Gwyneth Paltrow is one of those Hollywood names everyone knows, but may not be overly familiar with her work. Her birth to fame began in the 90s when she appeared in the neo-noir thriller “Se7en” in a supporting role. The decade also saw Paltrow win an Academy Award for 1998’s “Shakespeare in Love.” One of her first and most recognizable roles came courtesy of the 1998 romantic comedy “Sliding Doors” which entrenched her with being a household name for her looks as much as her acting.
The British-American rom-com film is set in London, and a few scenes into the story I fould myself googling Gwyneth to see if she was actually from England. Turns out she isn’t, but the Los Angeles born beauty uses the accent in such a flawless way that that, coupled with the fair complexion of the former model, and you’ll find yourself all but certain she belongs in Canterbury.
The marvelous era of the late 90s is fully embraced with the setting of London, and the atmosphere of internet, cell phones, and social media still lurking on the horizon.
Helen (Gwyneth Paltrow) works in a public relations firm and in the opening scene of the movie is fired (or sacked as they say across the pond) for missing a meeting. At the same time, Helen’s live in boyfriend Gerry (John Lynch) is engaging in bedroom-based carnal activities with his mistress Lydia (Jeanne Tripplehorn).
Rushing to catch the subway, Helen is a split second short and watches helplessly as the doors slide close and the rail departs without her. The story takes this simple occurrence and exploits it to the fullest as the remainder of the film is then divided into two parallel stories – the reality of Helen’s life where she misses the train, and a version of her life where she makes the boarding in the nick of time.
While the Helen that misses the subway car is forced to slowly return home, the other Helen meets a charming stranger seated across from her named James (John Hanah) and arrives in time to catch Gerry having the affair. “I’ve had a dreadful day.” She informs the naked Gerry, caught red-handed in bed with Lydia. “I got sacked. And so did you it would seem.”
“Sliding Doors” is a great concept and something we have all thought about ourselves at one point in time or another. What if I had made one simple change? What if I left one second earlier? What if I had gone out rather than stayed in? Writer/Director Peter Howitt mixes subtleties that go perfect in the way of foreshadowing – a building address reads 55, Helen goes through a revolving door to get to her office – and sets the stage for the events that transpire.
The concept comes from the fascination of other realities, and has been explored with numerous varieties of movies from the horror piece “The Butterfly Effect” to the science fiction tale “A Sound of Thunder.”
One part I could have done without was the corny sound effect played when we witness Helen’s split in the subway station. Its a bit silly and didn’t need explanation. I like it when a movie doesn’t feel the need to explain every little detail. In addition, it starts strong but gets a bit too mushy for my tastes.
Nevertheless, the movie wins me over with its depiction of the simultaneous time lines and perfect representation of a parallel universe. To avoid confusion, the Helen character is shown sustaining an injury in one time line that required her to wear a bandage. Eventually the Helen that is still reeling from the cheating Gerry makes a drastic and jaw dropping change to her hair style at the urging of her best friend Anna (Zara Turner), another way to distinguish the two women who are exactly the same but at this point completely different characters.
We also see the dual lines that show how one person’s split second missing of a train has a profound affect on the lives of both Gerry and James. Characters in each universe pass one another – lovers in one existence, complete strangers in another. And again it makes you wonder.
I have a theory that all jokes, lines, and insults hurled with the fortitude of the British tongue are infinitely funnier than they would be in any other accent. Words like bollix and wanker get tossed around like dice. “What are you doing Saturday?” James asks Helen, hinting at his desires for a date. “Probably killing myself.” She replies, with James’ quick quip back “Excellent, what time will that be finished?”
At times funny, at times romantic, and intriguing from start to finish, “Sliding Doors” is a good solid romantic comedy that’s well acted and well played.
by – Matt Christopher
