Credits: Article and images by Joshua Munchow @ Quill & Pad. See the original article here - https://quillandpad.com/2023/12/31/making-time-film-a-cinephile-review-by-a-watch-lover-reprise/
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Another massive theme on display throughout Making Time: is the idea of legacy and that of second chances. Dufour is the most obvious example, but Hodge, Ballouard, Cox, and Büsser all show how creating a legacy is a driving factor, even if that legacy may not be identical for any of them. Büsser, Hodge, and Ballouard also demonstrate how important family is to that legacy, with Ballouard and Büsser finding their peace thanks to the family they build, and Hodge following his passions with the support of the family he’s always known.
Deeper consideration
For every subject of Making Time, it is true that there is a deep consideration of time as a concept and how it plays into their lives from five different vantage points. Even then, similar conclusions seem to have been reached by each individual, some universal truths that help to drive what they do.
That truth?
One day, I will die.
It manifests differently for each person but the reality and understanding of this inescapable fact causes them to focus on living their life well with love, patience, and passion. It drives them to create something incredible to be left after they are gone. Whether it be watches, skills, art, or their own family, each grasps how important it is to be able to say, “I was here, and I lived.”
You probably wouldn’t have expected a documentary about horologists to be so existential, but this is precisely why this is a human documentary that just so happens to be loosely centered on this industry that so many love. Yet it makes sense: ever since my very first Baselworld I understood that the core of watchmaking is people, not the watches. Watches are just a shared passion and a focus for our creative output that brings us together. But what makes the industry what it is are the people.
Interestingly, it is that idea that I believe helps to make this documentary so great at establishing a relationship between the audience and the subjects. Bordering on a parasocial relationship, by the end of the film there is a sense that we know these people. It could be simply thanks to a genuine and honest depiction of who these people are and a glimpse into their thoughts in ways I would never get by covering the work that they do.
I might also be feeling a bit more of a connection since I know Max Büsser and Philippe Dufour beyond a passing introduction. Having spent time talking, eating, and laughing, this documentary provided a window into their lives in a different way than I might have ever experienced. Knowing Ludovic Ballouard only in passing, without having had much time for more than basic pleasantries since I don’t speak French, Making Time allows me to understand who he is that would otherwise be hard due to the language barrier.
Aldis Hodge is the best example of a parasocial relationship as I am very aware of who he is and his work, have friends and colleagues that work with him, even are friends, yet I have never had the pleasure of meeting him. I’m sure we would have a lot to talk about, being Americans and outsiders to the industry, both with a passion and desire to build our own watches, but he with a massive public profile while I look on from the sidelines.
After watching Making Time a few times, I am left with one overarching feeling: hope. I saw the highs and lows of these people presented in such a way to both empathize with and be inspired by who they are and what they have to share. As I mentioned, it has reignited the spark of creativity and passion to pursue my ideas and create the life I want to create.
It was fitting that it ended with Jean-Claude Biver defining success as he did, tying all the different threads together, allowing us to take it and run with it. Making Time is not for watch lovers, it is not for engineers or horologists, and it is not for proud Swiss citizens.
Making Time is for people who love life. It reminds us through five different stories that we all have so much life to live, so much passion to explore, love to experience, and that we don’t know how much time we have left so we should just get on with it.
I definitely was not expecting such a moving reflection of the human condition, but it just goes to show that the best documentaries are really just mirrors of ourselves.
Distribution
Making Time screened in Canadian cinemas in February 2023 followed by Canadian TV. It has also been broadcast by NHK Japan and is due on Swiss TV in 2024. Hopeflly more markets will follow.
Making Time is also available to stream or download. It was filmed for the cinema, so you will be rewarded by watching it on the largest screen you can.
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Making-Time-Philippe-Dufour/dp/B0B8T88DRM/ref=sr_1_1?crid=25HJSSYAJT9MC
iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/movie/making-time/id1653458979?ls=1
Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/ondemand/makingtime
Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/movies/details?id=4x3KQg4ZwaY.P&sticky_source_country=US&gl=US&hl=en
Journeyman Pictures: https://www.journeyman.tv/film/8365/making-time
For more information, a preview clip, streaming links and latest news, please visit https://makingtime.film/.
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Credits: Article and images by Joshua Munchow @ Quill & Pad. See the original article here - https://quillandpad.com/2023/12/31/making-time-film-a-cinephile-review-by-a-watch-lover-reprise/