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Nice concept, shaky execution--that about sums up the mixed blessings of British actor Peter Howitt's intelligent but forgivably flawed debut as a writer-director. It's got more emotional depth than most frothy romantic comedies, and its central idea--the parallel tracking of two possible destinies for a young London professional played by Gwyneth Paltrow--is full of involving possibilities. It's essentially a what-if scenario with Helen (Paltrow) at the center of two slightly but significantly different romantic trajectories, one involving her two-timing boyfriend (John Lynch) and the other with an amiable chap (John Hannah) who represents a happier outcome. That's the film's basic problem, however: The two scenarios are so romantically imbalanced (one guy's a total cad, the other charmingly sincere) that Helen inadvertently comes off looking foolish and needlessly confused. Still, this remains a pleasant experiment, and Howitt's dialogue is witty enough to keep things entertaining. It's also a treat for Paltrow fans; not only does the svelte actress handle a British accent without embarrassing herself, but she gets to play two subtle variations of the same character, sporting different wardrobes and hairstyles in a role that plays into her glamorous off-screen persona.--Jeff Shannon
Food for Thought; it makes an interesting point in an entertaining way i won't ruin the ending for anyone who hasn't seen this film yet by divulging details, but some of the other amazon reviewers would have you believe that there's no moral-of-the-story or enlightenment at the ending, and i find that not to be the case.
the point is not just that a small difference in one's day -- whether one catches a particular 'tube' or misses it -- can greatly impact one's life. that's the premise for the two divergent stories which are quite unconfusingly presented in the film... but at the end, i was left to thinking the message was something like this: each person has a certain potential for career and romantic happiness. and even though events in one's life might unfold in very different ways depending on the minor details of daily actions and decision-making, one is 'destined' to be given enough time here on earth to realize some of that potential for personal happiness; if, of course, one takes the right chances, has the right luck, and is the gorgeous, graceful gwyneth, crossing paths w/the charming john hannah!
this message might be pure bollocks, but i think it's a nice one; and we don't always watch films to be faced w/reality, right?
i highly recommend this movie; i've seen it several times. though i wish the dvd offered more in the way of special features--hence the four stars instead of five.
Which is the road less travelled???? Romantics at heart will devour this romantic comedy about the cusps of time that either reward or betray our hearts. When Paltrow's character is fired from a PR company the twists of fate begin. She takes the tube and ends up in an ill-fated love affair AND catches a cab to find a better match. The parallel storylines evolve around the premise that a single moment in time can dramatically alter the course of your life in significant ways. Paltrow alternates between true love and career happinness versus a cad with a mistress and her career in tatters. Goes to show that life flourishes with the right love partner. Bittersweet but hopeful and Paltrow is brilliant playing a Brit.Good comfort movie I often find myself craving this movie when I have to make a difficult decision about something in my life. I know, I know, some people read philosophy or go to therapy. Me, I watch Sliding Doors. It's like curling up with tea and a blanket on a cold rainy day. It's a good "comfort" movie.
Helen (Paltrow) catches a train, comes home and finds her boyfriend in bed with Lydia (Tripplehorn, who is excellent in this). Or, she misses the train and doesn't find out. The movie shows us both scenarios.
What's interesting to me is that I can find sympathy for all the main characters. Obviously we're supposed to sympathize with Paltrow, but it seems like the director made an effort for us to feel for everyone. Though there's a lot to dislike about Jerry (her old boyfriend), he does seem caught between the two women (there's a scene with his mate in the bar where his friend says, "you've told me you're not cut out for infidelity and you wish you hadn't started up again with Lydia,"). He seems trapped by indecision. And Tripplehorn, while totally over the top (and more than a little crazy in her actions), really wants Jerry to commit to her. She seems more frustrated than anything else, and keeps trying to push him to make a decision. But the movie is absolutely stolen by John Hannah, who plays Paltrow's new love interest. He's just utterly fantastic and I smile every time he's on screen.
(...) See it when you're blue -- it will remind you that even though our lives are affected by chance, we still have the ability to make things better.
