Gil (Owen Wilson,) his fiance (Rachel McAdams) and her parents are visiting Paris. Gil is seeking inspiration in the city of his literary idols; he wants to write a serious novel instead of the superfluous screenplays that have made him wealthy. His fiance and her parents, on the other hand, are your typical "Ugly Americans." They look in scorn at everything around them, and only want to shop and see American movies. One night, after dinner, Gil decides he needs to get some air and sends everyone back to the hotel. While strolling the streets, he becomes lost and falls asleep on some stairs. A clock stroke at midnight awakens him, and the next moment an antique car pulls up, with the occupants urging Gil to join them for a party. When they arrive, he is stunned to find that the occupants of the car are F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald. At the party, and in several encounters throught the movie he meets Hemingway, Gertrude Stein, Pablo Picasso, Salvadore Dali, and Cole Porter, among others. Will they give him the inspiration he seeks, or will he remain stuck in an unhappy modern reality?
I am on the fence regarding Woody Allen. Some of his movies I love ("Manhattan," "Sleeper," "Zelig") while others I loathe ("Deconstructing Harry," "Vicki Christina Barcelona.") "Midnight in Paris" is without a doubt one of his best movies in years.
Everything works in this film: the art direction, costumes, camerawork, and lighting. Paris of the 1920's is gorgeously recreated, as is a scene where he goes back farther to the Belle Epoque age. The cinematography lends an amber glow to daylight scenes and an enchanting sparkle to the night scenes. It really made me want to return to Europe, with it's rain soaked cobblestone streets, street cafes, and joie de vivre.
The acting is top-notch. This is Owen Wilson's best performance to date. Watching his face, at first disoriented, then stunned, and finally giddy at the thought that he is mingling with his idols is wonderful to behold, and yet his looks of sadness, doubt, and resignation when he is with his "actual" life during the day are heartbreaking. Rachel McAdams is also great at being the bitch of the film (not a spoiler...you hate her the minute she opens her mouth.) The guest stars, who bring the "Lost Generation" to life are perfect: Kathy Bates as Gertrude Stein, Adrian Brody as Dali, Yves Heck as Fitzgerald, and especially Corey Stoll as Hemingway.
And then there is Woody. Long known as a director who allows his actors to act with minimal interference, he brings out their best. And his screenplay is funny, wistful, sad, and intelligent (it will take me a few more viewings to catch all the references and people he incorporates into the plot.)
Nominated for Art Direction, Original Screenplay, Director, and Picture.
CinaJim's review: Absolutely wonderful!
Our next featured presentation: Moneyball
Hi, I'm Lynne Walls's nephew.
ReplyDeleteAnyway, about the film. I was personally unimpressed with the film, as I am with most Woody Allen films. The film's only bright spot for me was Corey Stoll as Hemmingway, who could have easily replaced any of the Supporting Actor nominees this year (save for Plummer). But there was so much not to like about the film. Its self-indulgent and smarmy tone, Carla Bruni's pointless cameo, lackluster humor from anyone who wasn't Hemmingway, and the one-note performance from Rachel McAdams pretty much bogged the film down for me. It's easily the weakest of the Best Picture nomines this year.
Hey Bob (may I call you Bob?)!
ReplyDeleteThanks for posting. Sorry that it was about a movie you didn't like. But that was the whole point of me doing the blog. I welcome new viewpoints to help me get better at this. I hesitated on doing this because there are so many other people out there doing this. And this will be a subjective blog..in other words, my silly thoughts.
Worked with your Aunt several years ago, and thanks to the internet we can still stay connected. I was thrilled that she recommended my blog, and I was thrilled that you commented!
Now, regarding the movie: I understand your viewpoint. Yes, Rachel McAdams is a one note character, but I think that's the point. Owen Wilson follows her in the beginning like a puppy dog and has to see her from an objective viewpoint thanks to his idols. And yes, I would have nominated Chris for best supporting actor, which Plummer will win. However, I was underwhelmed by "Beginners." Plummer was awesome, but when the story went back to Ewan and his girlfriend I was bored..they were both such needy people compared to his Dad.
But deep down, I still thought it was one of Woody Allen's best in a long time. As I said, I'm on the fence with his movies. So here we go...which are your favorites? I like this one, Zelig, The Purple Rose of Cairo, Sleeper, and Manhattan.
Hopefully you'll still check in to see what I have up my sleeve next. Thanks again for the post!
Sorry, not Chris...meant Corey. This is what happens when you try to type while you're listening to Adele.
ReplyDeleteOn the topic of Best Supporting Actor, are you as underwhelmed with the nominees this year as I am? I mean, Hill was alright but hardly worthy, Nolte was shameless, blubbering Oscar-bait, Branagh was surprisingly one-note, and von Sydow was good enough. Christopher Plummer was the only one I was impressed with. Even then, on my own personal ballot that I did for a website, he was my fifth slot. As for Beginners, I thought it was alright. It had its moments where it was genuinely charming and sweet. Yes, it was a little slow and sometimes too quirky for its own good, but all three actors impressed me.
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