There was something really fascinating about 'Broken Mile' hearing of it. One of the reasons was the single take camera work. Another interest point was the real-time structure. Things that one doesn't see an awful lot nowadays, am not saying that that type of camera work doesn't exist or that it is an innovative technique (not the case either way), but it is an interesting one used most effectively in films like 'Rope'. The story structure fascinated on paper.
'Broken Mile's' execution was a bit of a mixed bag for me though. Don't think it is as bad as others have said here while not agreeing entirely with reviews elsewhere that are more complimentary (while acknowledging that it has its flaws), it is a very intriguing film in some ways and its ambition is to be admired. The fundamental elements though are a bit wanting and the film's interest points are not completely realised. Part of me can't be too hard on 'Broken Mile' though because it does try hard, almost too hard perhaps, and my lower ratings usually apply to films that are a complete waste of potential or don't try which is not the case here. It could have been much better though, not terrible but not great and more of an intriguing oddity that is not an easy one to rate or review.
Its best asset is the camera work. Could see a lot of effort went into it and it is very striking and stylish visually with some clever techniques, so much better than expected considering the budget and for somebody fearing it would be chaotic or static (neither the case here). The locations are suitably unforgiving here and the sound is haunting without being intrusive.
Some of the acting, although this component is very inconsistent overall, is above average and the direction has moments where it accomodates well in this respect.
What burdens 'Broken Mile' however is the pace. Much of it is very tedious, with far too many stretches where hardly anything, and even nothing, happens and one really feels the length of these scenes. The story never really ignites, the pace being the main reason but the far too thin plotting and lack of tension cripple it further. It is not that the real-time structure is incoherent or anything, it just all feels dull and bland and then there an ending that is too over-dramatic.
Dialogue can sound awkward and underwritten and while the acting has its moments it is problematic, a lot of it is too stiff and while it was good that breathing space was allowed too much of the acting was too intimate to the point of being almost introverted. Which made it difficult to fully engage with the characters, that are also never fully fleshed out and come over as ciphers, they don't annoy or behave illogically but there is just too little to them.
Overall, intriguing enough but could have been a lot better. A lot of effort went into the style, but when it came to the substance the film felt undercooked. 5/10
