Director Mark Slutsky’s science fiction short “The Decelerators” really is an ambitious short that ponders on the more complex minutiae of life that we don’t often explore. While the movie itself could stand twenty more minutes, and exposition, that doesn’t completely destroy director Slotsky’s intent to create a meaningful genre entry that tries to build conflict with time travel. It’s by no means a masterpiece, but “The Decelerators” is definitely above average.
In this world rather than traveling back and forth through time, “The Decelerators” is centered on a group of scientists that build a machine that can freeze time. Not only can it freeze time, but it can extend a wonderful instance in our lives allowing us to live it as long as possible. The questions posed within the narrative are numerous and very provocative, not only in regards to slowing down our existence, but the meaning of our lives. If we can’t find that one instance where we’re happy are we fundamentally miserable? Are we difficult to please?
Is it futile to extend an instance of pure happiness of our lives? Isn’t the beauty of that one moment of pure joy in our lives the fact that it’s a fleeting instance that we can remember forever? Wouldn’t stretching out the moment be a contradiction of that wonderful treasure that is the happy moment? “The Decelerators” has a ton of wonderful ideas, with some really good structures for a narrative propped up from minute one, but it never feels like a complete film. Instead it feels like a pitch for a feature length film, and while it offers unique ideas, it’s only five minutes of potential for greatness. I’d love to see this realized in to a feature length film someday, since a five minute short doesn’t do the concept any favors.
