"Bad Timing" is, despite the odd casting of Garfunkel (what is it with Roeg and rock-stars?), one of Roeg's more interesting though neglected pictures. Perhaps the strenuous attempts at realism in the intense intimacy of many scenes, or the more fragmentary than usual (for Roeg) editing of the narrative have made it unpalatable for stateside distributors. Roeg's almost alchemical structural approach is always fascinating, and here is no exception; the only problem in this particular case is that it tends to obsfucate the characters' motivations, leaving us with little knowledge or interest as to who these people are and why they behave the way they do to each other. It's merely presented as is, leaving the 'mystery' elements (what exactly happened to Russell, who we see having her stomach pumped, her throat perforated, her vagina sampled, et al) all too, um, mysterious. But again, Roeg's never really been one for clarity (his more straightforward efforts, for television most recently, and trifles like "The Witches", are his least effective pieces). I haven't seen this thing in years, and as far as I know it's currently unavailable on video, but I remember it being far more worthwhile than some other, more available, Roeg pictures so if it shows up on a home-release or touring run, I'll be among the first in line. Unless Jen wants to tape the next broadcast for me.
Now, if only they'd give the re-issue treatment to Roeg's equally neglected "Eureka", the world would be a better place.
