Rating of
3.5/4
Somewhere in Time review
Daniel Corleone - wrote on 08/18/11
Richard Collier (Christopher Reeve) is approached by an elderly woman who gives a significant watch and says “come back to me.” Richard becomes fascinated with a picture in the hotel he was staying at and decides to research about the person on it. With the aid of Arthur Biehl (Bill Erwin), an old bellhop, he discovers the identity of the woman on the picture. Elise McKenna (Jane Seymour) used to be a stage actress. Richard became engrossed in the methods of time travels and decides to hypnotize himself to catch the younger version of Elise. He becomes successful and has a rewarding relationship until an untimely incident involving a 1979 penny. Some amazing quotes from the picture: Elise – “Forgive me. I have never known this feeling. I have lived without it all my life. Is it any wonder, then, I failed to recognize you? You, who brought it to me for the first time. Is there any way I can tell you how my life have changed? Any way at all to let you know what sweetness you have given me? There is so much to say... I cannot find the words. Except for these: I love you.” Richard – “I have a question for you, sir. Is time travel possible?” “I owe you an apology. I understand you now. You have nothing but the best motives in mind for her, but so do I."
Way before time travel related films such as Donnie Darko, Back to the Future, Time Travelers Wife, The Lakehouse, or even Groundhog Day, there was this tragic dramatic romantic film of love in different periods. Aside from the grandiose cinematography, luxurious costumes, and an unforgettable musical score, the artists did a remarkable job in portraying the characters. You get the feeling you are listening to classical music with a moving canvass because of its exquisite scenery. The tempo of the film is sufficient to truly develop the development and relationship of Richard and Elise, but drags a little and the score a bit monotonous. Because of its impact, a fan club, musical and a cult following (Brazil, China and Hong Kong to name a few) ensued. The leading man asks “Is time travel possible?” without the utilization of special effects, we are transported to a time when it was the 1920’s and making sacrifices is important to make a relationship work. Somewhere in Time may not break any office records or win any awards, it’s about the substance and effect on the people who have seen this cinematic masterwork.
