“We fear death because we feel that we haven’t loved well enough or loved at all, which ultimately are one and the same.”

There are many movies that exploit the beauty of Paris. Midnight in Paris is not an exceptional. In fact, it exploit it in the very beginning, where several city’s views displayed for two-minute length. Then it moves the story to Gill Pender (Owen Wilson), a Hollywood script-writer who is fascinated with beautiful Paris. Or better, Paris in the ’20s. He’s visiting the city with his fiancee, Inez (Rachel McAdams) and her parents, when Inez’s father is on a business trip.

Gill and Inez ran into Paul and Carol, Inez’s old friends. Inez decides to spend time with them, ignoring Gill’s dislike to Paul. After avoiding an evening with Inez’s friends, Gill decides to walk around Paris but he’s lost his way during midnight. Strangely, when clock ticks at midnight, a 1920’s car stopped in front of him. A group of party people invites him into the car, taking him to a party where artists and socialite people hang out.

Gil then realizes somehow he’s on the 1920’s era. During his confusion and amazement, he keeps bumping famous writers and artists. He met Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald, Hemingway, Pablo Picasso. But he also met the real muse of the artist, Adriana (Marion Cotillard). When at day he’s feeling like an outsider or underdog with Inez and her parents or with her friends, at night he joins the famous artists circle and have fun with them. But at some point, Gil realize the real reason he slides through time is not just really the reality for him.
I watch Midnight In Paris two times. One, was when I got off from work, tired with the busy streets. Second, was in a lazy Sunday where I am free doing the things I want to do during the weekends. The second viewing I got the movie. At first I was annoyed with Owen Wilson being Woody Allen (the way he talks). And I started to be so logical thinking ‘how he could slide through time’, or ‘is it true that Hemingway and Picasso also Fitzgerald where all living in the same time era?’ But in the second time, I thought, those midnights were Gill’s dream. So, nothing should be logical there. I think I was the victim of the over praise that people think from this movie. And so, I wish I didn’t read any reviews or heard anything about this movie before I watch it.

It never occured to me that someone’s fondness for classic times could be his unwillingness to face the present. The minute Gill want to face the present, his 1920s dream is not there anymore. I think Woody Allen didn’t focus much on this fact, so it just flow like it’s something Gill’s know already.
This is Owen Wilson and Rachel McAdams second pairing on screen after Wedding Crashers, only I find Inez is more demanding and arrogant. I felt like Inez is either loving or hating her fiancee, or both. I think many couples during their preparation of their wedding could irritate each other, like a test to be a couple before they get married. But at the same time, it could be a symptom of a couple not right for each other. I think this is what Gill and Inez’s case.

I agree that it is a delightful movie, so warm and wonderful for the eye and soul, pleasant feeling you get seeing beautiful views and what people do in Paris. The classical music that are usually part of Woody Allen’s movies now perfectly match with Paris atmosphere. It’s too bad Rachel McAdams wasn’t the heroine in this movie, but it was Marion Cotillard’s turn. Her sweet appearance adds up the wonderfulness with her sexy French accent and amusing eyes.

Other than Cotillard, the strongest impression for me was the role of Hemingway (Corey Stroll) and Gertrude Stein (Kathy Bates). Corey shows much courage as a man and Kathy Bates seem to have a lot of experiences in dealing with artist’s artworks. I also like Alison Pill being Zelda Fitzgerald, this party girl who have an attitude.

Once again, in Woody Allen’s movies, the main character seem to have no trouble to get close with his next love interest, while he’s already tied up. Only, Midnight in Paris gives it with lighter capacity; Adriana and Gill spent most of their time walking around Paris, which is a pretty classic move to be with each other. Though Gill had a hard time in the reality, the ending was too easy for me.

So, behind the beauty of Paris, it’s actually bring the topic of denial state of the present. One shouldn’t waste time pairing with someone who ignores or control one’s taste or fondness.

The movie was filled with big stars, aside from I’ve mention. There’s Carla Bruni as the museum guide, Tom Hiddleston, and Adrien Brody.

Movie Score :

You might be interested :

1. Adaptation (2002)
2. Ratatouille (2007)
3. Bridesmaids (2011)
4. LOST IN TRANSLATION (2003)
5. Good Will Hunting (1997)