Sideways

Alexander Payne, USA, 2004, 123 minutes

Road Movies have been a staple of cinema for decades, but every now and again a fresh take on a genre appears. This movie is such an example; following the story of two men rapidly approaching middle age and the "crisis", Miles Raymond (Paul Giamatti) and Jack (Thomas Haden Church) go to the vineyards north of Los Angeles to spend the last week of Jack's freedom before his impending marriage. All that Miles longs to do is sample lots of wine, have a quiet week and contemplate his friend's upcoming obligations. All that Jack wants to do is party and get laid before he gets tied down. With such a different worldview, plus the compulsory baggage that middle age brings, tension and action starts to unfold. Unstable at the best of times, Miles finds himself dragged into several lies, some small ("I'm a published author") some large (admittedly he doesn't lie about Jack's upcoming nuptuals, but conspicously avoids the subject). The whole ball of yarn starts unravelling and even the most admirable damage recovery may not be enough to repair the damage.

Every time I see a Paul Giamatti movie I am torn. He seems to pick characters that utterly infuriate me, with their baggage, neuroses and attitude. However, at the same time, he presents these characters in a totally brilliant delivery which is so true to life. Sideways is an excellent movie, funny at times and despondent at others. I am sure that it's great to watch for anyone, although middle age men may be traumatised by what may be a fairly accurate portrayal of the slippery slope of age (comments on a postcard to the usual address, please!). Well directed, beautifully set (no Hollywood, thank the gods) and an all round great movie, this is an unmissable offering from 2004's batch of superb movies.

Review by Niko Ovenden
Written for EUFS Programme Autumn 2005