Corey Stoll is a Hilarious Hemingway
Mon Dieu! There was a long line at the Town Hall last night for the showing of the movie “Midnight in Paris”!!
The word is apparently out about this light literary “valentine” to Paris from Woody Allen. It’s a hilarious delight — especially for American literature aficionados. Shot in a romantic nostalgic light it features Owen Wilson as a current- day frustrated novelist who somehow happens upon his romantic dream of living the Parisian literary life among the likes of Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald and Ernest Hemingway. Corey Stoll’s Hemingway hits it out of the park. Too much!
All the characters of that special time come to life — Spanish bullfighters, Pablo Picasso, Matisse, Gertrude Stein (played by Kathy Bates), Dali. It’s a great premise and done with such a fine touch. Woody Allen himself — surprise — does not appear in the movie (that we detected) but somehow Owen Wilson takes on a bit of that semi-tortured romantic persona we’ve come to know.
The writing in this movie is pure “Woody” with political commentary thrown in during Owen’s dinners with his in-laws-to-be. There are “inside” literary jokes throughout, subtle and not-so-subtle digs at the French and quiet performances by the lovely Carla Bruni and Marianne Cottillard.
If you love French history and culture, as well as American literature, do see the movie if you can (it’s no longer playing here) but beware…You will soon be booking a trip on Air France to Paris. It makes you want to go back. Now.
I’ve not been a fan of Woody since, well you know…But, here’s to you Mr. Director, lovely job!
Julia Carlisle
Woodstock Early Bird 