Paris Je T'aime

by Ari

 

Paris Je T’aime is a collection of short films unlike anything I’ve seen before. Je T’aime boasts the most impressive line-up of filmmaking talent in recent memory - high-profile directors from international cinema and an incredible selection of star talent ranging from contemporary Hollywood favorites like Elijah Wood and Natalie Portman, to European talent like Juliette Binoche and Gerard Depardieu, to classic stars such as Ben Gazzara and Gena Rowlands. Sometimes collective film experiments work well (The Animatrix) and sometimes they fall flat (Eros). The great thing about anthology films is how they usually break free from any trace of formulaic storytelling or anything remotely standard or generic. The filmmakers have only a few minutes to tell a story, so they’re naturally forced to be as inventive and creative as possible in order to engage the audience. While not every chapter in Paris Je T’aime is perfect, most of the talent involved understood the task and delivered.

Overall this is perhaps the most refreshing exercise in cinematic form in quite some time. The film is certainly a love-letter to the city that inspired the idea, but more than that, Paris Je T’aime is a celebration of the power and possibility of cinema itself. Some of the chapters are remarkably original and best seen fresh. The less you know - the better. The short review is that Paris Je T’aime is a classy showcase for many talented artists in contemporary film - Tom Tykwer and the Coen Brothers being the film's true stars.

Montmartre - Bruno Podalydes: A subtle and tender piece about a lonely man who fights for a parking space to scope the couples that walk by. When a woman faints outside his car, chance works in his favor. Nothing spectacular, but slightly amusing and heartfelt.

Quais De Seine - Gurinder Chadha: The first great chapter. Three young friends hang out on a bright, sunny day hoping to score with the many pretty women that pass their sight. Two of the boys are obnoxious and loud, calling out names and irritating everyone around them. The quiet one (Cyril Descours) notices a young Muslim girl (Leila Bekhti) sitting nearby and laughing at the idiocy of his friends. As she gets up to leave she trips and falls, amusing the two idiots but giving Descours the opportunity he needs. Their meeting is sweet and romantic, with a subtly effective commentary on religious and racial differences. Well done.

Les Marais - Gus Van Sant: Expertly written segment by Van Sant about the meeting of two possible soul-mates. Ends with a fantastic twist.

Tuileries - Coen Brothers: Brilliant, hilarious short with Steve Buscemi as a tourist patiently waiting for the metro and minding his own business with his guidebook and possessions. Things complicate after he makes eye contact with a sexy woman on the opposite side of the subway. Unfortunately she has a rather aggressive boyfriend. Chapter also involves a young boy who repeatedly hits Buscemi with spitballs. It would be a disservice to explain any further. Great work.

Lion Du 16IEME - Walter Salles and Daniela Thomas: One of the lesser efforts about a woman who faces similar experiences as a servant at work and a mother at home. Well shot, well acted, but rather dull and forgettable.

Porte De Choisy - Christoper Doyle: Master cinematographer and all-around lunatic Christopher Doyle directs this absurd, highly entertaining genre amalgam with Barbet Schroeder as a salesman who enters the crazed world of a Chinese hair salon. Part surreal comedy, part Hong Kong thriller.

Bastille - Isabelle Coixet: Melancholy look at a husband who wants to leave his wife only to find out she’s dying of cancer. He has a sudden change of heart and tends to her needs during her last remaining days. Emotional and well-acted by Sergio Castellitto and Miranda Richardson.

Place Des Victoires - Nobuhiro Suwa: Powerful short with Juliette Binoche as a grieving mother who takes a small journey of sorts with her dead son. Includes Willem Dafoe in a brief but wonderful appearance.

Tour Eiffel - Sylvain Chomet: One of the best films on the program by one of the talents behind The Triplets of Belleville. A young boy tells the story of how his parents fell in love. His parents are both mimes. Appropriately bizarre, visually spectacular, and often times hilarious.

Parc Monceau - Alfonso Cuaron: It’s filmed entirely in one long extended shot and stars Nick Nolte, but unfortunately it’s not very interesting or engaging.

Pigalle - Richard LaGravanese: It’s poorly written and fairly silly, but Bob Hoskins still manages to make it count.

Quartier Des Enfants Rouges - Olivier Assayas: Maggie Gyllenhal as an actress who gets stoned and falls for her dealer. Well shot, but forgettable.

Place Des Fetes - Olivier Schmitz: Heartbreaking. See it fresh.

Quartier De La Madeleine - Vicenzo Natali: Elijah Wood falls for a Vampire. The stylized visuals don’t help this from being the worst of the group.

Pere-Lachaise - Wes Craven: Tedious drama with Rufus Sewell and Emily Mortimer walking through a cemetery, paying tribute to the dead, and discussing their love and marriage. Pretty much a complete bore.

Faubourg Saint-Denis - Tom Tykwer: Genius. Easily the most creative, thrilling, and emotionally resonant story in the entire collection. Natalie Portman calls her boyfriend (Melchior Beslon) to break their relationship, sending us into his fast-motion recollection of their entire romance. Contains the full emotional arc of a feature-length film in only a few minutes. Breathtaking. Astounding. The main reason I’m seeing this film again.

Quartier Latin - Gerard Depardieu and Frederic Auburtin: It’s just nice to see Ben Gazzara and Gena Rowlands together again.

14TH Arrondissement - Alexander Payne: Hilarious and moving portrait of a middle-aged American woman experiencing an epiphany in Paris. She narrates the entire short with a horrible French accent. Had the audience in tears of laughter.