Year: 1965
Runtime: 9 mins
Language: English
The nine‑minute experimental film explores dislocation in time, rhythmic time signatures, the philosophical nature of time, and humanity’s slavery to it. Written, directed and produced by Jim Henson, it premiered at the Museum of Modern Art in May 1965, ran for eighteen months at a Manhattan theater, and earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Live‑Action Short Film.
Get a spoiler-free look at Time Piece (1965) with a clear plot overview that covers the setting, main characters, and story premise—without revealing key twists or the ending. Perfect for deciding if this film is your next watch.
In a stark hospital room, a lone figure lies on a thin sheet, his only utterance a plaintive cry that reverberates through the emptiness. This recurring plea anchors an experimental meditation on the relentless march of time, inviting the audience to feel every heartbeat as a pulse that drives the film’s kinetic rhythm. The man, portrayed by Jim Henson, becomes a conduit for a day that refuses to settle, a day stretched and compressed by a visual metronome that never pauses.
The film erupts from that stillness into a dizzying montage of everyday scenes and surreal interludes, each cut ticking like a musical note. Ordinary rituals—crossing bustling streets, navigating office corridors, sharing a quiet dinner with his partner, Enid Cafritz—blend seamlessly with moments of fantastical excess, from circus‑like street performers to dimly lit venues where fantasy and reality swirl together. The ever‑shifting backdrop is less a concrete setting than a fluid landscape where urban clamor, forest hush, and dream‑like tableaux coexist, all bound by the same relentless tempo.
Visually, the piece is a kaleidoscopic tapestry of rapid cuts, bold colors, and repeating motifs that echo the film’s central obsession: the way humanity is tethered to the invisible drum of time. The soundtrack, layered with a rhythmic pentameter, reinforces the notion that every motion—whether a simple sigh or a frantic sprint—contributes to a larger, unseen composition. The mood oscillates between exhilarating energy and a hypnotic calm, urging viewers to contemplate how rhythm shapes perception.
Through its relentless pacing and lyrical abstraction, Time Piece offers more than a narrative; it presents an immersive experience that asks the audience to feel, rather than simply watch, the inexorable flow of moments. The film leaves a lingering question about the boundaries between motion and stillness, encouraging each viewer to consider how far they, too, are bound by the invisible beat of time.
Last Updated: December 04, 2025 at 23:41
Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.
Films that abandon linear narrative for a stream of hypnotic, symbolic imagery.If you enjoyed the experimental, non-linear style of Time Piece, you'll find similar films here. These movies use dreamlike logic, symbolic imagery, and collage-like editing to create a unique cinematic experience, often exploring themes of perception and consciousness.
Movies in this thread typically lack a conventional plot, instead unfolding through a series of interconnected or contrasting vignettes. The 'journey' is more associative and rhythmic, driven by visuals and sound rather than character goals or conflict resolution.
These films are grouped by their shared commitment to an avant-garde visual language. They create a similar viewing experience that is hypnotic, intellectually stimulating, and focused on the medium of film itself as a tool for pure expression.
Stories where characters are prisoners to relentless, unnerving schedules and cycles.Discover movies similar to Time Piece that capture the feeling of being enslaved by time and routine. These films often use fast pacing, repetitive structures, and a tense atmosphere to explore humanity's complicated relationship with clocks, deadlines, and societal expectations.
The narrative pattern often involves a character or system caught in a loop of duty, with attempts to break free leading to absurdity or failure. The conflict is between individual desire and the impersonal, grinding machinery of time or obligation.
They share a core theme of temporal anxiety and use cinematic techniques—like editing, sound, and pacing—to make the viewer feel the relentless pressure of the clock. The mood is a specific blend of playful absurdity and underlying existential dread.
Don't stop at just watching — explore Time Piece in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Time Piece is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.
Read a complete plot summary of Time Piece, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.
Track the full timeline of Time Piece with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.
Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Time Piece. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.
Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Time Piece: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.
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