A Simple Twist of Fate (1994)
| A Simple Twist of Fate (1994) |
| Cast: | Steve Martin | Michael McCann |
| Gabriel Byrne | John Newland | |
| Laura Linney | Nancy Newland | |
| Catherine O'Hara | April Simon | |
| Alana Austin | Mathilda McCann (age 11) | |
| Alyssa Austin | Mathilda McCann (age 5) | |
| Alaina Mobley | Mathilda McCann (age 3) | |
| Callie Mobley | Mathilda McCann (age 3) | |
| Victoria Evans | Mathilda McCann (age 1 - 1-1/2) | |
| Elizabeth Evans | Mathilda McCann (age 1 - 1-1/2) | |
| Stephen Baldwin | Tanny Newland |
Review by Bret Walker
Steve Martin shines in this modern adaptation of Silas Marner, and shows the world that he can perform in a non-comedic role and still be effective. A Simple Twist of Fate certainly works much better than his previous attempt at story modernization, Roxanne, which was based on Cyrano de Bergerac. His flaw there was that he tried to take a serious story and turn it into a comedy with a Hollywood ending. With A Simple Twist of Fate, the ending may be Hollywood, but the story is true to the original and still compelling enough for a look.
Martin plays Michael McCann, a man turned cynical and miserly by the loss of his first wife and what he originally thought was his first child. Through random actions his path crosses that of a baby girl. This little girl, whom he adopts, completely transforms his life and outlook, bringin a bit of joy in an otherwise grey and reclusive world.
It is discovered, however, that the little girl is actually the illegitimate daughter of John Newland, one of the most affluent men in the town. Newland decides that he wants to regain custody of his daughter and sues McCann for custody. Because of the life that Newland can provide and because McCann is not very well off, it seems that the court will certainly decide in favor of the natural father. However, it is a simple twist of fate that steps in and changes everyone's outlook in the end.
This story absolutely glows with inspiration and warmth. The seemingly simple tale of a man and his daughter is highlighted with insight into the man's genuine and unconditional love for her. It's truly a story that makes the audience feel good about life in general. Martin's performance in a serious role, while unexpected, is by no means disappointing. The story's flow, the cinematography, the direction and the acting all combine to make this a tremendous film for our time, and a must-see for any Martin fan.
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Trivia:
Gabriel Byrne and Stephen Baldwin portray brothers in this film, and later appeared as two of the five specialists in The Usual Suspects (1995).
Three pairs of sisters - two sets of twins - were used to portray Mathilda McCann. Alyssa and Alana Austin were the only two who did not portray Mathilda at the same age.
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