Review of Midnight in Paris (2011) by Harry W — 05 Jan 2014

Woody Allen films have been rather hit and miss for me, but a friend of mine said that Midnight in Paris was excellent, and it won the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay so it sounded good enough.

Midnight in Paris was a little but slow and didn't have as much laughs as it could have, but Woody Allen's undeniable charm as a writer and director makes it an unforgettable treat.

It has such a fresh and original concept which explores themes of nostalgia and materialism, and even though there isn't a logical explanation behind the time travel premise it doesn't even matter because it's such a fun and comedic one which reveals information about the various generation gaps and how it is to have various figures from all of them in the same room at once.

Midnight in Paris also covers its romantic comedy element very well since is about a man questioning his love and then falling for a woman from another time which really causes question to the male psyche within viewers.

But really, it's Woody Allen's screenplay that makes it intelligent. See, amid a high concept plot handled in a basic and character driven manner in Woody Allen's signature style are a lot of characters who instead of hiding behind the facade of a false human image decide to always say what is on their mind, and it provides audiences with an understanding of the real human mind of its adult figures. They're all open and it never makes the atmosphere feel awkward because that's what Woody Allen is about. But he doesn't stop there. I mean, the conclusion of the film is one of the most insightfully intelligent ones I've ever seen in such a quirky cinematic piece, and it causes us all to reflect on what the golden age really is and how instead of being unhappy that we missed it, to instead try to make today the golden age. For the right viewer, Midnight in Paris could be enlightening enough for the viewer to completely change their outlook on certain aspects of life. That's why Woody Allen deserves such immense praise for his spirited direction and insightful screenplay.

The musical score is also great because it's atmospherically setting to Paris itself and has a certain sense of serenity, life, love and mystery all at once, and it matches the excellent scenery shot by the beautiful cinematography which gives audiences a true experience of what it is to be in Paris, and it ensures that the gentle pace is matched with some beautiful sights.

And of course, the cast is just perfect.

Owen Wilson is faced with a very exceptional challenge in Midnight in Paris, because his character Gil Pender is written for a young Woody Allen, and he needs to be able to capture that charisma to succeed. Without skipping a heartbeat he does. Although his sort of social awkwardness is different to Woody Allen's, it's still strongly convincing since he maintains a more sophisticated stature than in his usual comedy films where he portrays a similarly awkward character. Owen Wilson is a great lead in Midnight in Paris, and in what feels like a routine effort he pulls off one of the best performances of his career.

Rachel McAdams gives a great supporting performance because at the same time as being incredibly attractive she manages to capture the stuck up and materialistic attitude that is ideal to the characterisation of Inez. Her attractiveness gives us an understanding of why Gil Pender can not walk away from a woman as beautiful as her, yet her obsession with possessions is what drives him into the fantastical world of Ernest Hemingway and Scott Fitzgerald. She gives one of her best performance in Midnight in Paris.

Marion Cotillard shows off the type of French charm that won her the Academy Award for Best Actress for La Vie en Rose in Midnight in Paris, and considering that she is one of the finest actresses that France has to offer it is ideal that she be working in a French fantasy like Midnight in Paris, especially one this good.

Tom Hiddleston was incredibly convincing as Scott Fitzgerald since he captured all the swift and intelligent charm of the 1920's novelist without missing a heartbeat.

Adrien Brody also gave one of his most charming performances in years by thoroughly perfecting his accent and line delivery, as well as a sophisticated physicality.

Kathy Bates was perfect as Gertrude Stein since she nailed a convincing visualisation of her and a strong performance as usual, so she's a real great actress to have in the cast.

So Midnight in Paris is so fresh and charming that it exceeds Play it Again, Sam as my favourite Woody Allen film.