Do you ever wish you were someone else, somewhere else? This is the central theme to Midnight In Paris, a romantic comedy, directed by Wood Allen. Our protagonist Gil, played by Owen Wilson, is caught up in this fantasy of "if only I were alive in a different time, in a different place, then life would be worth living". His particular fantasy takes place in 1920's Paris, where all of his literary idols are alive and well. He feels his current status in life, as a screenwriter in Hollywood, isn't worth the effort, because it doesn't produce anything of literary worth. His passion for focusing his efforts on writing a novel, alienates him from his fiancee, played by Rachel McAdams, and helps to bring his fantasy to life, providing a surreal experience, where he meets all of the literary greats who lived in 1920's Paris. The list of writers and artists he becomes acquainted with, is best left as a surprise, but the way he does so, and how they present themselves is very amusing. The actors and actresses assembled to play these characters all do so with a passion that is as close to going over the top without going over it as you will ever see.
When Woody Allen's name is mentioned, both his fans and detractors will be exposed, because they both seem to feel just as passionately about his work. There doesn't seem to be any middle ground with him, or his film legacy. I myself was an admitted anti-fan, even from a very young age, I honestly felt like I despised him and his movies. Suffice it to say, he won me over with this one. Putting all of his comedic insight, and expertise into play, for the benefit of his audience, he gives them what they want. A film that is warm and lighthearted, populated with characters he seemed to know would be fun to watch, as they explore Paris both in the present and in the past.
Another dynamic of the film, that provides a lot of amusement, is the character Paul, played by Michael Sheen. A pedantic, almost pseudo-intellectual, as described by others in the film. He seems to best Gil at every turn, showing off his expertise and knowledge of the arts, wine, history, etc. as they tour Paris, seemingly delighting and entertaining Gil's finance, in a way that Gil cannot. Gil does exact the sort of revenge that's best on Paul, where he can plausibly deny it, even though it's so obvious. Owen Wilson is at the top of his game, playing this type of role.
The majority of romantic comedies produced today, are so bland, and stereotypical, that a fan of this genre has likely given up all hope of finding that film that brings them the joy of watching people fall in love. On the contrary, the romantic movies of today, tend to be more intellectually offensive, than romantically satisfying. They tend to rely more on slapstick material to fill in for a lack of original content, relying on the same old same old, producing a stale movie going experience, that leaves most audiences disillusioned with the genre.
If you are that person, you will find Midnight in Paris to be the film that reaffirms your interest in romantic comedies. Woody Allen really delivers what you are looking for: romance that you can believe in, with comedy that makes you feel good. I used to think Woody's sense of humor was too "wooden" for my taste. After seeing this film, I now declare that I am a fan, at least of his latest work. He should have a spot at the end of the movie, where he just takes a bow, it's really one of the greatest romantic comedies you will ever see, either by yourself or with someone else.
"Midnight in Paris" opens May 20, 2011 and is rated PG13. Romantic-Comedy. Written and directed by Woody Allen. Starring Adrien Brody, Kathy Bates, Marion Cotillard, Michael Sheen, Owen Wilson, Rachel McAdams.
