Midnight in Paris (2011) - Reviewed

Midnight in Paris is directed by Woody Allen and stars Owen Wilson as Gil, an american writer dissatisfied with his current line of work (writing movie scripts that he is assigned). On vacation, he visits Paris with his fiance and her parents and slowly falls in love with it. He gets the thought of moving there to do what he really want to - write novels, but in order to do so, he must give up his whole career in the states. Although Gil is ready to make that sacrifice, his wife Inez definitely isn't, and it's clear that her values do not match his. As they tour around Paris, Gil decides to take a nighttime walk on his own instead of accompanying his wife to a party, and he discovers the hidden mysteries of the city.

To begin with, this review will contain spoilers. However, even if you haven't seen it yet, I think it would be okay to read on - here's why. Midnight in Paris isn't about the plot points or specific happenings in the story. With other movies (such as Memento or Fight Club), giving away specifics would ruin the entire viewing experience. But for Allen's film, the main substance is its charming tone, and "spoiling" details will not alter that. 

Now, about the tone - the movie isn't meant to be taken all too seriously, but neither is it a pure comedy. The nicely balanced, light mood allows all audiences to appreciate it. Gil's time travels at night show us the beauty and glory of the past through amusing depictions of famous writers and artists. Watching on screen the people we've studied in textbooks is definitely a unique experience. Both the interactions among artists and their interactions with Gil show, in a believable manner, what it would have been like to meet them. I especially enjoyed Hemingway and Dali, but more notable was Gertrude Stein, whom I could truly believe in as a character. 

In addition, Allen knits in a lesson to be learned from the story. Usually for a movie of this style, adding a lesson would be harmful as it detracts from the mood. However, Midnight in Paris does a nice job of incorporating this small message.

On the other hand, the movie itself isn't too special or relatable. I wouldn't be surprised if artists or people in a similar situation to Gil would really appreciate this movie, but for most people, it's someone else's story. There simply isn't much to connect with. Even the lesson in the story can only be empathized by a few. The result is: you watch it once, get impressed by the characters of the past, and forget about this movie.

Midnight in Paris isn't a bad movie, but it doesn't stand out either. Again, I would understand if some people really like it. But for me, it's just - okay.

8.0/10 - an okay score.