at the cinéma: midnight in paris

I'm a real keener for Mr. Allen's most recent film, Midnight in Paris - a gorgeous love note to the City of Light.

My ladyfriends and I saw the quirky flick at the historic Princess Theatre last night. I didn't really know what to expect, as Mr. Allen's work can be a hit or miss with me, but I'm happy to report that it was a delightful flight of fancy. I can see why it was the opening film of the 64th Cannes Film Festival. C'est magnifique!

It stars Owen Wilson as Gil, an unabashedly likeable writer, and Rachel McAdams as his vacuous and materialistic fiancée, Inez. They travel to Paris on business with her wealthy parents and then the hilarity (and fantasy) ensues. Both actors fit their roles exceptionally well but Wilson is especially solid. Who knew the blond surfer-type dude could play such a sensitive soul?

The remaining cast is equally wonderful. There's Adrien Brody, Kathy Bates, Michael Sheen, Alison Pill, Carla Bruni and Marion Cotillard (seen below with Wilson), who has now usurped Rosamunde Pike as my new girl crush.  What can I say? I'm a sucker for a sexy accent. ;)



But enough about what I thought. Here's what my ladyfriends had to say:

~ Nathalie ~
What can I say? Paris is mon amour and this movie showed me why I love her. Every bridge, café, street, stairway, museum, just everything about this movie inspires you to go to my belle Panam. Owen Wilson was surprisingly entertaining. Rachel McAdams and Michael Sheen were wonderful even though I wanted to punch them throughout the movie. The storyline is fantastique. It takes you to unexpected places and introduces you to memorable people. My recommendation is to watch it in the Princess Theatre, with a group of lovely ladies. The ambience c’etait tres important.  Deux pouces en l’air.

~ Ayesha ~
Midnight in Paris has a dreamy, unpretentious sophistication to it that I really loved. I think, with much success, Woody Allen brings to life that question that most of us have been asked at one time or another: “If you could have dinner with any 4 or 5 people – living or deceased, who would they be?” To me, I know how I’d react meeting Vincent Van Gogh, Leonardo Da Vinci, Jane Austen, Coco Chanel or Robert Kennedy – all figures I adore and admire. (I know... that’s quite a list). I’d feel total euphoria, be completely amazed…in awe – I’d probably temporarily lose feeling in my legs. :-)

It’s quite a feat for Allen to craft a film that’s able to let the audience experience these very emotions as we get to see Gil, played by Owen Wilson meet his favorite heroes –  literary and artistic revolutionaries who helped to shape Paris’ character throughout its most inspiring eras. Wilson shines in this role. His down-to-earth, everyday-guy charisma adds so much to every scene he’s in – giving the entire movie a lightness and charm that you’ll really love as the viewer. You’ll also like the beautiful cinematography and witty dialogue –  and Carla Bruni…Can you say, ‘girl crush?’ :-)

~ Patrycia ~
The movie was lovely and sweet. Now I want to go see Paris! I loved how Woody Allen brought the characters to life. Salvador Dali was my favourite. I would love to go back in time to meet him. What the movie said to me is that we have to make the best of every day and if we’re unhappy, to change things. And, the grass isn’t always greener on the other side, maybe just a little bit less yellow and only for a short time. ;-)

And my friend Misty saw Midnight in Paris...in Paris! Lucky lady.

~ Misty ~

Midnight in Paris is kind of like a cinematic amuse-bouche, whetting your appetite for a trip to the French capital with its charming dialogue, screwball characters and lush settings. It’s travel porn at its most euphoric. Seeing the movie in Paris – at the theatre featured in the opening credits, no less – felt at once mischievous and luxurious. It was fun to see the locals’ response to the film, and to hear where we were obviously missing inside jokes (one particular cameo thrilled the audience at our screening, but I never did figure out why). I loved this highly literate darling of a film, which is ultimately a parable about appreciating the past without trying to relive it.

~

Thanks ladyfriends! Very nicely done. I got me some smart friends y'all.

Now, go and see the movie peeps! It is the weekend, after all. Make it a happy one.

Dajana :)