Skip to main content

Dome Pondering Movie Review: Midnight in Paris (2011)

What is it about? 

A struggling writer's long walks at midnight in the city of Paris causes him to fall in love with the city through adventures in another time period. 

Who is in it? 

Owen Wilson - Gil

Rachel McAdams - Inez

Kurt Fuller - John

Mimi Kennedy - Helen

Favorite Scene: 

After having too much wine, Gil takes a walk, gets into a car, and eventually ends up in a place where he meets his favorite writers such as Hemingway and Fitzgerald. He has no idea where he is, but is very excited to be there. 

Favorite Quote: 

Inez: You always take the side of the help. That's why Daddy says you're a communist. 
---
Gil: What is it with this city? I need to write a letter to the Chamber of Commerce. 

Review: 

Midnight in Paris is a film that will completely catch you off-guard. Described as a "romantic-comedy" and misleading in it's DVD case description, this film is one that will surprisingly entertain and engage. And no, this film is far from resembling anything of a romantic comedy. 

Nonetheless, with a superbly creative and interesting plot of the character Gil entering a different time period via a midnight car ride and how it relates to the present is very well done. 

The usual expectations from Director Woody Allen are present in this film, including a slow moving and European fascination-filled pace, for those that enjoy a film that forces you to use your imagination, Midnight in Paris will be a great watch. 

And what really makes the film entertaining, is the work of Owen Wilson as the quirky character, Gil. Wilson perfectly fills the role and truly comes off as a loveable protagonist whom you simply feel excited for as he meets his heroes of ages past, and finds happiness in the present. 

Midnight in Paris is not a film for everyone. However, as I later learned, don't judge this film from the title, it's selected genre and even it's own description. Midnight in Paris is a very good film, and one you might strangely enjoy. 

Grade: 3/5

Recently Read

Quick Ponder: Future Self

We always think,  what would we say  to our  younger self? However,  what would  our younger self say  if they met us, today?

Turning 40 - Grateful and Renewed

I became a forty-year-old individual yesterday.  The milestone is very significant for many and has its societal measures and benchmarks that carry some fear for those approaching its gates. Regardless of approach, turning 40 is filled with reflection, pondering (of course), and preparation for what should be a "new" stage of life. A life stage centered around "transitioning" into a stage seen as the "pre-senior" years.  Sure. Whatever.  I won't disagree that the new "4" digit that sits in front of your age feels encompassing even without understanding completely. Yet, as I stated last year when I turned 39 (going into my 40th year on this earth), I was ready for it. Ready for 40. Today, oddly enough, I am not filled with profound life lessons, ponderings, or reflections.  I sit here, punching the keys, filled with gratitude. I am 40, and I love it.   I carry my baggage of life and bear scars from it at 40. I am grateful for so many experien...

Knicks Trauma - Ugh Not Again

Well, that was a kick in the stomach.  Coming off a week where the word "catharsis" was used as the description for the euphoria and release of joy from two and a half decades of suffering, Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Indiana Pacers brought about another word - trauma.  Watching the Knicks collapse was the kind of moments that come with these deep runs and moments. NBA Playoff basketball will do that. Yet, this loss - this one - feels about as bad as the 2004 ALCS when the Yankees collapsed in the series to the Boston Red Sox.  That one carries some serious trauma. Luckily, the series isn't over.  Some other quick thoughts from this awful, awful night, New York Knicks Basketball.  - Not to conjure up hyperbole, or even contribute to "hot take" sports reaction culture - but this might have been the worst loss in Knicks franchise history. I cannot think of another in my lifetime, or historically.  - Tyrese Haliburton's "choke"...