Let’s cut to the chase: “Sideways” is a fantastic movie from Alexander Payne, who may very well be America’s most provocative cinematic storyteller. There’s so much to relish about this tale of two 40-something friends whose road trip through California wine country leads to a powerful reckoning about life, that the challenge here is where to begin gushing. As Miles, the disconsolate would-be novelist whose enduring passion is vino, Paul Giamatti is sublime. His is a richly nuanced performance that ranks as one of the year’s best, and serves notice that he is the best paunchy, balding leading man in Hollywood. Giamatti is complimented perfectly by Thomas Haden Church (of TV’s “Wings” fame), as Miles’ misbehaving best bud, Jack, an over-sexed washed-up actor whose impending nuptials are put in serious jeopardy. Virginia Madsen and Sandra Oh both deliver career-reviving turns as the women who rock Miles’ and Jack’s worlds. These four actors are so spot-on, it’s quite possible all might receive nods come award-nomination time. Payne and Director of Photography Phedon Papamichael give “Sideways” a retro feeling using filtration and film stock that mimics the soft pastel qualities of 1970s films. The natural beauty of the Santa Ynez region elevates the mood of the picture to dizzying heights. (Rated R for language, some strong sexual content and nudity. Running time: 123 minutes)
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on October 22, 2004. Read the original PDF.