A Simple Twist of Fate (1994)
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43% of critics liked it
(21 reviews) -
51% of users liked it
(9,973 ratings)
Steve Martin produced, wrote, and starred in this modernized adaptation of the George Eliot novel Silas Marner. Martin is miserly small-town hermit Michael McCann, who hoards his wealth in the form of a rare coin collection. When his coins are stolen, McCann is ruined, but then he discovers an… More Steve Martin produced, wrote, and starred in this modernized adaptation of the George Eliot novel Silas Marner. Martin is miserly small-town hermit Michael McCann, who hoards his wealth in the form of a rare coin collection. When his coins are stolen, McCann is ruined, but then he discovers an abandoned baby girl on his doorstep. Although he doesn't know it, the girl, whom McCann names Mathilda, is the illegitimate daughter of a prominent local politician, John Newland (Gabriel Byrne). Raising Mathilda has a profound effect on McCann, who emerges from his self-imposed exile and becomes an excellent, creative father. Mathilda grows up to be an intelligent, attractive girl, friendly with Newland and his wife (Laura Linney). When the Newlands learn that they cannot have children, John confesses his secret and embarks on a custody battle with McCann to regain guardianship of his daughter. The location of McCann's long-lost coins has a powerful impact on the proceedings, however. A rather dour and downbeat film, A Simple Twist of Fate lacked the charm and whimsy of Martin's earlier literary adaptation, Roxanne, and did not enjoy that film's box office success. ~ Karl Williams, Rovi
- Directed By
- Gillies MacKinnon
- Genres
- Drama, Comedy
PG-13,
- In Theaters
- Sep 2, 1994 Wide
Critic Reviews
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Michael A. Smith, Nolan's Pop Culture Review
One of Steve Martins most underated performances
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Fred Topel, About.com
Inconsistent tone. Not quite a drama, definitely not a comedy. But it's not balanced, it's either/or.
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Clint Morris, Moviehole
Good Intentions.....that's about it
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Nell Minow, Movie Mom at Yahoo! Movies
Dreary, misconceived movie about a man redeemed by the love of a child.
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Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat, Spirituality and Practice
Proves that the good life cannot be purchased but must be patiently constructed out of love and devotion.
See more critic ratings and reviews on Rotten Tomatoes
Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)
Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)
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Cast
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Steve Martin
as Michael McCann
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Gabriel Byrne
as John Newland
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Laura Linney
as Nancy Newland
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Catherine O'Hara
as April Simon
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Alana Austin
as Mathilda McCann at age 11
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Alyssa Austin
as Mathilda McCann at age 5
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Stephen Baldwin
as Tanny Newland
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Byron Jennings
as Keating
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Michael Des Barres
as Bryce
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Amelia Campbell
as Marsha Swanson
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Kellen Crosby
as Lawrence (age 11)
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Dan Chandler
as Cop
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Tom Even
as Dad the Cop
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Ed Grady
as Judge Marcus
- Anne Heche
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Scott Higgs
as Summons Server
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Boyce Holleman
as Politician #1
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Stephanie Astalos Jones
as Parent
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Terry Loughlin
as Cal
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Carolyn McCormick
as Elaine McCann
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Janell McLeod
as Court Stenographer
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Muriel Moore
as Mrs. Latham
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Danny Nelson
as Dr. Roberts
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Afemo Omilami
as Bailiff
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Ric Reitz
as Male Social Worker
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Mary Nell Santacroce
as Female Social Worker
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Suzanne Stewart
as Judge's Wife
- Kristoffer Tabori
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Libby Whittemore
as Playgroup Mom
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David Dwyer
as Joe the Bartender
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Tim Ware
as Rob
- Dianne Crittenden
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Judson Vaughn
as Politician #2
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Mary Ann Hagen
as Girl at Polo Game
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Jon Kohler
as Janitor
- Alaina Mobley
- Callie Mobley
- Elizabeth Evans
- Victoria Evans
