Midnight in Paree

Look to Hollywood to glitz a place up. I mean they pulled it off with the Dharavi slums (Slumdog..) too - the goop looked attractive. This time it was Paris (during day and by night). We watched Woody Allen's magic - Hollywood discounts and all - in a film titled 'Midnight in Paris'. This was coincidentally a second Woody movie for us in a week - but was very enjoyable with the music, merriment and mystique of an era gone by in how the story weaves back and forth through time. Having been to the city of lights not too long ago the landmarks and views from the various angles and times of day provide an additional level of interest - like being there with the protagonist - who is also doing that - being there in a different era so to speak. A fresh take on the classical masters of the early 20th century - writers, artists and painters; all contemporaries but not sure if they actually knew each other the way the movie portrays it. In one scene you had Pablo Picasso, Gertrude Stein and Ernest Hemingway staring at a nude (sketch that Pablo has just finished and is inviting critique). Wow! Was that for real?

Gardens of Versailles

also provide another backdrop as do various streets during night and with rain (perhaps Hollywood showers) along the Siene, the steps of Sacre Cour (or something like that) and the amazing architecture of Notre Dame. It does look pretty on film. I am not saying its not interesting in real life but Paris is dirty in many of the tourist areas whether they call it Paree or boast high end designer showrooms on Champs de Elysees. Another thing is the language barrier and some restaurants being outright rude to tourists.. much like some shops in India. Anyway - the movie was fun - did remind us some of the wonderful moments that we did enjoy - like escargots by the sidewalk watching the lights come on on the Tower (Eiffel that is); the cruise in the Batobus and the amazing landscapes of Versailles crowds not withstanding. Owen Wilson should get credit in this film where he uses his lost look to his advantage with the support cast providing interest to keep the story moving. 90 minutes and its a wrap - that is something Bollywood should learn to do.