By KATELYN DOHERTY
Staff Writer
Having the opportunity to travel back in time is something that numerous people dream of. Being able to correct past mistakes or to just experience a special event over again would be an incredible experience for many.
In the new romantic comedy About Time, written and directed by Richard Curtis (Love Actually), Tim Lake, a red headed English countryside boy, played by Domhnall Gleeson (Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows), finds out a family secret on his 21st birthday that changes his life forever: He has the ability to time travel. Bill Nighy, who previously worked with Curtis on Love Actually, plays Tim’s father, who tells him that this gift is hereditary and has been passed down to every male in the family for gen- erations.
The formula to travel back in time is simple: find a dark place, close yours eyes, clench your fists, and think about the moment you want to go back to. The only catch is that you cannot travel to the future. When Tim discovers that this actually works, he realizes what he must use it for: finding a girlfriend.
This is where Tim meets Mary, an insecure bohemian-dressed beauty, played by Rachel McAdams (The Notebook). Once again, McAdams gets herself involved with a man who can time travel, but this time a much different story ensues.
After their interesting “blind date,” he immediately realizes she is the girl of his dreams. But when he returns home, he finds out terrible news and decides that he must use his gift to help out his landlord Harry, played by Tom Hollander (Pirates of the Caribbean), to fix his epic failure of a play. Tim then discovers that by changing past events, he has caused Mary’s phone number to be erased from his contacts.
Immediately he is devastated. Tim must now try to woo Mary once again by doing whatever it takes. Initially, it seems like the ultimate struggle but he eventu- ally he once again wins over her heart.
The chemistry between Gleeson and McAdams is incredible. Although the film at first seems a little slow to get into, a believable love story begins to unfold. These two actors work really well together. The audience has the ability to connect with both characters throughout the movie and feel what each person is experiencing.
The scenes of this movie are shot beautifully. The scenery throughout the film plays a big part in conveying the meaning of what the characters are feeling and it is done very well. Through the various close up shots, it is easy to gain an understanding of each character’s emotions.
Throughout the movie, Tim must make pertinent decisions regarding not only his relationship with Mary, but also his kooky and eccentric sister, played by Lydia Wilson, and his father relating to time travel. With each of these experiences, he more clearly discovers his own identity. He realizes that it is better to live in the moment than trying to travel back in time and fix the problems that arise.
“Time catches up to all of us,” and it is important that we live life to the fullest and experience each day as if it was our last because unlike Tim, we cannot go back and re-experience it. Life is a gift and it is our decision how we choose to live it. Celebrate the important things in life and do not live with regrets. The situations that arise throughout the movie are related to the average person’s everyday life, which allows people to easily connect with the plot and characters.
The way Curtis directs this movie captivates audiences everywhere, bringing both tears of joy and sadness to viewers’ eyes. No matter who you are, you will be touched in some way or another by this beautiful film. If you are a sucker for fun and romantic love stories, this should definitely be at the top of your list.
