Went to see Midnight in Paris
May 18, 2011. R and I went to see Midnight in Paris (Woody Allen, 2011). You have to go see the Woody Allen every year, don't you? It's a ritual. Sometimes you're pleased, sometimes not so pleased. First of all, as a Frog, I have to say Carla Bruni-Sarkozy isn't so bad in the film. Her acting is perfectly acceptable, whatever you think of her sentimental / political choices. And it's not her fault if Woody Allen got her to speak THAT brand of English. Secondly, even though Owen Wilson does nothing for me, he manages that writer part quite well, and shows that he can do a character with a brain. So, is it a good Woody Allen? Well, yes and no. Everything's fine and immensely entertaining, but there are two APPALLING drawbacks: first, the interminable slideshow at the beginning; for God's sake, Woody Allen, what were you thinking? It's not even remotely acceptable, whether tongue-in-cheek or not; secondly, the explanations at the end: did you really have to take your viewer by the hand and lecture to him? Honestly? Do you think morons see your films? Of course not. So what's the point? Tremendous cameo by Adrien Brody. And of course, if like me you're an avid reader of the books by / about all those people that made up that American / Parisian scene in the 1920s (plus the Spanish / Parisian painters), you'll be thrilled by some special treats.
