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Genre
Comedy | Fantasy | Romance
Director
Country
USA
Cast
Owen Wilson, Rachel McAdams, Kurt Fuller, Mimi Kennedy, Michael Sheen, Nina Arianda, Carla Bruni, Yves Heck, Alison Pill, Tom Hiddleston, Corey Stoll, Sonia Rolland, Daniel Lundh, Thérèse Bourou-Rubinsztein, Kathy Bates, Marcial Di Fonzo, Marion Cotillard, Léa Seydoux, Emmanuelle Uzan, Adrien Brody, Gad Elmaleh
Storyline
While on a trip to Paris with his fincée (Rachel McAdams) and her family, romantic at heart screenwriter Gil Pender (Owen Wilson) finds himself mysteriously going back to the 20's where he meets his favourite writers, musicians and artists.
Opinion
Probably it's because, just like Gil, the protagonist, I'm romantic at heart, but I don't simply love this film, I find it someway magical.
Nostalgic, romantic and full of hope, "Midnight in Paris" is a terrific film, one of the best Allen film in ages.
After several not so appealing stories, Allen delights us with a charming, beautifully written story that blends comedy, fantasy and romance like never seen before, and that transports us into the director's magical world. The use of time traveling as plot device is simply brilliant, and it's incredible how Allen manages to make this story seem so real despite all the unrealistic things going on.
There are numerous themes in this film, and among them all the love for a city, in this case Paris, definitely stands out. Then there is the nostalgia for ages neither the protagonist, Allen himself nor we have lived in, but still believe only in that era it could have been possible to truly express oneself.
Then there are two layers, the surface that makes you understand how important is to live in the present and that we should start appreciating it, even though dreaming will always be more fascinating, at least for me. Then there's the core that makes you realizes that we have forgotten about the profound aspects of life.
The characters may be the typical Allen personas, but that also means witty, humorous, excellent dialogue as we are used to. And it balances to perfection the magic of both the story and the setting. To add an even bigger wow effect there is a stunning cinematography and an absolutely wonderful score.
And the all-star cast takes the film even a step further. I don't usually like Owen Wilson, but he was different here. Of course it's because of the character he was playing - a nostalgic, romantic writer -, but he gives his best performance ever in my opinion. The supporting performances are excellent as well, with a special mention for Rachel McAdams in the role of Wilson's finacée, and Marion Cotillard as the lovely girl who had an affair with Picasso and Hemingway.
After several not so appealing stories, Allen delights us with a charming, beautifully written story that blends comedy, fantasy and romance like never seen before, and that transports us into the director's magical world. The use of time traveling as plot device is simply brilliant, and it's incredible how Allen manages to make this story seem so real despite all the unrealistic things going on.
There are numerous themes in this film, and among them all the love for a city, in this case Paris, definitely stands out. Then there is the nostalgia for ages neither the protagonist, Allen himself nor we have lived in, but still believe only in that era it could have been possible to truly express oneself.Then there are two layers, the surface that makes you understand how important is to live in the present and that we should start appreciating it, even though dreaming will always be more fascinating, at least for me. Then there's the core that makes you realizes that we have forgotten about the profound aspects of life.
The characters may be the typical Allen personas, but that also means witty, humorous, excellent dialogue as we are used to. And it balances to perfection the magic of both the story and the setting. To add an even bigger wow effect there is a stunning cinematography and an absolutely wonderful score.
And the all-star cast takes the film even a step further. I don't usually like Owen Wilson, but he was different here. Of course it's because of the character he was playing - a nostalgic, romantic writer -, but he gives his best performance ever in my opinion. The supporting performances are excellent as well, with a special mention for Rachel McAdams in the role of Wilson's finacée, and Marion Cotillard as the lovely girl who had an affair with Picasso and Hemingway.
This is the only Woody Allen film I like, probably because Paris is always so beautiful on screen.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you like it, this is one of Allen's best.
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