At the age of 21, Tim
Lake (Domhall Gleeson) discovers he can time travel- and so can every male
member of his family. His father (Billy
Nighy) reveals the secret at yet another unsatisfactory New Years Eve party
and Tim quickly goes back in time to
improve his chances of getting what is really wants- a girlfriend.
As the film progresses, Tim attempts to make life better for himself and his loved ones despite
the fact that he can’t change the past or make anyone fall in love. He moves
from Cornwall to London to become a lawyer and meets the love of his life Mary (Rachel McAdams), but because of
his dabbles with time travel, he only wins her heart after their third
encounter. Tim’s life continues and
he realises his gift can’t always save him from life’s ups and downs. It’s a
wonderfully light-hearted flick about love, family and time travel that’s sure
to appeal to families and couples alike.
‘About Time’ is written and directed by Rom-Com king Richard Curtis, who’s known for T.V.
shows such as ‘The Vicar of Dibley’ and ‘Mr. Bean’ along with films like ‘Love Actually’, ‘Notting Hill’ and
‘Four Weddings and a Funeral’. The
film’s soundtrack features the likes of The
Cure, Ron Sexsmith, The Killers as well as a single by Ellie Goulding called ‘How
Long Will I Love You’, (originally by
The Waterboys).
Although the idea of time travel thrown together with
romance and family has been done before (‘The
Time Traveller’s Wife’, anyone? Which also happens to star McAdams in the
lead female role), ‘About Time’
promises something different, more emotional and magical. There has always been
something fanatical about the world that Richard
Curtis creates, but ‘About Time’ takes
it a step further- each character, especially members of Tim’s family are well-developed, loveable English eccentrics who
flourish on the Cornish coast.
Cast in the everyman role usually
reserved for Hugh Grant, Gleeson is a
loveable hero and boasts brilliant screen chemistry with McAdams, and yet his family are
mysteriously well-off and bookish, and it appears, particularly at the beginning
of the film, that he has very little to complain about, and very little
opportunity to truly make the most of his gift. Bill Nighy, however never fails to let audiences down- and his warm,
witty charm really lights up the screen and creates a strong bond with the
audience.
The best supporting role in ‘About Time’ has got to be Tim’s
London landlord, who also happens to be a friend of his father’s, Harry (Tom Hollander). He is a hysterically
sour playwright who initially greets Tim with, “What the f**k do you want?” But
the bad guy act simply doesn't wash and it’s obvious there is profundity to
each character. Even Harry is a big
softie at heart and Hollander plays
him with great intensity and fantastic comic timing.
Offering 123 minutes of laugh-out-loud moments and tear-jerking scenes, it’s clear Richard Curtis knows what cinema-goers are after. ‘About Time’ is full of love without being too over the top and Curtis’ scriptwriting skills are absolutely admirable and his jolly upper-class, charming characters come out with some hilarious stuff under pressure, “Oh my arsing god in a box!” The narrative as a whole is simple yet ingenious and full of the honest, fragile serenity of life. But as Richard Curtis has basically become the backbone of British Rom-Com cinema, it’s all expected. It may be embarrassingly English but, ‘About Time’ is a beautiful, touching tale of love and hope.
Offering 123 minutes of laugh-out-loud moments and tear-jerking scenes, it’s clear Richard Curtis knows what cinema-goers are after. ‘About Time’ is full of love without being too over the top and Curtis’ scriptwriting skills are absolutely admirable and his jolly upper-class, charming characters come out with some hilarious stuff under pressure, “Oh my arsing god in a box!” The narrative as a whole is simple yet ingenious and full of the honest, fragile serenity of life. But as Richard Curtis has basically become the backbone of British Rom-Com cinema, it’s all expected. It may be embarrassingly English but, ‘About Time’ is a beautiful, touching tale of love and hope.
Rachel McAdams absolutely glistens on screen and merges impeccably well
into the role of Mary, even as she
grows into a married woman, mother and mature lady. It may not be a completely
conventional Rom-Com, but the movie does sparkle with a kind of unique charm.
It’s clear that Curtis and his crew
have cherished it as developed it in depth from start to finish. There is just
the right amount of character and plot development to get the film going before
the time travel twist is unveiled and one of the final montage scenes is the single
most heart-breaking scene I have ever watched. Moreover, the final protagonist voice-over to close to film, which comments on what a “remarkable ride” life is, is
sentimental without being too cheesy.
‘About Time’ is the perfect combination between amusing and more
serious scenes as a result of Tim Lake’s
time travelling antics. Lake uses his
gift for multiple attempts at sex, to numerous first encounters with people and
avoiding saying the wrong thing to the wrong girl but discovers how problematic
time travel becomes when used for the bigger aspects of life; choices, morals,
love, life and death. The variety of scenes is also excellent, enhanced by Mark Day’s wonderful editing skills. In
particular, a speedy scene of Mary
and Tim travelling past the same set
of buskers in an Underground station and on different days. It’s beautifully
shot, full of variety and really captures the light-hearted side of the film,
without coming across as too sickly sweet.
Rom-Com King Richard Curtis |
The tender father/son relationship between Tim and his father is startling to see,
because although it’s enviable, it’s also incredibly raw and realistic. John Guleserian’s cinematography is on par with the best Romantic Comedies out there and he forms a
splendidly sunny persona for the film, that’s more of a coming-of-age movie
about a not-so-heroic hero who matures into a responsible man who learns to appreciate
what he has in life, especially in the here and now.
One-man brand Richard
Curtis has a remarkable knack for making the ordinary, extraordinary and creating
something delightfully exuberant and poignant. ‘About Time’ highlights all the ups and downs of everyday life and
plays out romantic and heart-rending moments in perfect balance. ‘About Time’ is soothing, full of serenity
and gives us all something to think about when it’s over.
4/5
Watch the official trailer
for ‘About Time’ right here:
No comments:
Post a Comment