| Overall Grade: |
A |
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| Story: |
A |
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| Acting: |
A |
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| Direction: |
A |
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| Visuals: |
B |
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Full Parisian Experience
by David (movies profile)
Feb 2, 2008
4
of
4 people found this review helpful
This romantic comedy sits above all others with a much more solid grounding in reality - the relationship is treated seriously, all while comedic situations abound. It is really a great credit to Julie Delpy's writing and directing skills that this movie rates very highly in my book.
Julie Delpy's character, Marion, is an opinionated, but loving, photographer who wants to experience the relationship without using a camera - as she poignently says, taking photos makes one an observer and takes one away from living in the moment.
Adam Goldberg's character, on the other hand, has become addicted to taking photos and begins to feel like the outsider (which is compounded by the fact that he does not speak French). All around him mad conversations are taking place, and he cannot tell what is going on.
The best performances were by Delpy's (actual) parents - the father played the role of a French man perfectly. And his comedic brilliance was shown in his attempts to speak to Goldberg with sounds and visual effects. The mother also played humorously a doting French mother and former hippy.
In fact, the Frenchness of the movie was its greatest asset. In just two days, we were able to live the full Parisian experience - from racist taxi drivers, bistros, markets, artists, flirting, environmental activists, and even down to the details of dog poop in the street. Delpy clearly knows Paris and her skill in presenting it all is amazing.
The only downside was the choice of camera style. Delpy tried to imitate the photographic style with numerous still shots and hand-held camera scenes which did not always help. On the other hand, there was several instances where her choice of narrative was perfect. I am thinking most of the final scene where they are arguing and we lose the sound of their voices and hear Delpy narrating over it - brillian scene. And it provides the most touching moment where Goldberg makes a smile...
This movie is a must see. It is astonishingly funny and able to provide some deeper meaning as well. |
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