A struggling writer and his engaged buddy hit the road for California wine country.
Acting
Paul Giamatti's masterpiece of barely suppressed rage and longing.
Writing
Dialogue so sharp you'll wince at your own life choices.
Director
Cellin Gluck
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
This film single-handedly crashed merlot sales and skyrocketed pinot noir demand. The 'Sideways Effect' is still studied in wine economics courses.
The famous 'I am not drinking any fucking merlot!' line was improvised by Paul Giamatti. Director Alexander Payne kept it because it perfectly captured Miles' pretentious vulnerability.
JP
