16 Straightforward Facts About the Movie Sideways

For those of you who may not remember, Sideways, an Alexander Payne comedy/drama was hugely successful.  Not only did it resonate with wine buffs but also the every day man who’s just trying to get by.   It followed two men in their forties taking a trip to Wine Country in California.  It’s planned as a “bachelor party” for Jack (Thomas Haden Church) and bitter writer Miles (Paul Giamatti) but winds up having both men getting romantically involved with two women.  The movie is highlighted by high comedy, an astute knowledge of wine, and tremendous acting performances.

Here are some facts about the 2004 movie that are best paired with a wine that’s still evolving.

1. ALEXANDER PAYNE READ THE BOOK ON WHICH IT’S BASED ON A FLIGHT BACK FROM A FILM FESTIVAL.

The director was flying back from Edinburgh, where he had been at a film festival promoting Election, when he finally had a chance to read Rex Pickett’s book Sideways. As soon as he landed, Payne ran to a pay phone (this was 1999) to call his agent about purchasing the rights. He later told Pickett he liked his novel because his characters were “so f*cking pathetic.”

Check out the rest of the list at Mental Floss!