New to DVD: Midnight in Paris
Ernest Hemingway used to refer to his peers as a “lost generation.” Hemingway revealed that the phrase was actually originated by the garage owner who serviced Gertrude Stein’s car. When a young mechanic failed to repair the car in a way satisfactory to Stein, she shouted, “You are all a generation perdu. That is what you are. That’s what you all are. All of you young people who served in the war, you are a lost generation.”
In Midnight in Paris, the young couple Gil (Owen Wilson) and Inez (Rachael McAdams) are travelling to Paris as a tag-a-long vacation on her parents’ business trip. Gil is a successful Hollywood screenplay writer, but he gets no pleasure out of it. Thinking he will find satisfaction, he begins to write a novel and only finds a new struggle. Upon arrival in Paris, the aspiring writer is enamored with and inspired by the famed City of Lights. He would like to move to Paris after marrying Inez. However, the bride-to-be does not share his romanticized idea of the city. She also does not agree with his anachronistic notion that the 1920’s were the “The Golden Age.” When Gil wants to take in the history of the city late at night, Inez simply goes dancing with her pedantic friends. Walking the streets of Paris at midnight, Gil finds the inspiration that his novel has been lacking. When these strange evening strolls become an every-night habit, the family begins to question Gil’s sanity and motivations. These walks will take him closer to the heart of Paris but more distant from the woman he is about to marry. Soon Gil will have to confront the fact that the grass is not always greener on the other side.
Writer and director Woody Allen’s recent film Midnight in Paris comes out of the middle of left field. Not many people were expecting a sentimental and whimsical film from someone who is a self-proclaimed cynical fatalist. Much like the protagonist, this movie takes us on a magical stroll through an enchanting city. You could call this film a love story. But do not let that label deceive you into thinking that this is a traditional rom-com. This love story is about the love of a city, time, art, nostalgia, and one’s self. Owen Wilson does a terrific job of playing a Woody Allen surrogate. All of Woody’s eccentricities and long-winded ranting shine through. Not only does he succeed at mimicking Allen’s mannerisms, he also manages to make the character his own. This film is populated by many of the authors, painters and boisterous personalities of Paris’ Lost Generation. Some include F. Scott Fitzgerald (Tom Hiddleston), Ernest Hemingway (Corey Stoll), Gertrude Stein (Kathy Bates) and Salvador Dali (Adrien Brody). If you are a bibliophile or art enthusiast like me, it is the vast array of interesting supporting characters that will win you over.
Woody Allen has made a movie every year for the last 20 years but this one stands out above the perfunctory throng. Light hearted, charming and entrancing as the City of Lights itself, Midnight in Paris is a cinematic movable feast. It is wonderful to know that Hollywood has found The Lost Generation again.
This movie made me consider how art and literature have evolved (or devolved) since the 1920s, at least in the States. Cole Porter didn’t need a producer or a slick remix to gain notoriety and appreciation in his circle. The characterization of Hemingway and his approach to writing inspired me. As a musician, I’m going to be more courageous and honest and less concerned with others’ opinions.
I could not agree more Laura. I had never heard of Corey Stoll before this film but he perfectly portrays the brash bravado of the young Hemingway. Unfortunately all of the arts have been corrupted by the love of wealth. Maybe they were back then and I just do not have the right point of view but I dont think in a hundred years people will still be listening todays music. As for courage, Hemingway once said “Courage is grace under pressure.”