Sideways (2004)

Sideways is certainly one of the top films of the decade. Alexander Payne has created an uplifting and hilarious film, the bright sun radiates over the Californian vine fields while jazz music, composed by Rolfe Kent, encapsulates you into a story of love, live and most surprisingly of all; depression. The story revolves around an unlikely friendship between a failed writer, played by Paul Giamatti and a reckless actor who is about to be married (Thomas Haden Church) . What's expected to be a relaxing send off to married life turns out to be a heartening journey of discovery. Alexander Payne's use of wine as a reflection of the intricacies of life leaves you addressing fairly daunting questions that are frequently composed in middle age. Whilst Giamattis' character, Miles, is compared to a wine that requires extra care, Maya, played by Virginia Madsen, loves taking time to think about each grape used to make the wine she drinks. The concept that wine ages until it peaks leads you questioning what happens after you pass the pinnacle in your life. Miles believes that his marriage was the peak of his life, now divorced he questions if he will ever find enjoyment. Churchs' character fears that his marriage will be the end of his youth and freedom- this humorous juxtaposition between the two characters facing mid-life crisis' creates an exciting atmosphere in the film. Payne poses these concepts in a thoroughly enjoyable manner, from excessive drinking and reckless sexual encounters to enchanting picnics and witty dialogue, Sideways by no means disappoints.