Somewhere in Time (1980)

Somewhere in Time 


Starring: Christopher Reeve, Jane Seymour and Christopher Plummer

Director: Jeannot Szwarc

Writer: Richard Matheson (novel and screenplay)

Release Date: October 3, 1980 

Running Time: 103 minutes



Synopsis: A Chicago playwright uses self-hypnosis to find the actress whose vintage portrait hangs in a grand hotel and sacrifices his life in the present to find happiness with her in the past.  

Flick Facts:

* Dustin Hoffman was initially considered for the role of Richard Collier but it was determined that Hoffman, while a great actor, was not attractive enough to inspire love at first sight.  

* Jane Seymour was cast in the role of Elise McKenna after being the only actress to answer in the negative after being asked if she had ever been in love. 

*  The moment when Richard first sees the portrait of Elise in the film was also the first time Christopher Reeve saw the portrait. The director's objective was to get a genuine reaction from him, so it was kept hidden from Reeve until the moment Richard first turns and sees it.

*  The professor in the movie is named "Finney" in tribute to the science fiction writer Jack Finney.

* Hotel del Coronado, the main setting of the novel, was found unsuitable due to many of the modern changes, such as a modern tennis court, antennas on the roof and aluminum windows and the Grand Hotel at Mackinac Island, Michigan was selected as its replacement.

*  Automobiles are not allowed on Mackinac Island and so the use of cars for the movie required special permission from the town. Although cars were allowed for filming, the cast and crew weren't allowed to drive them outside of actual filming for the movie.

*  This was the first film for both William H. Macy (billed as W.H. Macy), playing a critic, and George Wendt, playing a student. 

*  Christopher Reeve's biggest concern about the film was its ending (watch it and see!)

*  The film's estimated cost was $5.1 million; its total domestic gross was just over $9.7 million.


 
She Said, He Said:

* "Come back to me."

* "Is it you?"

* "Excess within control."
* "I  am an actress, Mr. Robinson, not a doormat. Do not attempt to wipe your boots on me."

*  "There is so much to say... I cannot find the words. Except for these: 'I love you.' "

*  "That watch was very precious to her. She never left it out of her possession."


Chic Chick Sounds:

The Somewhere in Time soundtrack captures the romance and emotion of the movie perfectly.  Be prepared for your heartstrings to be tugged while listening. 
Somewhere in Time - John Barry 

The Old Woman - John Barry 

The Journey Back in Time - John Barry 

A Day Together - John Barry

Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini - Chet Swiakowski

Is He The One - John Barry 

The Man of My Dreams - John Barry 

Return to the Present - John Barry 

Theme from Somewhere in Time - Roger Williams 

Somewhere in Time has been coined "The Most Romantic Love Story Ever Filmed" and I certainly will not argue with that accolade.  Christopher Reeve, coming off his huge Superman success, took this "small" role so as not to be typecast in action roles and brings to the role of Richard an earnestness, a wholesomeness and a beauty that no other actor of the time could ever have showcased.  He and Jane Seymour are so beautiful together and their chemistry so palpable that it makes your heart ache just watching them.

The time travel aspect of the story will appeal to any sci fi fan, as well as those intent on piecing the puzzle together (such as "where did the watch come from?").  Viewers who enjoy vintage clothing and costumes will have a field day with Somewhere in Time, as well as classical music lovers.  But the real draw is in the romance.  Romance fans who haven't seen this movie don't have the right to call themselves that, as this film set the standard for what romance should be. 

Somewhere in Time has no special effects, no action scenes, no car chases, no profanity and no nudity.  It relies on the solid script, strong direction, its two leads and incredible story to win you over.  And that it does.

It is unfortunate that during the movie's initial release there was an Actor's Strike going on, preventing the stars from attending the film's premiere, and due to the minimal or outright lack of marketing and promotion, the film only spent 3 weeks in theaters before quickly disappearing.  Thanks to cable, VHS and DVD rentals and sales, the film has gotten the appreciation and love it deserves.  The film is officially 30 years old next month and as breathtaking today as it was when first released. 

Best Parts of Somewhere in Time: Everything is phenomenal, from the utterly gorgeous sets, costumes, breathtaking music, stunning Grand Hotel locale, to the storyline and actors.  The chemistry between Christopher Reeve and Jane Seymour cannot be topped. 

Worst Parts of Somwhere in Time: Nothing.  The film is flawless. 

Spawns and Sequels: There has never been a sequel to Somewhere in Time, nor a remake.  However, the devout following of film appreciators led to the International Network of Somewhere in Time Enthusiasts (INSITE), as well as an annual weekend each October at the Grand Hotel celebrating this beautiful film.  There has also been a sequel of sorts written, based on Elise's life between 1912 and 1972. 

The Final Word:  This is my absolute favorite movie of all time.  I fell in love with it on first viewing, when I was 12 years old, watching a 10 a.m. show on HBO on summer vacation.  So obsessed with it that I watched a repeat viewing the same night at 6 p.m.  I have owned the VHS tape, the DVD, the original soundtrack, the revised soundtrack, the novel the movie was based on, the "making of" book, a "sequel" written by a fan and composed music to go along with reading the sequel, and a framed replica of the original movie theater poster, in addition to playing the stunningly gorgeous theme music for my last piano recital and at my wedding.  I have seen this movie a minimum of 50 times and quite likely nearly 100 and I still yearn, pine, hope and cry as if each viewing is the first.  (So be warned:  have a box of tissues handy).  This movie bred in me the fascination with time travel that continues to this day so I can honestly say that Somewhere in Time changed my life.  It is, without a doubt, the most romantic and emotional movie ever put on film.

Somewhere in Time is available for purchase at major retailers, including Amazon.  (What are you waiting for?  Go, go, GO get this movie!)