Bruce Campbell is a name synonymous with cult cinema, thanks to his iconic role as Ash in the Evil Dead franchise. But beyond the chainsaw-wielding heroics, Campbell has a lesser-known side—one that dabbled in the gritty world of crime thrillers. In 1997, he starred in Running Time, a film that pushed the boundaries of indie filmmaking with its ambitious one-take approach. Now, this hidden gem is available to stream for free on Tubi, and it's the perfect opportunity to see Campbell in a completely different light.
A Heist in Real Time
Running Time unfolds in real time, following Carl (Campbell), a recently released inmate who reunites with his old friend Patrick (Jeremy Roberts) and former flame Janie (Anita Barone). But this isn't a simple reunion—Carl and Patrick have a plan to rob the very prison Carl just left. The film's real-time structure adds a palpable tension, making every minute count as the heist unfolds.
Directed by Josh Becker, a fellow Detroit filmmaker known for his work on Xena: Warrior Princess, Running Time was made on a shoestring budget of $125,000. Becker and his team shot without permits, using any locations they could find, including Becker's own apartment. To hide the changing color temperatures and avoid filters, they shot in black-and-white, a clever workaround that also gives the film a classic noir feel.
The Illusion of a Single Take
Long before Birdman or 1917, Running Time pulled off the illusion of a continuous take, inspired by Alfred Hitchcock's Rope. The film plays out like a stage production, with actors bouncing off each other in real time. Becker's direction cleverly works around the limitations of a single camera, using insert shots and audio cues to maintain the flow. This approach heightens the urgency and makes the film a masterclass in low-budget creativity.
For Campbell fans, Running Time is a revelation. He plays Carl as a smooth, confident conman, a far cry from the bumbling Ash. His charisma shines in scenes with Art LaFleur's warden and in the tender moments with Anita Barone, which provide the film's emotional core. It's a performance that proves Campbell's range extends well beyond horror.
Why You Should Watch It
If you're a fan of indie cinema or just love a good heist story, Running Time is a must-watch. It's a lean, 70-minute thriller that showcases what can be achieved with limited resources and a lot of ingenuity. The film is a testament to the '90s indie boom, much like overlooked book-based thrillers that deserve a second look. It also stands alongside other great psychological thrillers of the era, as highlighted in the best psychological thrillers of the 2020s—though this one predates them by decades.
For those who appreciate the craft of filmmaking, Running Time is a fascinating case study. It's a film that proves you don't need a big budget to create tension and intrigue. And with its availability on Tubi, there's no excuse not to give it a spin. Whether you're a die-hard Bruce Campbell fan or just curious about innovative indie films, Running Time is a hidden gem worth discovering.
So, if you're in the mood for a crime thriller that breaks the mold, head over to Tubi and check out Running Time. It's a reminder that sometimes the best stories are told with the least resources—and that Bruce Campbell is more than just a horror icon.
