~ Slide with the Time ~

Last night I went to visit my mum like I do most Mondays. Since moving I always dedicate a weekday to see her. After catching up and having a rant about the most common crap things in life we wanted something good to watch. Sliding Doors has been out for over ten years and we have watched it about twenty times but it is still really good, and one of those films you can watch however many times. We do actually own the film on VHS somewhere which shows how old it is. I remember first watching it on TV though a few years ago. There are some recognisable actors involved and I quite like Gwyneth Paltrow. I think she is a very good actress and even though she does not appear in big blockbusters, all her films are soft and well performed. So after discovering this was on I was pleased of the choice as it is a good film to relax to and not think too much about.

After watching this a few times we did purchase the VHS and I remember it being an interesting cover. If you have not seen it before the cover is intriguing. It shows the front spilt into two and Gwyneth is on either side but looking different. I like the tagline also shown – There are two sides to every story’. This gets you thinking. What two stories are there and what happens as there are two different styles of the same actress on the front. What I also like about this film is that there are some other great actors including, John Lynch who has played very good parts in many films. The film also has a good director and nice image.

The film makes you think about life which maybe good or bad for some. It made me think about what might have happened if things were different or you change your life without knowing. it.

~ INFO ~

Director- Peter Howitt

I like Peter because like most directors he also does acting and has produced a film too. The multi talented man is also English and started career in entertainment with acting in the late eighties. Sliding doors was actually his first film that he directed which is surprising as it is very successful. Peter also wrote the film as well as directing it. He has been acting longer than directing but some other films that are well known, that he has directed include- ‘Johnny English’ 2003 and ‘Laws of Attraction’ 2004. he has won several awards for his work.

Release date- 1 May 1998 (UK)
Runtime- 99 Mins
Certificate- 15
Music- David Hirchfelder
Distributed- Miramax films and Paramount pictures.

~ CAST ~

Gwyneth Paltrow – Helen Quilley
John Hannah- James Hammerton
John Lynch- Gerry
Jeanne Tripplehorn- Lydia
Zara Turner- Anna
Douglas McFerran – Russell
Paul Brightwell- Clive

~ PLOT ~

Sliding Doors is a romantic drama which follows the life of a woman called Helen. We see two ways in which her life could go as she reaches the tube and is late. It shows Helen just boarding the train on time and then cuts to her missing it. The film then splits into a parallel universe in what would happen to your life if something like this happened. How different would it be and the changes they make. The film then follows her two lives as she shows how two minutes can change your whole life.
They are very different to each other and as it concludes at the end it makes you think hard about how different your lie could be if you missed that bus or train home.

~ The Film~

The film was mainly filmed in London and has some brilliant establishing shots of the City. There are plenty of different locations to keep you interested and it gives you an idea of life living in a big city. The story flows well and is not too fast or slow and boring. It sounds complicated when you listen to each story being told but the film shows it in a very simple way. I have not explained what each story consists of as I do not want to ruin it for those who have not seen it. The tone is good and it is neatly made.

It has a good soundtrack including the well known track from Dido ‘Thank you’. The list from the album shows as-

• "Thank You"
Performed by Dido

• "Good Enough"
Performed by Dodgy

• "Have fun, go mad"
Performed by Blair

• "Turn back time"
Performed by Aqua

• "Amateur"
Performed by Aimee Mann

• "Use the Force"
Performed by Jamiroquai

• "Miracle"
Performed by Olive

• "More Love"
Performed by Brand New Heavies

• "Call Me Fool"
Performed by Those Magnificent Men

• "Don't Feel Like Crying"
Performed by Abra Moore

• "Drug Soup"
Performed by Space Monkeys

• "Tenderness On The Block"
Performed by Patty Larkin

• "On My Own"
Performed by Peach Union

• "Bennie And The Jets"
Performed by Elton John

• "Honkey Cat"
Performed by Elton John

ACTING

The acting was superb. Gwyneth performs well in both her situations as her character goes through many events. She is very likable in this and you connect with Helen well, wondering what will happen to her. It is properly one of the best films I have seen her in. There are all types of emotions and she shows humour, anger and betrayal. Gwyneth who is an American actress seems to be able to pull of an English woman very well.

John also plays really well as his character. He brings a humorous side that you will enjoy. His character is lovable, funny and he fits this well. I found myself laughing at many of his jokes and sarcasm. His humour is light and I especially like the quote from Monty Python’s meaning of life which is used several times in the film. Even though there is nothing about John that makes you think wow he is really good looking, he is a caring, simple but funny man who cares a lot about her.

All of the supporting actors are great. Helen’s best friend Anna is really funny and shows how friends are always there for you. She also brings a little humour to the story. My favourite character has to be Gerry’s friend Russell. He is only seen a few times through out but brings hard hitting humour to the movie. Gerry is seen trying to confide in his friend many times as his life is going wrong. Russell seems to be amused by Gerry’s situations and dilemmas and just laughs it off. It is a really funny part of the film because every time we see them talking Gerry’s life is getting worse and Russell finds it more and more amusing.

~ NAARATIVE ~

The story is really good and the first I had seen of its kind. It includes everything you need for a brilliant story. Red herrings, dramatic events and every emotion. The comedy in the film is good and you feel really involved in Helen’s life. I really liked the way they filmed both lives and it is not complicated to follow. It is better when in one situation Helen cuts her hair and has a new style. You can then follow each story with ease.

There are not many films that show this successfully and Sliding Doors is a film made to perfection. I still enjoy all the twists even though I have seen it so many times before. There is a lot that happens and each story happens quickly to start with.

It is very entertaining and does make you think a lot about life. Would life be so different if you missed a bus? What changes could be made in two minutes difference. It is quite intuiting thinking that these two minutes could change your life. I have read some reviews which say that they were disappointed with the ending. I actually quite liked how it ended as it is unpredictable and different. It all comes together very well. It is defiantly more stylish and interesting than your average romantic comedy film.

~ OVERALL ~

It is a very lovely film which is interesting all the way through. The acting is great, the filming is good and the story is original. It maybe more of a girls film and maybe watch it on a girl’s night in. I would certainly recommend this to anyone and will try to find a copy on DVD. A must see film1 I would give it a 9/10.

~ EXTRAS ~

- Rotten Tomato rating- 63%

Quotes

Anna: Are you okay?
Helen: Yes, just going quietly mad.
Anna: Thank goodness for that. I was worried.

James: Cheer up. Remember what the Monty Python boys say.
Helen: "Always look on the bright side of life"?
James: No, "Nobody expects the Spanish Inquisition."

James: What are you doing two weeks on Saturday?
Helen: Probably killing myself.
James: Excellent. What time does that finish? Do you like boats?

DVD

The DVD can be found on Play.com for £2.99. This is a single disc but comes with some special features.

Published on Ciao and Doyoo x x

Oct 2009 - Blackmagicstar4