Midnight in Paris

This week I realized how long it’s been since I’ve left Paris, and while I love pretty much every minute (that doesn’t deal with paper work), I find myself going a bit stir crazy (the whole looking for a job thing doesn’t help). It’s almost like I need to leave Paris every now and then, in order to fully appreciate being here. The good news is I have a big trip to the states coming up next month, and a smaller trip down south in the works. The funny thing is that watching Midnight in Paris made me feel even luckier and happier to be here (of course America would make me love France more). I’ve always had a thing for watching movies of places I’ve lived or visited, but I don’t think you need to live in Paris to appreciate this film. While many point to how its ripe with clichés, for me it feels more like truisms and normalcy.

One of the things I liked best about this film was not knowing much about the storyline beyond the trailer, which hints at, but doesn’t give away part of the central story (hence, I will speak in vague language, so you too can have the pleasure of discovery). Travel takes on a new dimension in the plot and the way in which the characters relate to each other in their creative circles actually reminds me a lot of Paris today and how bloggers, artists, designers, and Tweeters are often come together in this city. I savored in the imperfections of the characters, otherwise known as Woody Allen’s angst, which once again, made the fictional movie a bit more real. It was two weeks ago now that I first saw the movie, and haven’t stopped thinking about it. The giant big screen (that I guestimated that 80 of my apartments could have filled the screen) made me feel like I was taking a trip to Paris, only to walk outside into the real deal. Go see it… then come to Paris.

P.S. Speaking of travel, don’t miss this article on why the U.S. is ‘No-Vacation Nation.’

8 comments

  • FrenchTwistDC

    May 26, 2011 at 6:59 pm // Reply

    I didn’t really read your post, just skimmed it because I’m seeing Midnight in Paris on Saturday and I didn’t want any spoilers ;-)Sounds like you liked it, I can’t wait to see it!

  • Lost In Cheeseland

    May 26, 2011 at 7:02 pm // Reply

    It’s okay, we can agree to disagree :) I WANTED to like it but I felt it was more of a famous faces show-and-tell than a film of substance. I expected more. I was even BORED in certain parts! Go see 2 Days in Paris – you’ve got some of the sites with a hysterical story.

  • julie

    May 26, 2011 at 8:08 pm // Reply

    I went to see it at the beginning of the week and enjoyed it (apart from C Bruni-such a bad actress!).Yes it’s a cliché of Paris but Woody Allen loves clichés, same when he films NYC.

  • Susan

    May 26, 2011 at 9:19 pm // Reply

    I’m glad to hear your review…I’m excited to see it! I;ve never seen a movie while visiting Paris…how amazing to walk out of the theater into…Paris! Never thought about that Anne…cool.

  • Luli

    May 29, 2011 at 12:39 am // Reply

    I saw that article earlier in the week and it is so true. I am a European working in America. I am the weird one at my work because I use all of my vacation time, down to the minute and even take weekend trips to Paris. I do not feel guilty at all for taking vacation and traveling. {I think I’ll see Midnight in Paris this weekend!} Have a great weekend. Ciao.

  • risamay

    June 2, 2011 at 9:15 pm // Reply

    I want to see this movie. Thanks for reminding me! And I agree about needing to get away from a place in order to truly or properly appreciate it. I totally feel that. I love love love Venice (and Paris, and many other places) but after four weeks there, I can tell that the shine’s wearing for me. And so I’m always glad to leave and return, when it shines again anew for the first week or two before the excitement and appreciation in being there starts to wane again.

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