Sideways
- Director: Alexander Payne
- Writer: Rex Pickett; Alexander Payne
- Producer: Michael London; George Parra
CGiii Comment
This won the Oscar for: Adapted Screenplay.
The appeal is for middle-aged men - those who have not accomplished much will, no doubt, feel rather uncomfortable.
The acting is way above average - as is the script.
Undeservedly forgotten.
Trailer...
The(ir) Blurb...
Miles is a failed writer living a meager existence in San Diego as an English teacher. With his career seemingly fading and the fate of a book hinging on a publisher's decision, Miles is depressed with himself and what he hasn't achieved. Jack is a television actor whom some recognize but not many do, as if he were a minor actor who got a taste of success. With his best friend Miles, the two embark on a road trip through California's wine country. Miles wants to give his friend a nice sendoff before married life, while Jack simply wants to have a fling beforehand. As they're both nearing middle age with not much to show for it, the two will explore the vineyards while ultimately searching for their identities.
Cast & Characters
Paul Giamatti as Miles;
Thomas Haden Church as Jack;
Virginia Madsen as Maya;
Sandra Oh as Stephanie;
Marylouise Burke as Miles's Mother;
Jessica Hecht as Victoria;
Missy Doty as Cammi;
M.C. Gainey as Cammi's Husband;
Alysia Reiner as Christine Erganian;
Shake Tukhmanyan as Mrs. Erganian;
Shaun Duke as Mike Erganian;
Robert Covarrubias as Miles's Building Manager;
Patrick Gallagher as Gary the Bartender;
Stephanie Faracy as Stephanie's Mother;
Joe Marinelli as Frass Canyon Pourer