What Movie Does Gil Reference in Midnight in Paris?

By Robert Palmer

Have you ever watched Midnight in Paris, the 2011 romantic comedy film directed by Woody Allen? If yes, then you might have noticed a reference to a classic movie during one of the scenes. Let’s dive into what movie Gil references in Midnight in Paris.

In the movie, Gil, portrayed by Owen Wilson, is a successful Hollywood screenwriter who’s on vacation in Paris with his fiancée and her parents. He’s struggling to finish his first novel and finds himself lost in nostalgia for the 1920s era of Paris. One night after a wine-tasting event, he stumbles upon a mysterious antique car that transports him back to the 1920s.

During one of his time travels, Gil meets Ernest Hemingway at a bar. After showing Hemingway some of his writing, Hemingway tells him to let him know when he finishes his novel so that he can give him feedback. Hemingway also asks Gil what he thinks about William Faulkner’s work.

Gil replies with an underlined quote from Faulkner – “The past is never dead. It’s not even past.” Hemingway nods and agrees with Gil’s opinion.

Later on in the movie, when Gil meets Adriana played by Marion Cotillard, they discuss their favorite movies from the past. Adriana confesses that she loves silent films and mentions her favorite being “A Nous la Liberte.”

Gil excitedly tells Adriana that “A Nous la Liberte” was directed by René Clair and was released in 1931. He also mentions how Clair went on to direct other famous films like “Le Million” and “Under the Roofs of Paris.”

To summarize, Gil references the classic French film “A Nous la Liberte” directed by René Clair in Midnight in Paris.

If you haven’t watched this movie yet, it’s definitely worth watching for its charming portrayal of Paris in the 1920s and its witty dialogue.