vernon film society
Bringing the best in world and Canadian film to film lovers of Vernon and the North Okanagan
PARIS
Director: Cédric Klapisch
Cast: Juliette Binoche, Romain Duris, Fabrice Luchini
Run Time: 130 minutes
Country: France
Year: 2008
Language: French with English subtitles
Rating: Not yet rated
After the international success of 2002’s L’Auberge espagnole, Cédric Klapisch returns as writer and director with Paris, a filmmaker’s love letter to the City of Lights. In Paris, Klapisch successfully incorporates two of his favourite narrative elements – romantic angst and interconnecting storylines – in a vibrant homage to the city in which a story hides behind every corner. Klapisch’s compelling exploration of his characters is coloured with emotion, humour and sensitivity as he inspires filmgoers to identify with these essentially universal stories. Rejoining Klapisch for this sixth collaboration is actor Romain Duris (Le Divorce, Molière) in the lead role of Pierre. A professional chorus dancer, Pierre is forced to quit when he is diagnosed with potentially fatal heart disease. As he awaits a heart transplant, Pierre must reassess his life’s priorities with the help of his sister Elise, played by Juliette Binoche (Caché; Paris, je t’aime). Reflecting on his life, the young man observes Paris and its people with a new outlook, learning to cherish even the smallest details and everyday things. As Pierre begins to accept that the delights of the city he loves may outlive him, the film strikes a decidedly poignant note, illustrating that, one day, we all must come to terms with our own mortality.
Klapisch’s love affair with Paris is obvious. In a manner recalling Woody Allen’s award-winning 1979 film Manhattan, the French capital is as much a pivotal character in the narrative as the cast itself. Klapisch beautifully captures the city’s striking landscapes, which may never have looked so radiant and compelling onscreen. Cityscape and human drama unfold side by side, presenting a humanistic portrait that will stay with audiences for a long time.
“As Klapisch wanders through vignettes of dreams and disappointments, he offers a captivating and never prescriptive paeon to humanity's will to survive.” - Empire Magazine
REVIEWS: www.rottentomatoes.com/m/10009739-paris/
