Imagine you have been told that the end of the world is coming tomorrow morning at 4:44 a.m. There are no ifs, ands, or buts. It is going to happen. How would you spend your last remaining hours? Are you having trouble figuring that out? Maybe director Abel Ferrara’s new movie “4:44 Last Day on Earth” can give you some ideas.
The story of “4:44 Last Day on Earth” takes place “in a large apartment high above the city. This is where our couple lives. They are in love. She is a painter, he is a successful actor. Just a normal afternoon – except that this is not a normal afternoon, for them or anyone else. Because tomorrow, at 4:44 am, give or take a few seconds, the world will come to an end far more rapidly than even the worst doomsayer could have imagined. The final meltdown will come, not without warnings, but with no means of escape. There will be no survivors. As always, there are those who, as their final cigarette is being lit and the blindfold tightened, will still hope against hope for some kind of reprieve. For a miracle. Not our two lovers. They – like the majority of the Earth’s population – have accepted their fate; the world is going to end.”
The concept of “4:44″ is very thought-provoking. For some it might even be nerve-wracking and panic-inducing. Some people will read the scenario behind this movie and think they wouldn’t want to know if the end of the world comes. They would rather just live life without fear and anticipation and just have it happen. Others would want to know so they could prepare and take care of any unfinished business they had with anyone. Which type of person are you?
“4:44 Last Day on Earth” has already gained critical acclaim and been nominated for an award at this year’s Venice Film Festival. Award winning director/writer Abel Ferrara has directed such classic films and television as “Bad Lieutenant,” “Miami Vice,” and “King of New York.” He’s not one to limit himself to any one genre, having also directed sci-fi and horror films like “Body Snatchers” and “The Addiction.”
The cast of “4:44 Last Day on Earth” includes Willem Dafoe, Shanyn Leigh, Paz de la Huerta and Natasha Lyonne. If anyone was questioning seeing this film, the deciding factor might have just been addressed. That’s a pretty impressive list of actors.
“4:44 Last Day on Earth” states it’s not coming out until 2013. Since it’s playing the Venice Film Festival and is up for an award, I believe it was finished early. It should be in theaters by next year for sure.
For more articles by Eric Shirey, check out:
Interview with ‘The Help’ Writer/Director Tate Taylor
Interview with ‘The Help’ Actor Octavia Spencer
Award-Winning ‘Another Earth’ Delivers for Some, Disappoints Others
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