Nick of Time (film)

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Nick of Time is a 1995 American political action thriller directed by John Badham and written by Patrick Sheane Duncan. It stars Johnny Depp, Christopher Walken, Charles S. Dutton, and Courtney Chase. The story runs in real time as Gene Watson, a calm public accountant, is forced to murder California Governor Eleanor Grant to secure his kidnapped daughter Lynn’s freedom.

Plot in brief
Gene is taken at Union Station by two fake officers, Smith and Jones, who threaten Lynn and make him kill the governor. He soon learns that killing Grant would be a suicide mission, and he tries to warn people at a campaign event. A campaign aide, Krista Brooks, believes him but is killed by Smith. Gene discovers that many people around the governor are part of a conspiracy masterminded by an unnamed lobbyist, seeking revenge because the governor won’t help their interests. With help from Huey, a disabled war veteran who helps him gain trust, Gene reaches Grant. A tense confrontation at the Bonaventure Hotel ends with Gene shooting Smith; Huey defeats Jones, and the plot collapses. The governor survives, and the mastermind leaves the scene. An alternate TV ending shows the governor thanking Gene and Huey for saving her life.

Cast (selected)
- Johnny Depp as Gene Watson
- Christopher Walken as Smith
- Charles S. Dutton as Huey
- Courtney Chase as Krista Brooks
- Roma Maffia, Gloria Reuben, Marsha Mason in supporting roles

Production
Filming took place largely at the Westin Bonaventure Hotel in downtown Los Angeles from April 2 to June 19, 1995.

Reception and box office
Nick of Time was a box office disappointment, earning about $8 million in the United States against a $33 million budget. It received mostly negative reviews. Rotten Tomatoes lists a 30% approval rating from 33 reviews, with critics calling it a flawed but not completely unenjoyable thriller. CinemaScore audience grade averaged to B. Roger Ebert gave it 2.5 out of 4 stars, praising Depp’s restrained performance and the use of intelligence over action clichés.

Music
The film’s score was composed by Arthur B. Rubinstein and released by Milan Records on November 22, 1995.

Trivia
The Bollywood film Baadshah is loosely based on Nick of Time.