Denis Villeneuve, the acclaimed director behind hits like Arrival and Dune, recently shared his enthusiasm for a film that might surprise many. During a screening of Dune: Part Two at the Directors Guild of America in New York, Villeneuve took a moment to highlight a striking cinematic experience he had with The Clock, a 2010 piece by artist Christian Marclay. Currently part of an exhibit at the Museum of Modern Art in Manhattan, The Clock is a unique 24-hour film that compiles various clips from cinematic history.
You might wonder what makes a film like this suitable for a modern art exhibit. The answer lies in its fascinating structure: The Clock is crafted as a montage that explores the concept of time. Each segment features scenes of characters checking clocks or watches, creating a narrative that flows through a complete day. Iconic moments from films, ranging from Gary Cooper’s tense watch-checking in High Noon to the scene in Back to the Future where lightning strikes the clock tower, are woven into this intricate tapestry.
What’s compelling about The Clock is that it transcends a simple collection of film clips. It beautifully ties together various cinematic themes related to time management and the human experience of time’s passage. Villeneuve expressed his admiration for Marclay’s innovative approach, stating, “Each shot is tied to the theme of time. You experience it through the lens of cinema history.”
He encouraged the audience to experience the exhibit, noting, “You can enter the theater for just ten minutes or stay for four hours.” For those in the New York area, The Clock is on display at MoMA until February 17, 2025. Villeneuve concluded with an enthusiastic endorsement, urging attendees to engage with this mesmerizing work of art that celebrates the essence of time in film.
