Nicely written, Midnight in Paris does entertain with a romantic interlude in beautiful Paris. The characters are pleasing and Woody Allen’s direction impeccable. The movie is perfect for a dinner and a date.
To tell you a lot about the film would give away important plot points that surprise as the script spins out, but here is the basic version. Gill (Owen Wilson), a film writer on the verge of completing his first novel, and his fiancé Inez (Rachel McAdams) travel to Paris with her parents who are attending a convention. The two find it an opportunity to see the city of lights and enjoy a trip as a pre-honeymoon of sorts while Gill works on his manuscript. While there, Inez runs into some old friends and for Gill it becomes a distraction. One night while walking alone strange things happen that threaten to change Gill’s life.
I am not a huge fan of Woody Allen films but with Midnight in Paris he redeems himself. He takes a huge 180 from what he has done in the recent past and unravels a tale of astonishment and romance that’s unique and unparalleled to what he has directed before. Working with a strong cast playing literary and art characters, Allen builds up a fantasy tale that’s unique and enjoyable.
But even with a great story, Allen still can’t say out of the movie inserting Owen Wilson to play ‘him’ and for me making the film irritating at times. Most people like Allen’s acting and his fast talking whirly dervish style of negative communication between characters. In his early films it was fun to watch, but it has become increasingly annoying to me over the years. With Wilson in the lead role Allen carries on his legacy of the ‘mench’ in the show.
A tip of the hat to some of his amazing characters played by Adrien Brody, Yves Heck, Alison Pill and Corey Stoll who make the film work with their flamboyance and personifications of some very famous artists, writers and composers. But the stand-out performance by Marion Cotillard as Adriana a courtesan who plays with the heartstrings of the elite tops the bill and makes this film a winner.
Midnight in Paris is rated PG-13 for some sexual references and smoking. The cinematography of Paris and the costumes provide a tableau that gives added reason to see the film.
FINAL ANALYSIS: A very good film in spite of my personal dislikes. (B)
Writer, critic, film editor John Delia, Sr. has been on all sides of the movie business from publications to film making. He has worked as a film critic with ACED Magazine for more than 20 years and other publications for a total of 40 years. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of Florida. John is a member of the Southeastern Film Critics Association and Critics Association of Central Florida Send John a message at jdelia@acedmagazine.com
