Bad Timing (1980)

Introduction
Released in 1980, "Bad Timing" is a British mental thriller directed by Nicolas Roeg, understood for his unconventional narrative structure. The movie starred Art Garfunkel, Theresa Russell, Harvey Keitel, and Denholm Elliott. The story is a tale of a harmful love relationship set in the middle of the unique and psychological landscapes of Vienna.

Plot and Characters
The film informs the story of Alex Linden (Art Garfunkel), an American psychiatrist living in Vienna, who becomes romantically included with an enigmatic lady named Milena Flaherty (Theresa Russell). Their relationship progresses through characteristics of adjustment, fixation, and power play. Alex's analytical structure of fixation with Milena's free-spirited nature forms the core narrative of this twisted love story.

The Twisted Narrative
"Bad Timing" is defined by a non-linear story, where past and present mix into each other, try outs colors, importance, and intense sensual scenes. Alex's obsession with Milena takes a dangerous turn when he unsuccessfully attempts to control her hedonistic lifestyle. This culminates in a scene of Milena overdosing and Alex hesitating to call for help, which eventually causes her hospitalization.

Detective Inspector Netusil (Harvey Keitel) investigates the case, unravelling the secret of the deeply struggling relationship in between Alex and Milena. The film makes extensive usage of flashbacks and juxtapositions, moving between different stages of their relationship to reveal their dark sides.

Through sprinkled scenes, we learn that Milena is in a failing marriage with Stefan (Denholm Elliott), pushing her towards random sexual encounters and alcohol, looking for freedom.

Themes and Reception
"Bad Timing" treads through themes like sadomasochism, emotional adjustment, obsession, and existential distress. Nicolas Roeg's portrayal of the characters, their dispute, emotions, struggle, and the intricacy of inspiration had actually made a few of the scenes challenging for audiences back then.

Upon its initial release, the film got mixed reviews however for many years, it has actually been critically well-known for its distinct design, intense performances, and progressive narrative. It's thought about a timeless example of Roeg's filmmaking design, planting elements of mental intrigue and visual attraction that was deemed ahead of its time and typically referred to as a psychological case study.

Conclusion
"Bad Timing" ends on a bleak note with Milena making it through but ending up being far-off, encapsulating the terrible undertones of a when passionate relationship that turned devastating. With its restrictive analytical mind versus free-willed spirit discourse, the movie handles to depict the destructive power of fascination leaving viewers with a feeling of bafflement and intrigue over human behavior. An art-house film, "Bad Timing", can be callously troubling for some due to its candid exploration of complex human psychology tangled in relationships, making it an amazing Nicholas Roeg cinematic experience.

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