What would happen if you learned on your 21st birthday that you had the gift of time travel in order to revisit and possibly change any moment in your life? In his latest film, “About Time,” writer/director Richard Curtis brings us another romantic comedy classic starring Rachel McAdams and Domhnall Gleeson. “About Time” tells the story of what happens when Tim (Gleeson) learns he has this gift. Despite the fact that he decides to utilize this power to acquire a girlfriend, over time he learns that life is not about fixing your mistakes to get exactly what you want, but rather about living the only life you have to live.
Set in London, from the moment Tim and Mary (McAdams) first meet at a restaurant where diners eat in pitch-black darkness, there is a clear spark between the two. As they leave, they walk out together, meet one another face to face. It’s almost as if we can already see love hidden behind their eyes. McAdams’ and Gleeson’s chemistry is killer. As Mary slowly walks away in the other direction, we see one of those classic moments where the girl begins walking away in the middle of the street at midnight and stops to look back at the boy before continuing on her way. After realizing that he had another commitment that night, Tim goes back in time; therefore, the whole evening had never happened. After this moment, Tim tries to recreate their “first encounter” several times until he finally “meets” her again, and it’s all happily ever after from there.
Throughout the film, we glimpse Tim and Mary’s relationship growth, which is especially illustrated through montages. At one point we see them at a London subway station trying to catch their respective trains, yet they run back to one another for a final kiss, leaving Tim to miss his train. Furthermore, Ozon tactfully places Arvo Part’s“Spiegal I’m Siegal” in several compelling moments that serve as a constant reminder of this couple’s passionate love. Remarkably, the soundtrack only added more power to the film.
In addition, there are several lighthearted moments where we can sympathize with Tim and are happy that he has this power to go back in time. One of these moments occurs when the dreaded and unexpected time comes to “meet the parents.”
Overall, this was an unbelievable film. Richard Curtis successfully captures and raises questions of life and love, leaving a mark on his audience.
Grade: ARating and Run Time: R, 123 minutes
See if You Liked: “The Time Traveler’s Wife”
