Written and Directed by Woody Allen

After a long hard day of work I plopped on the couch, wine in hand, for some dinner and a movie. Midnight in Paris had just arrived at my door that morning and I didn’t know a thing about it. It seemed all too perfect- sipping on a glass of wine as the opening stills of the quant streets and cafe’s of Paris illuminated my TV screen. Instantly I wished I had seen this movie in the theatre- watching it on the big screen would have made me feel even closer to being in the movie.

I had fallen in love with Paris after three seconds. Not knowing what this movie was about made it all the more intriguing for me while watching it- so I suppose if you have not yet seen it- go watch it before you read this post.

Owen Wilson plays Gil- a creative, free-spirited writer who is trying to finish a novel- but his “muse”, and fiancé, Inez, played by Rachel McAdams, is wrapped up in her world of money, delusional reality, and an old college crush. She clearly has no respect for Gil’s simple dreams and fun loving spirit as she nonchalantly degrades him and his work in front of her family and friends. Your heart breaks as you watch this relationship- he is just so in love with her and she has no regards for him…you see this all to often in the real world.

Gil and Inez- played by Owen Wilson and Rachel McAdams

The movie takes place in Paris, naturally. They are visiting with her parents who are there for business matters. They stay in a beautiful hotel, eat in lavish restarunts, and shop at high end vintage furniture stores all over Paris- when all Gil wants to do it stroll the romantic streets with his fiancé. The family, including Inez, scoffs at him and sends him on his way alone. After walking the streets for hours, Gil sits at the steps of a Paris building as a clock in the distance strikes midnight. Just after the bells chime an old fashioned car drives up and several peculiar characters invite and insist he joins them- which he does- and the next thing he knows he is at a party where all the guests are garbed in 1920s fashion. It doesn’t take long for him to realize- after being intruded to Zelda and F. Scott Fitzgerald that he is not in Kansas anymore. You can tell the character is uncomfortable for the first half of his adventure- but seems to embrace it towards the end of the night.

Partying with historical figures- no big deal.

i love all the historical character references in this movie. There were people whom I didn’t really know- but the biggies I knew- Salvator Dali, Zelda and F. Scott, Hemingway…but later I researched the other characters and it made me want to watch the movie all over again just to see the actor playing the part.

F. Scott Fitzgerald and his wife Zelda

This film was so magical to me- I wanted to be in there with everyone as a party goer or a fly on the wall just to hear the conversation and be apart of it all. Woody Allen’s character development hits you hard as you are instantly drawn to Owen Wilson’s character and start to hate Rachel McAdams. The plot and story unfolds beautifully leading to a perfect ending. Every part of this movie- from the opening shots, character development, costume, hair, set design, story…was strong and to me, inspirational: a great movie to watch if you have been lacking in the creative department. It just kinda gets your mind flowing. So if you are needed a boost of fresh air or just need a good movie to watch after work check out Midnight In Paris- be sure to have your glass of wine with you!