If you have watched the movie Midnight in Paris, you may have noticed the enchanting music that plays during the opening credits. The music sets the tone for the entire movie and captures the essence of Paris perfectly. In this article, we will delve into what exactly is this opening music and its significance.
What is Midnight in Paris?
Midnight in Paris is a romantic comedy-drama film directed by Woody Allen. The movie follows a screenwriter named Gil Pender (played by Owen Wilson) who travels to Paris with his fiancée and her parents.
Gil, who is struggling with his writing, finds himself transported back to 1920s Paris every night at midnight. He meets his literary idols like Ernest Hemingway, F. Scott Fitzgerald, and Gertrude Stein and falls in love with a woman from that era named Adriana.
The Music in Midnight in Paris
The opening music of Midnight in Paris is a beautiful instrumental piece called “Si Tu Vois Ma Mere” by Sidney Bechet. Sidney Bechet was an American jazz saxophonist, clarinetist, and composer who became famous for his unique style of jazz music.
The Significance of “Si Tu Vois Ma Mere”
The song “Si Tu Vois Ma Mere” was originally recorded by Sidney Bechet in 1952. The song has since become synonymous with French jazz and has been covered by many artists over the years.
The song’s significance lies in its ability to capture the essence of Paris during the 1920s, which is when most of Midnight in Paris takes place. The song’s playful melody and improvisational style are reminiscent of the jazz music that was popular during that time.
Why Did Woody Allen Choose This Song?
Woody Allen has always been known for his love for jazz music, and he often incorporates it into his movies. In Midnight in Paris, Allen wanted to capture the essence of Paris during the 1920s, and he felt that “Si Tu Vois Ma Mere” was the perfect song to do that.
The song’s playful melody and improvisational style fit perfectly with the whimsical nature of the movie. Additionally, the song’s title translates to “If You See My Mother,” which is a nod to the movie’s time-traveling plotline.
In Conclusion
“Si Tu Vois Ma Mere” by Sidney Bechet is the opening music of Midnight in Paris. The song’s playful melody and improvisational style capture the essence of Paris during the 1920s, which is when most of the movie takes place. Woody Allen chose this song because of its ability to capture the whimsical nature of Midnight in Paris and its connection to the movie’s time-traveling plotline.