Sliding Doors (1998)

A London woman's love life and career both hinge, unknown to her, on whether or not she catches a train. We see it both ways, in parallel.

Director:

Peter Howitt

Writer:

Peter Howitt

Stars:

Gwyneth Paltrow, John Hannah, John Lynch

7 wins & 2 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Gwyneth Paltrow	...	Helen
John Hannah	...	James
John Lynch	...	Gerry
Jeanne Tripplehorn	...	Lydia
Zara Turner	...	Anna
Douglas McFerran	...	Russell
Paul Brightwell	...	Clive
Nina Young	...	Claudia
Virginia McKenna	...	James's Mother
Kevin McNally	...	Paul
Terry English	...	Kind Cabbie
Paul Stacey	...	Man on Tube
Peter Howitt	...	Cheeky Bloke
Joanna Roth	...	Suspicious Girl
Neil Stuke	...	Defensive Bloke

Storyline

Young Helen is fired from her job at a PR company, and when the sliding doors of the tube car close on her, we start to see what would have happened if she'd made the train, and if she hadn't.

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Plot Keywords:

train | cheating | shower | waitress | hospital | 

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Taglines:

Helen is about to find that romance was never this much fun.

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Genres:

Comedy | Drama | Fantasy | Romance | Sci-Fi

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for some sexuality and language

Details

Official Sites:

Official site

Country:

UK USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

24 April 1998 (USA)

Also Known As:

Dos vidas en un instante

Filming Locations:

Waterloo & City Line, London Underground, London, England, UK

Box Office

Budget:

$9,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend:

£1,134,641 (UK) (1 May 1998)

Gross:

$11,883,495 (USA) (28 August 1998)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Intermedia Films, Mirage Enterprises, Miramax Films

Technical Specs

Runtime:

99 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

The book Helen spills tea on and reads later is "To Kill A Mockingbird" by Harper Lee.

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Goofs

When Gerry and Helen enter the pub, Gerry orders them a drink with ice but the drinks come neat (no ice). Later as the are getting a table, ice appears in both glasses.

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Quotes

[to Helen who is drinking a milk shake]
James: Come on! If you don't drink your fatty drinks, you'll never really achieve quality cellulite.

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Connections

Featured in 20 to 1: Girls on Film (2008)

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Soundtracks

"Turn back time"
Performed by Aqua

User Reviews

Not Rocket Science

This movie is definitely not rocket science, but it has a charm all it's own. It is thoughtful about what might happen in a different reality if we make different choices or "fate" aligns just right for whatever reason.

There were some very funny moments, especially when Hannah let loose with his version of Pythons "Meaning of Life". Gwenyth Paltrow brings her character across as mousy. I just wanted her to jet angry and throw her boyfriend out. You know, the stereotypical, clothing on the front steps, changing the locks etc. But it was good she had a pal to take her in.

I do like this movie and consider it a "keeper". I recommend it for some "light and fluffy" entertainment on a night after a long day.

And for the record: scene in boat by the bridge. I liked Donny Osmond, David Cassidy and Mick Jagger. :)