Is Midnight in Paris Inappropriate?

By Anna Duncan

Midnight in Paris is a 2011 romantic comedy film written and directed by Woody Allen. The film revolves around the character of Gil Pender, played by Owen Wilson, who travels to Paris with his fiancée and her parents. While in Paris, Gil finds himself transported back to the 1920s at midnight every night, where he meets various famous writers and artists of that era.

The film has received critical acclaim for its witty humor, charming performances, and stunning visuals. However, some viewers have raised concerns about the appropriateness of certain elements in the film. In this article, we will explore whether Midnight in Paris is inappropriate or not.

Firstly, it is important to note that Midnight in Paris has a PG-13 rating for “some sexual references and smoking.” While there are a few instances of characters smoking on screen, it is not excessive or glorified. As for the sexual references, they are mostly mild and used for comedic effect.

Furthermore, the film does not contain any explicit scenes of violence or nudity. The romance between Gil and Adriana (played by Marion Cotillard) is portrayed delicately and tastefully without any graphic sex scenes.

However, some viewers have criticized the film for its portrayal of certain historical figures. For example, Ernest Hemingway is depicted as a stereotypical macho man who spouts off about hunting and masculinity. Meanwhile, Salvador Dali is portrayed as absurdly eccentric and almost cartoonish.

While these portrayals may be exaggerated for comedic effect, it’s important to recognize that they are fictionalized versions of real-life people. It’s up to individual viewers to decide whether they find these portrayals offensive or not.

In conclusion, Midnight in Paris is generally considered a light-hearted romantic comedy with some mild sexual references and smoking. While some may find fault with its fictionalized portrayals of historical figures like Hemingway and Dali, it’s important to recognize that they are meant to be comedic caricatures rather than accurate representations. Ultimately, whether or not Midnight in Paris is inappropriate is a matter of personal opinion and sensitivity.