I enjoy any movie about writers. I also like actor Owen Wilson's self-effacing charm. So Midnight In Paris was a great combination for me. This Woody Allen vehicle features Mr. Wilson as frustrated author Gil Pender vacationing in the magical City of Light. He favors literature by The Lost Generation and idealizes 1920's Paris. Gil dreams of moving to The Left Bank where he can finally write the novel of his life, but his bratty, American fiance refuses to support him in this ambition.
While wandering the streets at night, Gil hears an ancient clock chime twelve and then an antique cars pulls up. F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald beckon him to join them and later Gil meets his idol Ernest Hemingway. (Sorry, but I don't think anyone can write Hemingway without sounding cliche. Even Woody Allen.) Cole Porter, Picasso, Man Ray, and Salvador Dali also make an appearance. Gil Pender reacts with such child-like joy during each encounter with these varying artists. I loved it when the time-travelling car pulled up and Gil opened the door to see one of his favorite poets. His reaction, "T.S. Elliot. The T.S. Elliott? Are you kidding me?" Like Gil, I couldn't wait to see which literary figure would show up next.
This movie is for writers. Maybe it's a tribute to all of us, those who hope to create something true and wonderful, those who long to express their stories of the heart, and those who have already passed a timeless treasure to the world before their spark of life was extinguished. I wish that Allen's old car were real . . .
What author, past or present, would you like to meet?
My grandmother adored this movie and she's been urging me to watch it. I guess I need to!
ReplyDeleteThat's a tough question. I'm not cool enough to really "get" all the classic literature, so meeting someone like T.S. Elliot would be lost on me, unfortunately.
We enjoyed this little gem of a movie over Christmas break. I haven't heard of anyone else who's seen it, until you posted this.
ReplyDeleteI haven’t even heard of this, but it sounds wonderful!
ReplyDeleteThinking of an author I’d like to meet… Present would definitely be Dave Eggers. Past… C.S. Lewis.
I loved this movie, watched it twice in a row. It was weak on plot but the beautiful music, the shots of Paris and the concept more than made up for lack of plot line. You are so right, it is a writer's movie!
ReplyDeleteI keep seeing the posters for this and wondered if I should rent it. I think I will now.
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like a movie that sparks the imagination. And I wouldn't mind a trip to Paris... Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteI heard this movie was very good, Woody Allen's best in years. I shall add it to my queue :)
ReplyDeleteAnd yes, C.S. Lewis would be one, Ursula LeGuin would be another.
Yes, I am waiting to receive this film from amazon as it's not due out on dvd until later this year! Can't wait!! Hoorah!
ReplyDeleteI'd love to meet Terry Pratchett and all the Bronte sisters! Take care
x
I love Owen Wilson, I love anything French, I love learning about writers in 1920's Paris, I hate Woody Allen. That being said, with your review I will give it a go. Who I like to meet? Jane Austen naturally. And absolutely Hem.
ReplyDeleteI haven't heard of this movie! And I love Owen Wilson. I'll have to check it out.
ReplyDeleteAs far as meeting a famous writer, I honestly have no idea. There are so many! Yikes!
I am putting that movie on my must watch list. Sounds delightful. I'd like to meet Emily Dickenson, Louisa May Alcott, Harriet Beech Stowe, Mark Twain, Oscar Wilde, Lorraine Hansberry (oh, the list could go on).
ReplyDeleteCheers!
Play off the Page
Thanks, Roxy, for giving this review of what looks like a wonderful movie. I'm a BIG movie fan so this one is going on my list. :)
ReplyDeleteThe movie sounds interesting, but I've got this thing against Woody Allen.
ReplyDeleteWhich author I'd pick would probably depend on my mood. I'd work through the classics and then some humorists and blockbusters. That better be a stretch limo that's coming for me...
Great description/summary. I just watched this movie on Saturday night and loved it. What a wonderful tribute to writers! Someone just asked a similar question. I'd like to meet JK Rowling, but I think I'd be tongue-tied!
ReplyDelete