Paris: Beautiful to View But a Bit Empty

Written by Mark Schumann, Father of Three
Thursday, 12 November 2009 11:19

Since 1999, this column has offered the latest on new films in theaters as well as recent releases and classics available on DVD. This week, the “Reel Dad” reviews Paris, a new release from France that is currently available in theaters — starring Academy Award winner Juliette Binoche.

Any movie palate should have a variety of flavors. A balanced cinema diet should not simply include the latest blockbusters from Hollywood or the needless sequels to mind-numbing adventure, comic book and horror films. The world of film savors many tastes and, when we go to the movies, we need to sample as many as we can.

The new French film Paris is a delightful entrée for any cinema menu with its colorful vistas of life in the great Parisian city, a range of compelling characters trying to get through the days and nights amidst a number of challenges, and a series of heartfelt and humorous situations that easily bring out the best and worst of people. What it may lack in substance and continuity can, perhaps, be attributed to the casual style of many French films. Unlike Hollywood movies that let nothing disturb clarity and order, movies from France tend to ramble a bit, and let a story find its own rhythm and tone. Some French movies, of course, do this better than others and, at times, Paris seems to lose its way. But, on balance, Paris is a marvelous and yummy film treat.

With a series of distinct, and barely connected stories, Paris plays like a film by the late great Robert Altman with its multiple characters and plotlines. Centering the film is the focus on a young man Pierre, played by Romain Duris, who learns that he is suffering from a serious heart ailment. A transplant may, or may not, save his life so, as he waits, he views the world of Paris from his apartment balcony. In a situation vaguely reminiscent of the classic Rear Window, Pierre imagines the lives of the many people he observes, only to be brought to earth by the kindness and generosity of his sister Elise, portrayed by the magnetic Juliette Binoche. Together they consider the many ways for the human heart to endure the strains of illness and disconnection as they count the days until some resolution can be experienced.

If only Paris had kept its focus on this relationship, so lovingly created and portrayed, the film would be a most satisfying movie morsel. But writer and director Cedric Klapisch chooses to cloud the screen with the tales of other lives Pierre observes, from an aging university professor who can’t stop thinking of one his students, to a woman at the local market who looks for love, to a young man from Cameroon who dreams of what a Parisian life can offer. If the story of Pierre and Elise had remained center stage, this would be a movie to savor. As it is, Paris is a trifle to be enjoyed.

Since movies began, the filmmaker’s fascination with the magic of Paris has been a cinema mainstay, from Gigi to The Accidental Tourist to Funny Face. So as you consider possibilities for your movie diet, challenge yourself to think beyond the boundaries of Hollywood. But make sure there’s more to the film than simply the title. Paris may sound like it’s everything you want. Unfortunately, it may likely leave you hungry for more.

Film Nutritional Value:

Paris

* Content: Medium. This could have been a completely satisfying serving of French cinema cuisine but its rambling story keeps it from totally working.

* Entertainment: Medium. Despite running too long, with too many characters, the lovely scenery and performances make it a worthwhile journey.

* Message: Medium. Unfortunately, the broad scope of the film dilutes the impact of its central brother-sister relationship.

* Relevance: Medium. Paris is an entertaining visit to a magical city and people — but nothing more.

* Opportunity for Dialogue: Medium. Actually, the lovely scenery may cause you to discuss a future visit to such a lovely place.

3 Popcorn Buckets

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