Midnight in Paris

There's something about France and specifically Paris and the way it lights up at night, the distinctive romance in the air, the delicious crepes slathered with nutella, the lush, warm croissants, the people riding bicycles here and there, and the distinct sing-song French accent. And there's something about Woody Allen films and specifically his latest out to the public starring Owen Wilson (the broken-nose joker) and Rachel McAdams (the Canadian darling with the deep dimples).

Midnight in Paris; this 2001 film, certainly took me by surprise. Here I was on a long New Jersey layover and how fitting that a large cinema would sit right next door to my very hotel. Layover in paradise if you ask me! J I wasn't quite privy to what the film's background was about, but leaving the 11^th floor I made my way to the ticket counter and paid $11 for the 7:40pm show.

I often fancy Woody Allen films; despite his skewed personal life and downfalls, his film content is always remarkable, thought-provoking and enjoyable. He didn't make an appearance in this film, and although there are always rather elaborate wiles between main characters, it didn't seem the least up for a fight between the main characters Owen Wilson and Rachel Mc Adams who were engaged to be married. Rachel did her best possible to recite and blow-out Allen's wordy script as insatiable fiancé Inez, whereas Owen simply played himself; the lovable yet often clueless character with the usual one-liner rebuttals of wit. I must say that with such light and oddly fitted main characters as a couple, I found it extremely surprising to see Award winning Kathy Bates, Oscar winning Adrien Brody, Oscar winning French actress Marion Cottiard as well as the ever-talented Alison Pill.

I got pleasure from the opening scenes which seemed to last for a good 5 minutes or so, of the audience's senses being graced with sites and sounds of Paris, during the day, during the night, and in the rain. The fantasy sequences that took place every night at midnight I found to be quite enlightening and educational for those unfamiliar with the literary and art world boom during the 1920's in France and Paris specifically, where artists from around the world, writers, singers, costume designers, would all flock during that time to share and develop their art; aptly named 'The Lost Generation'. The question posed to the audience being one that asked what time period truly could be considered the most grand or impressive time for developing great artists in human's history? The answer we find out that there is no era more significant than the other, the best time is now. There is greatness among us; just perhaps not discovered as yet.

Marion Cottiard was dazzling as usual, with her sweet smiles and elegant grace throughout, who she became the 2^nd and main love interest for confused and excited Gil, played by Owen Wilson. Adrien Brody's performance as Salvador Dali was quite humorous and Kathy Bate's character, Gert Stein, was forceful and unforgettable. Corey Stall who played Ernest Hemmingway also did justice for what the late and great American writer may have indeed been like and Alison Pill who played Zelda Fitzgerald and never seems to disappoint with her out-of-the-box characters; again delivered as the fanatical, passionate and tough-cookie that the iconic Zelda Fitzgerald was.

A tear or two was shed at the end, when Owen Wilson, (although in my opinion is not the typical type to be cast for a romantic lead) was accompanied walking in the rain with a new lass; one that enjoyed spending time with him doing the things which he liked doing without there being any judgment or argument at all. About knowing what you want; and escaping people that try to trap you and drain your creative energies and the simplicity and inspiration that can be found by just taking a moment to walk in the rain.

Once again Woody Allen; you deliver! J