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Unlocking the Power of 57 SECONDS – Director Rusty Cundieff Reveals the Inspiration Behind the Film’s Unique Concept

Discover the captivating genesis of '57 Seconds,' as Director Rusty Cundieff unveils the transformation of a short story's concept into a cinematic time-travel marvel.

In a realm where creativity knows no bounds, director Rusty Cundieff brings to life a cinematic marvel, 57 Seconds, that captivates audiences with its unique concept and intriguing storyline. In a recent interview, Cundieff unveiled the creative process and inspiration behind the film’s extraordinary idea, offering a glimpse into the mind of a filmmaker who dared to venture into the unexplored territories of science fiction.

A Journey from Concept to Screen

57 Seconds

The film navigates the tumultuous journey of its protagonist, who, armed with the power to rewind time, faces a multitude of ethical dilemmas and moral questions. It delves deep into the human psyche, exploring the boundaries of right and wrong, and the profound implications of possessing such formidable power.

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“Yeah. Well, I wish I could say that I came up with it, but I did not,” Cundieff humbly admits, attributing the original concept to the short story Lucifer by EC Tubbs. The story revolves around a character who stumbles upon a mystical ring with the power to transport its bearer back in time by 57 seconds. This intriguing premise became the foundation upon which 57 Seconds was built, transformed, and modernized to resonate with contemporary audiences.

Exploring the Boundaries of Time and Morality

57 Seconds” Photo: Eliot Brasseaux ©2022

The director’s vision was clear: to extrapolate a powerful narrative from a simple yet profound concept, exploring the vast possibilities and moral complexities that come with the ability to alter the immediate past. Cundieff could not have been any clearer.

“But you know that the goal for us was to take that story and pull out the kind of cool sci-fi idea of only being able to go back 57 seconds and what you can do with that, which as you just said is quite a bit even though it’s only 57 seconds, you can do a lot of damage or a lot of good in 57 seconds.”

-Rusty Cundieff, Director of ’57 Seconds’-

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Cundieff’s adaptation is not merely a translation of the original story to the big screen; it is a thoughtful reimagining that enhances and elevates the concept, ensuring its relevance and appeal to modern viewers. The director’s innovative approach, combined with a deep understanding of storytelling, has resulted in a film that is as thought-provoking as it is entertaining.

In 57 Seconds, Cundieff has masterfully unlocked a treasure trove of creativity, imagination, and narrative brilliance. His insightful revelations about the film’s inspiration and conceptualization offer a fascinating perspective, allowing audiences to appreciate the depth of thought and artistic vision that has gone into crafting this cinematic gem.

57 Seconds is out now in theaters and digital on demand.

About 57 Seconds

57 Seconds

IN THEATERS: September 29, 2023
ON DIGITAL: September 29, 2023
DIRECTOR: Rusty Cundieff
SCREENPLAY BY: Macon Blair and Rusty Cundieff 
BASED ON THE SHORT STORY ENTITLED “Lucifer”: E.C. Tubb 
DISTRIBUTOR: The Avenue
RUN TIME: 99 minutes
RATING: R for violence and language
GENRE: Action, Sci-Fi, Thriller
CAST: Josh Hutcherson, Greg Germann, Lovie Simone, Bevin Bru, Sammi Rotibi, Morgan Freeman

SYNOPSIS
Josh Hutcherson (The Hunger Games) and Academy Award® winner Morgan Freeman (Million Dollar Baby) star in this heart-racing action thriller. When a tech blogger discovers a time-altering device, he unleashes its power to rewrite the past and seek revenge against the ruthless corporate empire that destroyed his family. But his actions soon trigger a terrifying chain of events, propelling him into a pulse-pounding battle for survival where every second counts.

How did the concept of 57 Seconds resonate with you? Did the adaptation from EC Tubbs’ short story “Lucifer” to the big screen captivate your imagination and curiosity? Share your thoughts on how the film utilized its 57-second time-travel concept and whether it added a unique flavor to the sci-fi genrewith us on social media!

KEEP READING: 57 SECONDS Unleashes a New Wave of Sci-Fi: Rusty Cundieff Explores the Power and Pitfalls of Technology

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Kevin Fenix

Professional Nerd | Amateur Human | Creative/Content Director The best way to describe Kevin Fenix is the kid you never tell what the buttons do in video games so you have a chance to win. Being 6’ 4” and Asian, he never really fit in, so he got comfortable standing out. Not only is it easy to find him in crowds, he dabbles in the culinary arts, does a little stand up and improv, and can honestly say Spider-Man is the Jesus-like influence of his life. Kevin Fenix loves dogs, movies, television, comics, comedy, and to shoot people… with video.