So in exactly 1 month I will be headed to Paris and France for the very first time. Here’s a list of the films I’ll be watching to get even more excited for Paris, and you should check them out too. As usual, there’s some favorites, and some you might not have heard of on here. Enjoy!
Amelie
Not only one of the best Paris films of all time, this is also one of the most beautiful films of all time. The cinematography, color scheme and of course, Audrey Tatou as the title character, are flawless. If you can handle the subtitles one watch will put this film on your favorites list. Available on Amazon Instant Video.
Before Sunset
Having never seen this follow up to Richard Linklater’s landmark Before Sunrise, I can’t make any promises. However, given the intelligence and emotional depth of both lead actors in the first film, and the critical response to this one, I’ll take the chance. Bonus points if you watch Two Days in Paris, written, directed and starring Julie Delpy. Available on Amazon Instant Video.
Ethan Hawke & Julie Delpy in Before Sunset
Midnight in Paris
I wasn’t a huge fan the first time around, but the romanticism and historical humor merit a second watch. The chance to see Paris in the 1920’s is an adventure most of us would love, but I’ll content myself with watching Owen Wilson live it out. My favorite moment is of course Adrien Brody’s eccentric cameo as Salvador Dali. Dali! Available on netflix.
Owen Wilson in Midnight in Paris
Everyone Says I Love You
Two Woody Allen films on one list? After New York, Paris is arguably his favorite backdrop for film, and this more obscure Allen film is a gem. In Paris, Woody and Goldie Hawn sing and dance and other scenes (not in Paris) feature the likes of Drew Barrymore, Edward Norton and Julia Roberts performing musical numbers.
Agnes Soral & Sergey Dreyden in Window to Paris
Window to Paris
By far the most obscure film on the list, this Russian/French co-production from the early 90’s is a delightful screwball comedy. It tells the story of a group of Russian men shortly after the fall of communism who find a wardrobe (a la Chronicles of Narnia) that is really a window to Paris. Mayhem ensues, especially after one of them falls for a beautiful Parisian woman.