paris

the continuation of the viewing of films based in paris
inside paris, je t'aime paris, 2 days in paris and now - paris
starring romain duris the down on love brother from inside paris
a similar role in this film but in this case his heart is also physically sick
requiring a heart transplant and some tlc from sister is also needed
she played by juliet binoche - the other big appeal of this film for me
the opening credits gave some indication of the style of the film
lots of them and everyone it seems gets a mention
there are about 10 main characters mixed in the plot
all living, working, socialising in central paris
some close relationships but others more tenuous
in the opening scenes it's a case of hold on as best you can
as all the characters are quickly and fairly randomly introduced
meaning the eyes are rapidly moving between scenes and the sub-titles
but once past that it's a case of settle in and enjoy the journey
reminisce on time spent in paris as familiar territory pops up
then give in to the fact that really the city is the star of the film
for it feels like the director is not trying to illuminate anyone
though juliet binoche inadvertently does that effortlessly
there seems to be a real intent to show these people as typical
for they all have idiosyncrosies that seem very real
in one case a respected history professor blocks his parents
cannot believe that his own brother cries at their fathers funeral
then has a shrink in near laughter as he casually mentions this
soon after he is seen wooing an attractive student via mobile texting
then delivers up a hilarious mime-dance scene a-la tom cruise
relationships are never far from the spotlight in this film
it's easy to start out thinking the city of love is the cause of this
but before long and after some quite unlikely couplings
it becomes apparant the director is pointing to another cause
desperate loneliness, lack of fulfillment, the need for affection
the city's reputation then justifying the flinging together of bodies
and not only odd couplings but very odd settings
the meat section at the city markets had me squirming
there are parties thrown in a blatant attempt to resurrect friendships
a not too subtle jab at the right-wing direction of france is there
and not too far away is the case of the fragility of life
as the most dominant character struggles with his illness
and his lovely sister (jb) supports and also indulges
as expected there is no happy ending to this film
no conclusion, no revelations, no hidden message
just a great slice of many lives in this city
2 hours went by very quickly
still want to go there again
ah...paris