A Romantic Dream: Midnight in Paris

Woody Allen's most recent film, Midnight in Paris, tells of a very successful screenwriter named Gil Pender (played by Owen Wilson) who is obsessed with Paris in the twenties.  He and his attractive fiancee, Inez (played by Rachel McAdams), live a luxurious life in Hollywood, and Gil's work is highly sought after.  However, Gil feels creatively stifled having to sell movie rewrites rather than writing novels (his true passion).  Only when Gil is magically transported back to the roaring twenties to meet his artistic idols does the problems of artistic ambition and his relationship with his fiancee come to light.

 Midnight in Paris is a philosophical statement both about the human condition of nostalgia, and the dissatisfying taste living in the "here and now" often leaves us.  As human beings, we are quick to believe in that another time is better than the now.  It is easy for us to think that somehow the past was more exciting, or more enlightening then what we have now.  Given the chance to go back in to live in a different time most would take it up readily.  The question becomes what happens when the past or the future sought for becomes the present?

As a dialogue driven movie, Woody Allen once again shows why his story telling mastery is revered by movie critiques and writers alike.  Like Allen's other films, Midnight in Paris makes you think deeply about human nature.  Why is it we are never satisfied with what we have?  Why is it we always want more, even when we get what we want?  Suprisingly Owen Wilson fits the his role perfectly, surrounded by the clear brilliance of his idols and Paris intellectuals, Gils more honest, and slightly intimidated figure humors the audience in great fashion.  Not to mention Morion Cotillard's role as Adriana, the Muse of Picasso and love interest of Gil, is done perfectly.  Cotillard's performance capsulates everything a french muse would be.

If you love Woody Allen films or smart witty humor, see this movie.

-冯