After Midnight, We're Gonna Let It All Hang Down.

Image of "Midnight in Paris" - Sony Pictures Classics

Walking down the bustling roads of Paris, the sound of a jazzy clarinet envelopes all visitors with a loving hug as they explore eminent points in the city; Our eyes become stimulated with various subjects of beauty that range from twinkling lights to fellow passersby casually perusing around town. Though I personally have never been to France, I was able to experience such visual pleasures through Woody Allen’s latest cinematic escapade. Midnight in Paris is sincerely a beautiful billet-doux to France, specifically to the charming streets in Paris. The film begins with a heartfelt statement -- “Paris in the morning is beautiful … Paris in the afternoon is charming … Paris in the evening is enchanting”.  A declaration that could not have been more truthful. In a three minute long opening montage, shot by Darius Khondji, the first establishing image is a wide shot of Pont Alexandre iii along with the Effile Tower proudly positioned in the background. Even though the tower isn’t the main attraction, it certainly isn’t forgotten for it is too powerful of an icon to do so. For most films, a drawn out opening montage would be considered a bit much, however for Midnight in Paris, it is Allen’s narration for us society to stop for a moment to take in such a magical place. Each cut transports to various locals around Paris’ breezy atmosphere surrounded by lush foliage; architecture swathed in rich, creamy color tones that are blanket under a cloudy sky. Paris is a living work of art under Allen’s paintbrush, the camera lens.

This statement may deeply upset many cinema enthusiasts, so take hold, power through this and then let me explain myself – I don't consider myself a Woody Allen fan. Okay, take a deep breath, it’s all going to be just fine for here’s the positive – Midnight in Paris may have converted me. I’ll agree that Woody Allen is a vital player in cinema’s history. He is certainly a brilliant mastermind in illustrating taboo topics such as sex, religion and politics, however most of his films had never truly spoken to me. I couldn’t relate …until now. With Midnight in Paris, anyone who yearns for the nostalgic past, can easily connect with the main character, Gil, played by Owen Wilson. Gil is a disillusioned Hollywood screenwriter who’s ardent to become a world-renowned novelist. His fiancé, Inez (Rachel McAdams), on the other hand, only cares about the frivolous, materialistic possessions, rather than the small romantic gestures such as walking in the rain. After an exasperating day with Inez and her friend, Professor “If I’m not mistaken” Paul, Gil finds himself drunkenly wondering to Rue de la Montague St. Generieve. As the clock stroked midnight, an antique Peugeot Landaulet, filled with champagne-swinging revelers, chauffeurs Gil to the following destination -- the times of yore. Sacre bleu!

Back to the opening sequence, the first track was the song “Si Tu Vois Ma Mere (If You See My Mother)”. It became clear to me that “the mother”, this song was referring to, was actually the motherland to arts and literature. In the 1920s, Paris, France was the place to be for artists and writers to receive coddling as well as vast encouragement with their unique craft. France was the supporting nourishment that bloomed distinctive genres such as Cubism, Surrealism and vigorous narrative prose. During his first late night expedition, Gil comes in contact with the Golden Age greats such as F. Scott Fitzgerald and his wife, Zelda , Ernest Hemingway, Cole Porter plus Alice B. Toklas, to name a few. This is a dream come true for a literature admire. But wait for each trip gets better when he meets other artistic icons, specifically in the film category. –nudge, nudge, wink, wink- Though we, Americans, may have a heated grudge against the people of France, we must not take for granted what the land has supported before WWII. Witnessing Gil experience such an privileged adventures reminds us to never forget the past, yet we must keep in the foreground that staying in the past has its price. I won’t give away too much to the ending; however keep in mind that falling in love with someone who no longer exists is a tough relationship to keep.

Sure, Allen’s newest film is highlighting the difference between modern day luxury-tourist driven Paris versus Bohemian Paris, however the moral of the story is: by respecting the past, we have the ability to reanimate the present. Retreating completely from today is ill-advised. “Nostalgia is denial – denial of the painful present … it’s a flaw in the romantic imagination of those people who find it difficult to cope with the present.” Ad-libbing the old clique saying - seize the day today for tomorrow is just the future of yesterday.

Restaurant Recommendation: ANY SUGGESTIONS?

I’ve never dined on French cuisine. Any suggestions would be helpful. Please come back later for a review.