Midnight in Paris

Midnight in Paris
Directed and Written by Woody Allen
Starring Owen Wilson, Rachel McAdams, and Marion Cotillard

This going to be a look back on the 2011 film, “Midnight in Paris” directed by the great Woody Allen. I recently rewatched it and it is slowly becoming one of my favorite films. The movie opens with a beautiful montage of Paris. It is breathing taking. Jazz music plays over it and fit’s the montage so unbelievably well. The cinematography for the montage (and the entire film) is just amazing by Darius Khondij. As for the story itself, Owen Wilson (basically playing younger Woody Allen) is a screenwriter in Hollywood but feels creatively unfilled. He is writing a novel but hasn’t really showed it to anyone. He visits Paris with his fiancée, Inez, played by Rachel McAdams. Right from the start of the film, it’s nearly impossible to like her character but for good reason, you’re supposed to hate her.

Afterwards, after a night of drinking, Gil (Owen Wilson) is walking at night in Paris. A car appears and to his surprise, he transported back to the 1920s, a decade he loves. From there, he meets people like the Fitzgeralds, Ernest Hemingway, Picasso, etc. Also, he meets Adriana (Marion Cotillard), and they strike up an interesting relationship. As far as plot points, I won’t tell more, it isn’t the most complex thing in the world, but it’s just magical. Magical is truly the best word to describe this film. This film displays the beauty of Paris while giving a tribute to art itself, writing, etc.

Woody Allen knew what he wanted from this film and it shows. It really shows off how much Woody Allen just cares about art in general regardless of what it is. It isn’t necessarily the funniest Woody Allen film but it has its moments. Everyone in the film give great, strong performances and Owen Wilson really does a good job acting as Woody Allen. He emulates him well and it is probably Wilson’s best performance. I highly recommend this film for anyone who has a true appreciation for art in whatever form. It’ll just make you care about film, writing, etc. just that much more and well this might be one of the few films that makes you want to go outside. After watching this, you really just want to go outside and appreciate everything. Everything in life. I think that’s what truly makes this film so wonderful.

5 out of 5 stars