What Is the Point of Midnight in Paris?

By Michael Ferguson

Midnight in Paris is a 2011 romantic comedy film directed by Woody Allen. The movie’s plot revolves around a writer named Gil Pender, played by Owen Wilson, who travels back in time every midnight to meet his literary heroes and experience the golden age of Paris.

But what is the point of Midnight in Paris? Let’s dive deeper into the film to uncover its underlying themes and messages.

The Nostalgia Trap

One of the central themes of Midnight in Paris is nostalgia. The film suggests that people often romanticize the past and long for a time that they never experienced.

Gil Pender, the protagonist, is a screenwriter who feels unfulfilled with his life and longs for a bygone era when art and literature were at their peak. He believes that he was born in the wrong era and that he would be happier if he lived in 1920s Paris.

Throughout the film, Gil meets several famous writers, artists, and musicians of the time, including Ernest Hemingway, Pablo Picasso, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Cole Porter, and Salvador Dali. While initially amazed by them and their lifestyle, he soon realizes that they too have their own problems and insecurities despite being celebrated figures.

The film suggests that nostalgia can be a trap – it can prevent us from living in the present moment and appreciating what we have. Instead of longing for a past that never existed or idealizing people from history books as perfect beings without flaws or problems, we should focus on making our lives better today.

The Illusion of Romantic Love

Another theme explored in Midnight in Paris is the illusion of romantic love. The movie portrays two contrasting relationships – Gil’s with his fiancée Inez (played by Rachel McAdams) and his infatuation with Adriana (played by Marion Cotillard), an aspiring fashion designer from the 1920s.

Gil’s relationship with Inez is strained, and he feels disconnected from her and her family’s values. On the other hand, his interactions with Adriana are romanticized, and he idealizes her as a perfect partner who understands him on a deeper level. However, as the story unfolds, it becomes clear that Gil’s perception of Adriana is based on his idealized version of her and not on the reality of who she is as a person.

The film suggests that romantic love can be an illusion – people often project their desires and expectations onto their partners and create an idealized version of them in their minds. The reality may be vastly different from what they imagine, leading to disappointment and heartbreak.

The Magic of Art

Finally, Midnight in Paris celebrates the magic of art. The film portrays Paris as a hub of creativity and inspiration where artists could thrive. The city’s architecture, music, literature, and art are showcased in various scenes throughout the movie.

Art is depicted as a way to transcend time and connect with people across generations. Gil’s meetings with famous artists from the past inspire him to become a better writer and appreciate the beauty around him. The film suggests that art can be a source of joy, inspiration, and meaning in life.

In conclusion, Midnight in Paris is more than just a romantic comedy – it explores themes such as nostalgia, romantic love, and the magic of art through its characters’ experiences. The movie encourages us to live in the present moment instead of idealizing the past or projecting our desires onto others. And ultimately reminds us that art can be a powerful force for transformation and connection in our lives.