Sideways

Plot

Miles, is a recent divorcee in his mid-40s who takes best friend Jack, also in his mid-40s for a trip to wine country the week before Jack gets married. There they meet two women; Maya – a fellow recent divorcee who Miles is very attracted to, and the free-spirited Stephanie, who takes a shine to Jack.

Direction

Despite its low budget, and almost arthouse style, director Alexander Payne does some solid work with creative moments. One such is during one of the many car rides between the men, the camera splits into four screens, showing different angles, and points of view.

Another interesting choice was during Miles’ drunk phone call to his ex wife, there is some extreme close ups on Miles – which adds to the uncomfortable feelings that both characters must have been feeling.

Cast/Characters

Paul Giamati is perfectly cast as Miles, and brings the character to life. We genuinely feel such emotion for him, and his performance is flawless. In one scene, where he is speaking to his ex-wife and introduced to her new husband – his display of reserved heartbreak, with imitation happiness is brilliant.

Thomas Hayden Church as Jack, gives a sound performance. Virginia Madsen has both the maturity as Maya, and the audience has both empathy for her as she opens up about her life to Miles.

Sandra Oh is adorable as Stephanie, and this is a ‘pre-Grey’s’ role for her. She was already a fairly well-known name having made a name for herself in television and movie before this.

Screenplay/Setting/Themes

With an Oscar winning screenplay, it is dialogue heavy – but easy to follow. It has very mature themes behind it, especially for two men in their forties who are both at a crossroads with marriage, and divorce.

There is also a very educational element towards the film as well as Miles, Maya and Stephanie all have a strong passion for wine. Having worked in that industry myself at one stage, I found these moments quite fascinating.

I did find the film a touch too long, at 120m it could have been edited by at least 20-30m and it still likely would have been a great film.

Overall

A lovely mature film, and if you have an aficionado for wine then this well be a good watch too. I think this will appeal, and mean more to those who are above the age of 40 as some of the ‘life’ moments might not be relevant to those under that age.

4/5