This film is a lot. It's hard to speak about why it had such an impact on me without spoiling it, so I'll tread lightly.
Without spoiling the film, I've found there's a common misconception that the appeal of this film lies mostly in its romance. I wish the marketing for this film had relied less on the romance aspect that it so heavily leaned into. The poster is emblematic of this: with a photo of Domhnall Gleeson and Rachel McAdams flirtatiously walking through the rain. It's a misrepresentation of the film and an adulteration of a story that reaches beyond simply romantic love.
Writer/director Richard Curtis focuses intently on emotion in "About Time". From the first frame, it's clear that Curtis has no interest in exploring the sci-fi aspects of the film or their implications. Our focus is on Tim Lake's emotional journey, and only his journey.
"About Time" simultaneously does a fantastic job at what I'd call "perfect imperfection". While romantic, moments in the film are never so perfect that they feel like wish fulfillment on the part of Curtis. Instead, they feel real, whether it be a wedding in the pouring rain, or parents arriving immediately after a night of "passion". To me, these interruptions to moments of beauty lend an authenticity to the film that feels far more relatable than a truly perfect moment.
However, I should probably admit my bias. I'm a sucker for Rachel McAdams. I can't think of a film I haven't loved her in. Even in weaker films (like "The Hot Chick", "Eurovision", or "Midnight in Paris") the performance she turns in is always spot on. "About Time" is certainly no exception. While not as impressive a performance as "Spotlight", "True Detective", or "The Notebook", it might be my favorite role of hers if only because it's such a heartwarming performance.
Domhnall Gleeson gives a striking performance as well. The character of Tim Lake possesses an innocence and naiveté that speaks to the audience and allows Tim to wear his heart on his sleeve. To me, it is reminiscent of Andrew Garfield's work in The Social Network--we can always see hurt, love, or joy openly on his face.
Furthermore, the cinematography is understated, but really quite impressive. People forget that as wonderful as "Love, Actually" and "Notting Hill'' are, their cinematography is only passable. With that in mind, "About Time'' is quite a large step up. There's a fantastic (mostly) muted palette--playing into slight sepia tones with engaging framing--I noticed a particular interest in creating frames around characters using their surroundings.
Fantastic soundtrack. Enough said.
All these compliments aside, the film is fatally flawed if you were to approach the script from a strictly technical point of view. Although its dialogue is witty and engaging, it lacks much of the structure Western film follows--instead meandering through several different plot lines, leaving a fair few unresolved. Perhaps that's what makes it one of my favorite films. There is a charm and a reality to the film that is difficult to find in its contemporaries (and yet another reason to rebuke the Hollywood standard).
Ultimately, I love this film. Although I rarely give out 10 stars, this film earned it handily.
Without spoiling the film, I've found there's a common misconception that the appeal of this film lies mostly in its romance. I wish the marketing for this film had relied less on the romance aspect that it so heavily leaned into. The poster is emblematic of this: with a photo of Domhnall Gleeson and Rachel McAdams flirtatiously walking through the rain. It's a misrepresentation of the film and an adulteration of a story that reaches beyond simply romantic love.
Writer/director Richard Curtis focuses intently on emotion in "About Time". From the first frame, it's clear that Curtis has no interest in exploring the sci-fi aspects of the film or their implications. Our focus is on Tim Lake's emotional journey, and only his journey.
"About Time" simultaneously does a fantastic job at what I'd call "perfect imperfection". While romantic, moments in the film are never so perfect that they feel like wish fulfillment on the part of Curtis. Instead, they feel real, whether it be a wedding in the pouring rain, or parents arriving immediately after a night of "passion". To me, these interruptions to moments of beauty lend an authenticity to the film that feels far more relatable than a truly perfect moment.
However, I should probably admit my bias. I'm a sucker for Rachel McAdams. I can't think of a film I haven't loved her in. Even in weaker films (like "The Hot Chick", "Eurovision", or "Midnight in Paris") the performance she turns in is always spot on. "About Time" is certainly no exception. While not as impressive a performance as "Spotlight", "True Detective", or "The Notebook", it might be my favorite role of hers if only because it's such a heartwarming performance.
Domhnall Gleeson gives a striking performance as well. The character of Tim Lake possesses an innocence and naiveté that speaks to the audience and allows Tim to wear his heart on his sleeve. To me, it is reminiscent of Andrew Garfield's work in The Social Network--we can always see hurt, love, or joy openly on his face.
Furthermore, the cinematography is understated, but really quite impressive. People forget that as wonderful as "Love, Actually" and "Notting Hill'' are, their cinematography is only passable. With that in mind, "About Time'' is quite a large step up. There's a fantastic (mostly) muted palette--playing into slight sepia tones with engaging framing--I noticed a particular interest in creating frames around characters using their surroundings.
Fantastic soundtrack. Enough said.
All these compliments aside, the film is fatally flawed if you were to approach the script from a strictly technical point of view. Although its dialogue is witty and engaging, it lacks much of the structure Western film follows--instead meandering through several different plot lines, leaving a fair few unresolved. Perhaps that's what makes it one of my favorite films. There is a charm and a reality to the film that is difficult to find in its contemporaries (and yet another reason to rebuke the Hollywood standard).
Ultimately, I love this film. Although I rarely give out 10 stars, this film earned it handily.