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December 22, 2004
Sideways
Loads and loads of critics think Sideways is one of the best films of 2004. I can't really say what my top ten 2004 films will be, since like every year, most of the really good ones just came out / are coming out soon, so I haven't seen all the contenders. But I can let you know what I think about films I have seen.
So this road movie follows a groom-to-be and his best man on their last hurrah into Cali wine country. I'm not crystal clear where it takes place - I believe in Mendocino County, near Santa Barbara. Not clear why they didn't go to Napa Valley, but there you have it. Mi chavo is going to comment that I always nit pick, but frankly if the details aren't perfect, the movie ain't either.
More importantly, as mi chavo pointed out, the women aren't very detailed. Shocking. Every time they speak to each other it happens off screen. They're only there to provide companionship to our heros, the males. And there's no serious reprocussions for the asshole that is the groom to be.
Here's the rub: I understand why critics list this movie as one of the best of the year. I too relate to the satisfying aspect of Sideways; i.e. its ability to pinpoint the fears of wannabe, washed up artists who have never created work appreciated by the world at large. There's a few scenes that are simply priceless. It gives hope to every struggling artist.
So yes, I think you should see the movie. Although I tend to doubt I'll think it's better than Hotel Rwanda. Then again, what's Roger smokin? Kill Bill, Volume 2 the 2nd best movie of the year?
Posted by cj at December 22, 2004 07:53 PM
Comments
A few more thoughts to chew on...No, the women are not considerably interesting beyond their assigned roles, that is, to provide either salvation or cause pain to men. I suppose that's not a terrible thing, especially considering that the Miles character is onscreen in nearly every shot, and it is his story after all, but I expected more from director Alexander Payne, considering his previous work with Kathy Bates and Reese Witherspoon. Plus, so much was written about Virginia Madison's performance that I was left feeling a little let down. I suppose she does a serviceable job with the role she's given, that is, to stare lovingly at the camera.
Overall, I think the movie did a very good job at showcasing what Rosenbaum calls male menopause, there are a lot of laughs, two good performances from the male leads, and at least a few surprises to to keep things interesting. I would say that American Beauty probably handled the same kind of material better, and About Schmidt was sharper overall, but I think it's worth your ten bucks.
Posted by: Blind Boy Grunt at December 23, 2004 03:34 PM