âSomewhere in Timeâ was recommended by my brother, John. I tend to avoid romance as a genre, but this 1980 film piqued my interest with its twist on the standard sappy affair.
It stars two legends of film: Christopher Reeve and Jane Seymour. And itâs based on the writings of Richard Matheson, a personal favorite. Matheson was one of the primary writers of âThe Twilight Zoneâ and TZ fingerprints litter this production.
Richard Collier (Christopher Reeve) is a playwright. To cure a bout of writerâs block he ventures to the beautiful Grand Hotel at Mackinac Island. At the historic resort, Collier becomes obsessed with a photograph of Elise McKenna (Jane Seymour) a stage actress from the early 1900s.
The details of the plot revolve around Richard using self-hypnosis to travel back in time to 1912 to meet Elise. Weâve all seen photographs from decades ago and become enchanted. Think “Midnight in Paris” science. Donât let explanation be a barrier to watching. Enjoy the movie for what it is.
Christopher Reeve and Jane Seymour display their top-tier acting chops. Both characters are likeable, albeit one-dimensional. Reeve is a true leading man in 1980 Hollywood. Seymour has a limitless beauty that radiates from the screen, and a timeless look that plausibly puts her on a theater stage in 1912. Together they make a picture-perfect couple.
Bill Erwin of âSeinfeldâ fame plays the charming caretaker of the resort. Stage star Christopher Plummer completes the cast as Eliseâs manager.
The Grand Hotel
The movie was filmed on location at the Grand Hotel. Its lakeside beauty and historic ambiance become a character in the story on their own. I can only assume numerous films have been set at this location, and rightfully so. The haunting vintage photos on the wall conjured thoughts of this being the perfect setting for a horror film in the mode of âThe Shiningâ but romance is equally embodied.
The music that accompanies every scene is a true benefit to the film. Composer John Barry and pianist Roger Williams lend a perfect ambiance of sounds to set the mood. Itâs a classical blend that fits in with the old timey setting, the historic hotel, and the mystique of 1900s entertainment.
As previously stated, fans of The Twilight Zone will easily spot where Richard Matheson drew his influences for the screenplay. Like many TZ episodes, âSomewhere in Timeâ is a bit one-note. The initial idea was hatched, and a story was written around it. The time travelling element is unique but thinly explored once its implemented. It would have benefited from a trim in the editing room, and the run time is only 103 minutes. And the ending felt rushed. TZ fans will understand when I say it reminded me of Season 4.
Robbed of a Great Talent
Itâs surprising that âSomewhere in Timeâ is the first Christopher Reeve movie I have watched. Heâs best known for playing Superman, and the tragic accident that ultimately ended his life too soon. It was nice reading that Reeve was an activist for worthy causes, including human-rights, artistic freedom of expression, and the environment.
After his accident, Reeve became an advocate for healthcare improvement and people with disabilities. Hollywood and its fanbase was robbed of what should have been a much longer career.
âSomewhere in Timeâ is an unheralded film. It offers a mix of romance and fantasy, taking great actors and putting them in an amazing setting.
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