X
- 2016
- Not Rated
- Vanishing Angle
- 1 h 47 m
- 2016
- Not Rated
- Vanishing Angle
- 1 h 47 m
Summary Private investigator Mel Sampson (John Hawkes) is tasked with tracking down the whereabouts of a missing woman from his past.
Directed By: Dennis Hauck
Written By: Dennis Hauck
- 2016
- Not Rated
- Vanishing Angle
- 1 h 47 m
- 2016
- Not Rated
- Vanishing Angle
- 1 h 47 m
Too Late
54
6.4
Where to Watch
Summary Private investigator Mel Sampson (John Hawkes) is tasked with tracking down the whereabouts of a missing woman from his past.
Directed By: Dennis Hauck
Written By: Dennis Hauck
Where to Watch
Top Cast
Metascore
Mixed or Average
Based on 14 Critic Reviews
54
50% Positive
7 Reviews
7 Reviews
36% Mixed
5 Reviews
5 Reviews
14% Negative
2 Reviews
2 Reviews
Metascore
Mixed or Average
Based on 14 Critic Reviews
54
50% Positive
7 Reviews
7 Reviews
36% Mixed
5 Reviews
5 Reviews
14% Negative
2 Reviews
2 Reviews
Mr. Hauck’s affection is apparent in every frame, yet outside of an occasionally clunky line or show-offy moment (O.K., sometimes it’s more occasional than just occasionally), he rarely allows it to alter his aim. That aim is to make a modern noir. That aim is true.
Hauck, with a strong assist from Bill Fernandez's clever, well-modulated Techniscope lensing, impressively choreographs the movie's continuous takes with a nice balance of intimacy and breadth. Hauck's a talent to watch.
User Score
Generally Favorable
Based on 14 User Ratings
6.4
57% Positive
8 Ratings
8 Ratings
29% Mixed
4 Ratings
4 Ratings
14% Negative
2 Ratings
2 Ratings
User Score
Generally Favorable
Based on 14 User Ratings
6.4
57% Positive
8 Ratings
8 Ratings
29% Mixed
4 Ratings
4 Ratings
14% Negative
2 Ratings
2 Ratings
Okay, the film isn't perfect. The acting in the first long shot leaves a bit to be desired. But once you settle in to the clever filmmaking, and with it are distracted to what become sudden, intense twists, the film has played out in an immensely enjoyable way. That is why it gets a 10. It isn't just for film nerds who love the long shots (which I do), but there are some characters that you love to watch and a really cool, but low key at times and high anxiety at others. Go see this. Don't worry about its middling rating. It is awesome. Though maybe more of a "guys movie" than a film for all.
Report
While far from a perfect movie, there are enough fresh ideas in the script and clever cinematography that make Too Late a very entertaining mystery film. On the acting side, John Hawke's performance carries the film, and his vulnerability mixed with a desire to protect others make his character a truly remarkable protagonist. I had a ton of fun watching this movie, and if you get a chance to see it in 35mm, absolutely do it.
Report
Undeniably ambitious, Hauck’s debut is a fascinating study of genre homage and cinematic technique that wears its heart on its sleeve, even if it’s not always aware of that fact.
With its overt nods to movies, nonlinear structure and purple-tinged dialogue, the self-conscious artifice of Hauck’s first feature can be suffocating. This narrative puzzle should be more fun than it is.
Too Late is a good-looking gimmick of a movie, one that will only be shown in theaters on 35mm film. Old-school advocate Quentin Tarantino would be proud — as he should be, since this noir starring John Hawkes feels like a big old valentine to him.
Emblazoned with ambition, this throwback Seventies-style private-eye movie (think Robert Altman’s "The Long Goodbye" or Robert Aldrich’s "Hustle") seems more invested in its form than its content.
As exampled in “Martha Marcy May Marlene,” any chance to hear Hawkes perform solo on guitar is time well spent. It’s time well needed, too, as it provides a moment of reflection to remember why we came — Hawkes — and wonder how he found himself in such a confounding misfire.
This is a sad and sometimes relatively gritty film - the plot was annoyingly slow and it didn't feel like it had any real direction at times but it does pick up a bit, a while later. I wasn't convinced it was worth watching for a while but the acting by one or two characters made me stick with it for the most part. This isn't by any means a memorable film and the story is far from original, it isn't a film I'd recommend but it's not quite especially awful, just, also, it's certainly not good. No, don't bother with this one.
Report
Awards
Twin Cities Film Fest, US
• 1 Win & 1 Nomination
Oldenburg Film Festival
• 1 Nomination
Los Angeles Film Festival
• 1 Nomination
