‘Bad Timing’ features Art Garfunkel answering tough questions about lover’s death

Nicolas Roeg’s Bad Timing, preserved by the Criterion Collection, features Art Garfunkel as Alex Linden, a professor who needs to answer some serious questions about his lover, Milena Flaherty (Theresa Russell), who has been rushed to the hospital and is near death. The inspector with the questions, played by Harvey Keitel, doesn’t seem satisfied with Alex’s answers, so much so that he makes the man repeat the details of his relationship with Milena over and over again. Bad Timing continues with numerous flashbacks, all intended to recreate the woman’s life and figure out whether a crime has been committed.

Roeg, who went on to make many important films, lenses the story with a characteristic style that simultaneously engages and unsettles. He never lets Alex off the hook; although the professor seems like a nice enough guy, we’re not sure of his true intentions. His relationship with Milena starts off as kisses and gushes, and then it turns toxic and abusive.

Garfunkel and Russell’s performances are interesting, although it’s difficult to completely buy into their respective characters. Their feelings in the roles of Alex and Milena are so detached, so laconic that the performances can feel wooden and somewhat fake. There’s never a single instance when the actors trip up with their words or emotions; it’s more that the totality of the performances can’t seem to keep the audience interested in the action. The relationship is so subdued that it can be quite dull.

Keitel, on the other hand, finds just the right balance for his police inspector. This is likely due to his established film career and ability to display layers beneath his dialogue. The police official gives off an aura of omnipotence and cunning when dealing with Alex, but also a sense of genuine protection for Milena’s memory.

Roeg, working off a script from Yale Udoff, knows how to keep Bad Timing interesting enough that the movie never grows stale. There’s a real wonder at what actually transpired between Alex and Milena, even if the characters themselves are found a little lacking.

By John Soltes / Publisher / John@HollywoodSoapbox.com

• Bad Timing

• 1980

• Directed by Nicolas Roge

• Written by Yale Udoff

• Starring Art Garfunkel, Theresa Russell and Harvey Kietel

• Running time: 123 minutes

• Rated R

• Rating: