Life in a day

Humanity in the can?

LIFE IN A DAY
Director: Kevin Macdonald
Certificate: 12(A)

With this film, Kevin Macdonald has created an utterly unique cinematic tapestry of real life stories. Filmmakers around the world were asked to document their experiences on July 24 2010, and over 4,000 hours of footage were produced, laying the foundation for the 94 glorious minutes that make up this stunning vision of humanity on screen.

A feat of editing if ever there was one, the way in which the footage has been assembled is exhilarating. Mesmerising moments hidden in the mundane, which would normally be forgotten right after being experienced, are preserved for all to see. As the day develops we catch glimpses of individual stories: at opposite ends of the planet, as one person celebrates, so another grieves. As a race we are restless, always on the brink of some new tragedy or jubilation.

We are encouraged to care for our fellow human beings without being preached at. It’s a cry for help from those in poverty, and a shout for joy from those in love.

There is structure beyond following the chronological progress of the day. Placing faltering births alongside final breaths, Macdonald dares his audience to consider the deepest questions out there.

The director has crafted an all-encompassing profile of humanity today. The world over, we are afraid of death, particularly if after leading a purposeless life. The film ensures that none who see it can ignore their own mortality, and that future generations will have an insight into their recent ancestors’ lives. Life in a Day stands a great chance of stirring the souls and pricking the consciences of viewers, whatever their spiritual background.

Peter D. Marsay,
filmmaker/writer

© Evangelicals Now - July 2011
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Main Articles

• NWA is on the move
• The Commentary
  The house beautiful
• Rock star dreams?
• Challenges of a growing church, part 2
• A surprising multi-faith group
  Ralph Walker shares what turns out to be a positive experience
• 'Christianity is evil'
  Peter Lewis assesses the accusations of New Atheism
• When every day is extra time
  An nterview with Archbishop Ben Kwashi of Nigeria
• Attack on John 3.16
• Lady Gaga and the church of self
  A new pop culture icon
• Crossing the culture
  Going down like a lead balloon
• The Music Exchange
  A tale of two spirits
• Unapologetic Christianity
  Jesus: the man of mystery?
• Monthly youth leaders column
  Time to relax?
• The Third Degree
  Link-up for new students
• Notes to growing Christians
  The way in is the way on
• Letter from America
  Expansive not expensive?
• John Eddison, 1916-2011
  Obituary
• Whose love wins?
  How the Trinity helps us say 'no' to Bell and 'yes' to hell

Other articles

• The Way
• Life in a day
• The Road - Looking at secular books
• Planting for the gospel - A hands-on guide to church planting
• Gospel clarity - Challenging the New Perspective on Paul
• The challenge of caring
• Serious mistranslations of the Bible
• The big story
• Dig even deeper - Unearthing Old Testament treasure
• Where there was no church
• The Reformation - Faith and flames
• Elijah
• The fruit of the Spirit is...
• A Geordie in Japan
• The sovereignty of God debate
• Finding God's will