rlit =The film and video studies department celebrates the end of the academic year with a special screening of student films. Check out the best and brightest the department has to offer at a screening of films, videos and animation by student filmmakers. the screening begins at 4 p.m. Saturday in the East Hall auditori- um. UlbeLid igan ?~ail The Summer Daily Daily Arts will return in the weekly Daily beginning May 4. Throughout the summer, the Arts department will continue t3 bring you the latest in arts and entertainment Tuesday April 21,1998 Luminous Paltrow shines in electric 'Sliding' By Bryan Lark Daily Arts Editor Not surprisingly, there are many sliding doors in "Sliding Doors," the directing and screenwriting debut of actor Peter Howitt - subway doors, elevator doors, opaque doors, plate glass doors. Sliding Doors Starts Friday at theaters everywhere In any other film, this metaphor for the temporary openings for opportuni- ty in life, and your perceptions thereof, would spread itself thin rather quickly. But mix in a clever concept, a relent- lessly witty script and a sparkling Gwyneth Paltrow and "Sliding Doors" not only spreads on well, it's also the chunkiest of cinematic delicacies. Sweet but not saccharin, high-con- cept but not pretentious, effervescent but nowhere near fluffy, "Sliding Doors" is the rarest of romantic come- dies =- it's romantic while actually being comic. This refreshing originality is supplied by makes it to the train just as the doors slide closed in her face. The film then asks us to humor it for a moment - actual- ly for the entire running time - letting the action rewind, then showing Helen making the train just as the sliding doors close behind her. The Helen who misses the train ends up getting mugged and returns home at what would have been her normal time to doting boyfriend Gerry (John Lynch). But the Helen who makes the train ends up meeting the annoyingly charming James (John Hannah) but spurns him just in time to catch Gerry in a compromising position with American yup-tart Lydia (Jeanne Tripplehorn). The rest of the film then follows the trials of the real Helen and the hypothetical Helen, with the line between what is happening and what might have been becoming more and more blurred as Helen encounters James, Lydia and Gerry in both lives. The film assists the viewer in discerning between the two Helens by having the hypothetical Helen, liberated from Gerry, chop off her deep red locks for a shorn, platinum blond 'do. the film's thought-provoking and innovative premise. Sure, the plot still breaks down to girl meets right boy while still attached to wrong boy, then does wrong by right boy only to win right boy A back, but "Sliding Doors" has nothing to do with someone being gay or the meeting at the Empire State Building or breaking up a wedding, as in one or every contemporary romantic comedy. No, "Sliding Doors" tells the fantastical tale of London girl Helen (Paltrow), who, upon being fired from her job, runs to catch the subway in the middle of the day, something she ordi- There are no wedd P narily would not do. Helen still enjoys himsel Not that the film needs to provide us this service, however. As the film progresses and reveals many surprising developments, it becomes clear that the Helens are two separate identities living within one woman. Not that "Sliding Doors" is "Sybil" or anything - it is, after all, a romantic comedy, albeit one that packs a considerable emotional and philosophical punch. Most of the credit for the film's multifaceted success goes to Howitt, who turned a brush with death into this winning exami- nation of chance and the daily "What if"'s. Never formally trained as either a screen- writer or director, his words Gwyneth Paltrow stars as Helen, a Londoner whose life splits ir possesses a certain spontaneity that parallels the urgency of the London locales and frantic pace of Helen's parallel lives. This energy is enhanced by the supporting cast, led by the hilarious John Hannah, best known for his bittersweet por- trayal of Matthew in "Four Weddings and a Funeral," as James; the weaselly John Lynch as cheating Gerry; and Jeanne Tripplehorn, who lets more than a few of her basic instincts out as bitch-goddess Lydia. But "Sliding Doors" belongs to Gwyneth Paltrow, her dings and no funerals but John Hannah f with Gwyneth Paltrow. are sharp, funny and inci- sive and his cinematography 'Sliding' opens Hollywood's doors for director How "7, Courtesy if M ramax n two on a fateful tube train in "Sliding Doors." flawless British accent and both of her hairdos. The wxar most often used to describe Paltrow is luminous and it applies here, too, as Paltrow exudes sex appeal, vulnerability, charis- ma and star wattage that makes her brilliant, delicious per formance seem effortless. Though it may seem little more than a spoonful of sugar to many, once "Sliding Doors" opens it's plain to see that it is so" much more than the tired genre it unfortunately inhabits 1t's romantic comedy as complete satiation - great taste. more filling and good 'til the last drop. Spread the word, itt himself a "Cheeky her in the the insist- at's trying e - you ng in it." ig inCourtesy of M ramax uined, as A brush with death inspired actor Peter Howitt ow, steals to direct, produce and write "Sliding Doors. he accent 'en native aware of any while directing, I must be hoiest. But my writing is definitely influenced by Neil 't see the Simon. Yeah, Neil Simon, The Beatles and he'll say, MOnty Python - I don't think you can go to far rette will wrong." Director, writer, actor, cheeky bloke, moron Howitt's jaywalker, hyphenate Peter Howitt surely has "I wasn't plenty of reasons to look on the bright side of life By Bryan Lark Daily Arts Editor The blokes of Monty Python once advised the world, through song, to "Always Look on the Bright Side of Life." In "Sliding. Doors," John Hannah tells Gwyneth Paltrow the same. For Peter Howitt, director and screenwriter . of "Sliding Doors" and lifelong Monty Python fan, the bright side of his life has never been quite so blinding. The former actor, who has appeared in such films as "Some Mother's Son and "In the Name of the Father" is experiencing a renaissance of sorts, as the novice director's film was chosen to open this year's Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah. "Sundance was fantastic," said Howitt in a recent interview. "I was quite nervous, I have to say. It's six years of your life and suddenly you're in an 1,800 seat opera house and there it is on the screen. It's very hard to take in what it all means." Figuring out what it all means is the point of "Sliding Doors," as Paltrow's Helen experiences ter life in two parallel versions to discover what her life means. The meaning of Helen's life is very close to Howitts own, since he based the character of a Londoner whose life splits in two on a chance encounter of his own, nearly being hit by a car in London six years ago. "It struck me I could've been killed and it made me think how slight your life can be. Even if I didn't get killed, my day was already slightly different now - I had to apologize to this driver who encountered this moron jaywalker." Whatever he calls himself, Howitt can now be called auteur, for his status as the creative force behind "Doors." But Howitt confessed he really had no idea what he was doing., "I wouldn't dare to give anyone advice on directing. I don't think I'm going to win any tech- nical awards for my great shots but that's not what I was after. I was just after a film that makes sense, that people enjoy and maybe have a little think about what's going on." Even though Howitt is modest about his appar- ent talents, someone saw the promise of great- ness he had in him, someone very famous. some- one very talented, someone, well, very thin - Gwyneth Paltrow, who loved the script and requested a meeting with Howitt. "I didn't choose her as much as she chose me." Howitt said, "but I didn't think 'Oh damn, I must work with Gwyneth. I guess I'll have to live with her somehow."' "I was already a fan of hers and never thought I could get someone like Gwyneth in my film," Howitt continued about his leading lady. "I didn't say, this is right for Gwyneth Paltrow, I've got to get this to her. I wouldn't have had the audacity to do that. I might be a bit more cheeky now, but in those days, no way." So cheeky, in fact, that Howitt castr flirtatious restaurant patron called Bloke." "That was Gwyneth actually - I castI main part and she cast me in that part. S ed I do a little scene with her. The guy th to hit on her, that's me. It's a quick seen don't want to ruin your own film by bein But "Sliding Doors" is far from r Howitt's great script, along with Paltr the show. Paltrow, again showing off tl she perfected in "Emma," impressed ev Brit Howitt. "She does it so effortlessly - you can wheels going around at all. And then s 'Where's my cawfee. Gimme a cigar yaT" Aside from Paltrow, others inspired astounding efforts on "Sliding Doors."' Sets distract great 'West' performances By Christopher Tkaczyk Fine / Performing Arts Editor This past weekend's production of "West Side Story" proved Now talented University students are. The department of musi- cal theater shined as all aspects of its aptitude was showcased' within the Bernstein/Sondheim/Robbins musical. The show's major dance numbers were captivating and com- pelling. The Jets and Sharks sparkled in such dance gems as "The Prologue;" "Dance at the Gym," "Cool," "America," and "The Rumble." Robbins' brilliant choreography was given new life and a new touch by visiting Broadway choreographer Mark Esposito. Adriene Daigneault and James Luxton gave the best perfor- *ances of the evening as Maria and Tony. Their scenes togeth- er were passionate and romantic. From the first few bars of "Tonight" to the final note of"I Have a Love,' Luxton's charis- matic tenor voice wooed not only the dainty Maria, but the audience as well. Daigneault's surprising soprano capabilities strove her character's beauty, and everyone understood why Tony fell in love. "One Hand / One Heart" brought out the love in all, as each character professes his/her vows to the other. The supporting cast rounded off the production, making "West Side Story" an enjoyable show altogether. While no Rita Moreno, Erika Shannon's Anita was comical and lusty. Her performance during "America" was an extreme climax of the riighly ethnic song. Michael Short's Bernardo was debonair and suave, and a believable enemy to the WASPy Jets. He and Shannon made an excellent pair. Leading the Jets was Jeremy Davis as Riff. Although a fine singer, Davis seemed way too stiff to portray the head cool guy. Riff can't be nervous unless if he knows he's about to meet his match. The dancers during "Dance in the Gym" have to be com- mended for their ability to pull off all the fast action. "Gee, Officer Krupke" was hilariously entertaining. The gang of mis- fits carried the fast-paced humor well, and threw in an occa- sional contorted face to boot. While Esposito's choreography was moving, the "Somewhere" dream sequence proved to be an over-done scene. Slightly bordering cheesy, the scent du fromage pre- vented a dramatic reaction from the awkward goings-on. While a very talented Jessica Murphy sang a beautiful version of Things to Do Before You Graduate West Side Power Center April 16, 1998 "Somewhere," her voice was piped in over the theater soundsystem as a select handful of characters danced a mid- show ballet. While it may have worked in the Robert Weiss film and the origi- nal staging, this version was less than stunning. This version of "West Side Story" was slightly abstract, as the set design remained simple with a mostly dark scenes tableaued by moving staircases and dark front shutters that replaced the ordinary stage curtain. It would have worked well if set designer Rob Murphy had not tried to recreate an M.C. Escher scene during the big "Quintet" number. Subscribe to the JOB BULLETIN (nationwide job openings). Stop by CP&P to complete a subscription form; no cost to current students and recent graduates Pick up information packets on resume writing, interviewing skills, job search strategies, cover letter writing, internet job searching, and more Open a Reference Letter File; obtain recommendation letters from faculty and GSIs before you leave to ensure the best letters possible M Check out CP&P's summer programs by logging on to our homepage: www.cpp.umich.edu The Universtotyo' Michigan j Career Planning Placement CP&P is located at 3200 SAB j "West Side Story" is universal and timeless not only because of its Shakespearean themes, but mostly because of the genius score and book. Altering a production by placing the characters in the drab setting of a timeless abstract environment tries to showcase the talents of its singers. While someone may have nice performances to watch and hear, it's also captivating to have something beautiful to look at as well. U I .1 CONGRATULATIONS TO THE CLASS OF '98! Interested in Easily Making Up To $10 In An Experiment? Earn up to $10 in a one session computer-controlled dynamic decision making experiment. The session lasts one hour or less. Contact Bud Gibson by email only (fpxibson@umich.edu) includina the letters Makkara Bakery & Sushi 3452 Wastlienaw (734)677-0980 .