Sliding Doors (1998)

Sliding Doors
Starring:  Gwyneth Paltrow, John Hannah, John Lynch, Jeanne Tripplehorn

Director: Peter Howitt
Writer: Peter Howitt

Release Date: April 24, 1998 

Running Time: 99 minutes


Synopsis: Helen Quilley is a young Londoner who, after getting sacked at work one morning, dashes to catch the tube and just misses it as the sliding doors close on her.  We then see how Helen's life turns out, having missed the tube, and what her life would have been like had she made the journey home.  


Flick Facts:

* The role of Helen was initially offered to Minnie Driver before Gwyneth Paltrow signed.  

* The book Helen spills tea on in the beginning of the film and is reading later is To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee.

* Anna's address in the film, per her instruction to the cab driver, is 9 Menlove Avenue, the childhood home of John Lennon. 

* Rowers were specifically cast to be John Hannah's rowing buddies so that Hannah appeared tall and athletic.

* Writer/director Peter Howitt was on a drinking spree in a London pub when Sydney Pollack called from Hollywood to offer financing.  Howitt was wisely sobered up before speaking to Pollack. 


She Said, He Said:

* "Everybody's born knowing all the Beatles lyrics instinctively. They're passed into the fetus subconsciously along with all the amniotic stuff. Fact, they should be called "The Fetals".

* "Haircut suits you, by the way. . .  No, it does, it does! No gag. 'Never make a joke about a woman's hair, clothes or menstrual cycles' - page one."

*  "Gerry, I'm a woman! We don't say what we WANT! But we reserve the right to get pissed off if we don't get it. That's what makes us so fascinating! And not a little bit scary."
 
*  "Come on! If you don't drink your fatty drinks, you'll never really achieve quality cellulite."
 
*  "I must say, being friends with you certainly makes the wait for the next episode of "Seinfeld" much easier to bear."
 
*  "Nobody expects the Spanish Inquisition!"


 
Chic Chick Sounds:

The Sliding Door soundtrack has an absolutely wonderful, eclectic mix of mid to late 90s music, everything from Dido to Aimee Mann to Elton John.  The tracks include:   

Have Fun, Go Mad - Blair
Drug Soup - Space Monkeys
Turn Back Time - Aqua
Good Enough - Dodgy
Thank You - Dido
Use The Force - Jamiroquai
Miracle - Olive
On My Own - Peach Union
Amateur - Aimee Mann
Honky Cat - Elton John
Don't Feel Like Cryin' - Abra Moore
Call Me A Fool - Those Magnificent Men
More Love - Brand New Heavies

Sliding Doors was released the same year that Gwyneth Paltrow won the Oscar for her part in Shakespeare in Love and its the latter film that gets the recognition for Paltrow's efforts that year.  And a shame too because I think Sliding Doors is the superior film. 

Paltrow always excelled at British accents, and she's no exception here.  Her Helen is a delightful character, witty and relatable. Despite proving to be somewhat irresponsible in the beginning (where she filches vodka from the PR firm she works for to bring home for her birthday party - - the act that leads to her dismissal) I liked her and I wanted things to work out for her. 

Paltrow's chemistry with co-star John Hannah was a delight and it was the banter and warmth between these two that really made the movie for me.  Sure, maybe their relationship moved a bit more speedily than it would in the real world but this is a chick flick.  Hannah was just strong enough as a leading man to compliment Paltrow and I'm sorry that these two actors have not co-starred as of this date in another film.

I loved the alternate parallels going on in the film - - which was made easier for us by having the alternate Paltrow (the one that catches the tube) cut her hair.  Completely shallow but I think it was a darling style on her.  Seeing how many times Helen and James nearly crossed paths in their parallel worlds and "near misses" there were was an interesting commentary on fate. 


Best Parts of Sliding Doors:   The wonderful scenes (all of them) between Paltrow and Hannah.  Watch the film yourself and tell me you don't pine away for a James Hamilton yourself.  

Worst Parts of Sliding Doors:  The scene where Helen walks in on a cheating Gerry.  Nothing wrong with the scene itself but . . . OUCH.  

Spawns and Sequels: No sequel to Sliding Doors.  Watch the film and I think you will agree that the ending is a marvelous one that leaves you on a  happy, high note.  Certainly, the theme of "what if" has been done many times in different formats but it's done to a wonderful perfection here, showing that there is such a thing is destiny and things happen for a reason.  And yes, things work out for the best in the end. 

The Final Word: I love this movie.  Passionately.  If you are a fan of Gwyneth Paltrow, you won't be disappointed.  If you don't care for her, you may find that you actually enjoy her in this film.  And I truly love that the alternate Paltrow, finding her cheating boyfriend en flagrente, dumps his sorry ass and goes on not only to find love with Hannah but finds professional success as well.  And the soundtrack seriously rocks.

Sliding Doors is available for purchase at major retailers, including Amazon.