Review of Sideways (2004) by Matt W — 15 Oct 2013

Sideways is a quiet and subtle film.

And it works strongest on its most subtle moments.

You watch this for Giamatti's performance. As he is just brilliant here, as there will be a few scenes that are just heartbreaking to watch unfold, as he slowly turns from this reasonably positive character to a much darker side- something that is always inside of him.

There is a beautiful moment between Giamatti and Virginia Madsen, where she asks Giamatti why he likes a particular type of wine, and it is so well played, as it lets you finally see the character in every sense. You understand virtually everything about him, and can relate to him in one way or another.

Alexander Payne does do a great job here, and although I do prefer some of his other work, like 'The Descendants' for example, I still really enjoyed this. The only problem I had with this mainly is that for the first hour or so, I was never really hooked. I watched the film, but I did get a little distracted- and this may just be down to the subject matter, and the first hour is what really studies the wine.

And there are other moments that drag slightly. I do think this could have been cut down around 10-15 minutes.

But the ending is brilliantly crafted. and Haden Church also does a great job. The performances are great.

The most important thing to say is that they made a film about wine interesting, and that really is an achievement.