Raquelle "Come Back To Me!" Somewhere in Time: 28 Years On and Still Kicking It...
October 3rd 2008 01:28
How does one begin to honor the anniversary of world’s greatest cinematic love story – if not world’s greatest film of all time?
Very few films grant viewers a continuous, unadulterated pleasure time and time again. This masterpiece is one of those screen classics, a beautifully and undeniably sincere story told in good-old-fashioned simplicity. In a world where our movie theatres are bombarded with explosions, special effects and bad gags, Somewhere in Time (1980) is a rare and timeless gem.
Starring Christopher Reeve (fresh from Superman) and the beautiful Jane Seymour (who won the role by divulging she had never been in love), the film tells the remarkable story of playwright Richard Collier (Reeve) who falls head over heels after seeing an old photograph of theatre actress, Elise McKenna (Seymour), and wills himself back to her time – 1912.
Driven to extremes Collier must overcome McKenna’s obtrusive and overbearing manager, William Fawcett Robinson (portrayed by Christopher Plummer), who fears that romance will derail her promising career and has resolved to stop him at all costs. Can Collier remain in 1912 with his one true love, against all odds?
If you have one romantic bone in your body, you’ll agree that the film features perhaps the most romantic first on-screen kiss which undoubtedly leaves its viewers all warm and mushy. The chemistry between Reeve and Seymour is unmatched.
Christopher Reeve is stunning as the determined, love-struck Collier and while it was a brave turn from playing Superman, it’s one of the most memorable performances of his short career. It’s a must see for all Reeve fans.
Masterfully directed by Jeannot Szwarc, the film is most famous for its heart-wrenchingly beautiful musical score, composed by John Barry (as a favor to Seymour), who complements the film’s title piece - the eighteenth variation of Sergei Rachmaninoff's Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, which runs throughout the film - once heard, will not be easily forgotten.
Based on the exceptional novel Bid Time Return (1975), by the father of science fiction, Richard Matheson (who performs a cameo in the film), the movie was in fact released to poor critical review. The low-budget, sentimental story didn’t fare against the more hard-bitten, realistic films (like Raging Bull, Ordinary People and The Elephant Man) of the time. It wasn’t until a Los Angeles cable service programmer licensed Somewhere in Time from Universal, and broadcast it to hundreds of thousands of viewers did the film enjoy a wide audience. Then, in 1990 when the film was released on home video, it was met with a cult following.
Today there’s no looking back, with millions of fans spread worldwide and INSITE — the International Network of Somewhere in Time Enthusiasts — now formed. Over the top you say? Well we're not Trekkies, but we’re close….
Whilst tempting, I have resisted the urge to include clips of the film from You Tube. They don’t do the film justice as it must be seen in its perfect form.
For those that are yet to have seen the film (or simply forgot that it exists), please wedge yourself out from under that rock and do something romantic for yourself and your loved one.
Enjoy!
Very few films grant viewers a continuous, unadulterated pleasure time and time again. This masterpiece is one of those screen classics, a beautifully and undeniably sincere story told in good-old-fashioned simplicity. In a world where our movie theatres are bombarded with explosions, special effects and bad gags, Somewhere in Time (1980) is a rare and timeless gem.
Driven to extremes Collier must overcome McKenna’s obtrusive and overbearing manager, William Fawcett Robinson (portrayed by Christopher Plummer), who fears that romance will derail her promising career and has resolved to stop him at all costs. Can Collier remain in 1912 with his one true love, against all odds?
If you have one romantic bone in your body, you’ll agree that the film features perhaps the most romantic first on-screen kiss which undoubtedly leaves its viewers all warm and mushy. The chemistry between Reeve and Seymour is unmatched.
Christopher Reeve is stunning as the determined, love-struck Collier and while it was a brave turn from playing Superman, it’s one of the most memorable performances of his short career. It’s a must see for all Reeve fans.
Masterfully directed by Jeannot Szwarc, the film is most famous for its heart-wrenchingly beautiful musical score, composed by John Barry (as a favor to Seymour), who complements the film’s title piece - the eighteenth variation of Sergei Rachmaninoff's Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, which runs throughout the film - once heard, will not be easily forgotten.
Is it you?
Based on the exceptional novel Bid Time Return (1975), by the father of science fiction, Richard Matheson (who performs a cameo in the film), the movie was in fact released to poor critical review. The low-budget, sentimental story didn’t fare against the more hard-bitten, realistic films (like Raging Bull, Ordinary People and The Elephant Man) of the time. It wasn’t until a Los Angeles cable service programmer licensed Somewhere in Time from Universal, and broadcast it to hundreds of thousands of viewers did the film enjoy a wide audience. Then, in 1990 when the film was released on home video, it was met with a cult following.
Today there’s no looking back, with millions of fans spread worldwide and INSITE — the International Network of Somewhere in Time Enthusiasts — now formed. Over the top you say? Well we're not Trekkies, but we’re close….
Whilst tempting, I have resisted the urge to include clips of the film from You Tube. They don’t do the film justice as it must be seen in its perfect form.
For those that are yet to have seen the film (or simply forgot that it exists), please wedge yourself out from under that rock and do something romantic for yourself and your loved one.
Enjoy!
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Comment by David O'Connell
Screen Fanatic
Comment by Raquelle
Cinema Voir
its a truly wonderful film - it has the innocence of Capra's Its a Wonderful Life and is a true romance. But like a lot of Spielberg films, you kinda have to suspend your disbelief to journey through it.
I would be surprised if Barry's score didnt reduce you to tears! Its so special.
And in my eyes, if the film doesnt move you - you dont have a heart
Enjoy!! R
Comment by David O'Connell
Screen Fanatic
I just had a look at that website - talk about taking devotion to a film to another level!!! I'm in awe of what they've done over the years........................ .......but also just a little bit scared!! (;
Comment by JohnDoe
Film & TV on DVD
I admit to being a bit of a sucker for this one too...a touching romance that even gets to this anti cliche killjoy. A beautiful story well told.
Comment by Raquelle
Cinema Voir
Why cant hopeless romantics have a little fun eh?!
I tried to not come off like too much of a freak, although it was hard to restrain myself.
Dont worry there are no penguins in this film
Comment by Lara M
Love Speaks
<wedging herself from the rock>...Heading to get it out...
Comment by Raquelle
Cinema Voir