Three Movies and a Box of Tissues

The first time I saw “Somewhere in Time”, I was beguiled by the story, the characters and the actors who portrayed them. It’s a dated movie, from 1980, so the viewer is transported back twice in time to days when cell phones, PC’s and the onslaught of technology did not exist. It's a magical place to begin a movie journey that has been honed over the years for those interested in romances that are challenged by separations in time.

“Somewhere in Time” is based on a novel by Richard Matheson, a prolific sci-fi writer who was active from the 1950s thru the 1990s. His approach, by his own admission, was to take ordinary people and put them in extraordinary circumstances. Matheson is famous for such notable screenplays as “What Dreams May Come”, “I Am Legend” and “A Stir of Echoes”. He also wrote the first script that Steven Spielberg ever directed, a 1971 made for TV movie entitled “Duel”. It’s a movie that Spielberg still mentions and watches as one that informs his ability to create suspense, but that’s a fascinating story for another time.

“Somewhere in Time’ is cinematically appealing, not only for it’s casting but for its location on the idyllic Mackinac Island, Michigan, set at the Grand Hotel. The island to this day still has no cars, no chain hotels and remains unforgettable for its sunsets against the vastness of Lake Huron. The islands 8.2 miles can be only covered on foot or by bicycle or horses. The Grand Hotel deserves it name and still holds “Somewhere in Time” weekends for those who have turned the movie and its location into a cult favorite.

The story is naïve by today’s time traveling screenplay standards but, in its simplicity, it creates a story that lingers long after the credits have finished rolling. The musical score by John Berry perfectly sets the pace and pulls the viewer into the time periods of the 1970’s and then back 60 years in time to follow the beginning of the love story. John Berry was a friend of Jane Seymour, who plays Elise McKenna to Christopher Reeve’s portrayal of Richard Collier. The use of simple objects moves Collier from his present day to the time where he discovers the love of his life and back again to the where the story begins. For lovers of time traveling romances, this is the perfect movie to start the journey.

Next on the list would be “Groundhog Day” a delightful film from the early 1990’s that stars Bill Murray and a young Andie MacDowell. It comes from the collaboration of partners David Rubin and Harold Ramis of “Caddyshack” and “Ghostbusters” fame. This story follows Murray as he lives the same day repeatedly, each one slightly altered by his characters cynical approach to life. It is set in Punxsutawney, PA where a tradition starting in 1887 uses an unlikely rodent to predict the coming weather based on whether he sees his shadow. Murray’s gradual and comedic transformation is both wildly entertaining and touching. “Ok, campers, rise and shine…” is a line spoken to the backdrop of “I’ve Got You, Babe” that will stay in your brain forever.

As I sit and watch the snow fall outside my Colorado window, I often joke that it’s "Groundhog Day” all over again during the sameness of the days in this age of the COVID pandemic.

Which brings me to the third and final recommendation on this romantic journey. “About Time” is an offering from New Zealand Writer/Director Richard Curtis, who also gave us such romantic classics as “Notting Hill” and “Love Actually”. The 2013 time traveling romance follows Domhnall Gleeson as his character Tim learns he can travel thru time. Rachel McAdams portrays Mary, who Tim pursues in a series of comical and touching repeats until he gets it right. The ultimate sentiment of “About Time” is even more poignant in these days of lessons on our values, as our world has shrunk to the four walls of our homes. This movie resonates with me on a spiritual level that few movies ever have, even if that is not it’s intent.

There are other time traveling romances worth a look including “Kate & Leopold” which brings old world chivalry into the modern age, “The Time Travelers Wife” and even Kate Hudson’s “Alex & Emma”. Each one of these brings a charming and sometimes touching point of view on how we humans will chase love across any distance, fighting all obstacles to secure our romantic fate.

If you have the “time”, they are all worth a screening. Just don’t forget your tissues.