balance between the enchantingly light-hearted and the ominous undertones of an apocalyptic future. If this is how all “art” films were made, I would be a HUGE fan of the genre.

We are ushered through biblical tales and classic narratives and encounters with entities that echo primal figures while resonating with the dread-inspiring presence of tyrants. ONCE WITHIN A TIME, conducts a symphony of insane proportions, creating and destroying worlds in a dance of demise and rebirth, all encapsulated within a brief 52-minute visual masterpiece.

Navigating through this tapestry, ONCE WITHIN A TIME, regardless of its occasionally cryptic communicative intent, relentlessly seizes the audience’s attention, unleashing a wave of visuals and sounds that spawn thought and excite the senses. The film unfolds a reflective expedition through ancient and modern times. It refrains from simply offering its visual and thematic elements to viewers on a silver platter; instead, it throws them into a sea of vibrant engagement, stimulating them to navigate through myriad scenes and sequences that incite contemplation and emotional resonance. You have to and want to think deeper on every scene, even when you subconsciously don’t realize it.

With an expansive collection of astonishing visuals, deeply resonant symbols, and a compelling musical score, ONCE WITHIN A TIME masterfully weaves together threads of the past and future, crafting a cinematic mosaic that simultaneously pays homage to the golden era of cinema while peering discerningly into the impending evolutions of society and technology.

For more reviews, please visit – https://linktr.ee/Overlyhonestmoviereviews for more info.

Follow me on Letterboxd, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube. Find my social media accounts on most platforms simply by searching Overly Honest Movie Reviews.

I’m always happy to hear from my readers; please say hi or send me any questions about movies.

[photo courtesy of OSCILLOSCOPE LABORATORIES]

MY SAG-AFTRA STRIKE STATEMENT:
As an advocate for creators, actors, and writers, I firmly stand with SAG-AFTRA in their current strike. The entertainment industry is built on these individuals’ extraordinary talents, and their contributions must be appropriately recognized and rewarded. They deserve fair compensation, sensible work hours, and respect for their creative rights. I believe in the power of unity and collective action, and I’m steadfast in my support for their fight for better working conditions and fair remuneration. Together, we can shape a more equitable future in the entertainment world.

#SAGAFTRA #SAGAFTRAStrong