question of time reference

I am questioning how the image could change qualitatively along a constant scale of time, or how time could change across a constant measure of activity. In the clip referenced below, from Tout va bien, time is first questioned against the repetitive quality and action of the registers. When the camera pans back upon itself, the gestures of the customers are the same yet reversed, and the question arises of whether or not this reflects a past time or is a repetition of the current. In addition to this question, is the affirmation of the progress of time, which advances in the background of the shot - as the activity is constant, yet different. If the image is understood as a whole, two functions of the composition are revealed; the unity of the foreground through regulation and the individual background subjected to the freedom of shopping. I think it is more interesting at the moment to focus on the portrayal of the question of time (past, present, future), and the affirming image beyond.