Paris Can Wait

While on a business trip to Cannes, movie producer Michael (Alec Baldwin) and his wife Anne (Diane Lane) make a decision that sets off an unexpected chain of events. Anne suffers from a minor ear problem and cannot fly, leaving Michael annoyed and frustrated. Nevertheless, a solution presents itself in the form of Jacques (Arnaud Viard), Michael’s affable French business associate, who proposes to drive Anne to Paris where she can meet up with her husband. Hence begins the enticing narrative of the 2016 film Paris Can Wait, directed and written by Eleanor Coppola.

In the first few scenes, we are introduced to the dynamics of Anne and Michael's relationship. Michael is portrayed as a busy husband who plays second fiddle to his mobile phone, struggling to find time for his wife, constantly prioritizing work over his personal life. In contrast, Anne is portrayed as kind, patient and introspective, who yearns for romance and adventure. Her artistic side is shown through her photography hobby where she captures subtleties of life and interactions, illustrating aesthetics and the passage of time.

The movie spans over two days where the audience is treated to breath-taking shots of rural France which serve as the backdrop to the relationship that grows between Jacques and Anne. Jacques's old Peugeot convertible serves as a symbol of his quirky, old-fashioned romanticism that is as unpredictable as the car’s tendency to break down any given moment. He lets Anne experience France and its culture in an almost tactile way, constantly unplanned detours and surprises.

Diane Lane delivers an exceptional performance as Anne, harnessing every glance and hesitation to emphasize the emotional journey of her character. Arnaud Viard plays Jacques with wit and charm, making his character both endearing and frustrating. Alec Baldwin, whose screen time is limited compared to the other two leads, manages to make an impact as the distracted yet well-meaning husband.

An essential layer of Paris Can Wait is the exploration of gastronomy. Throughout their journey, Jacques introduces Anne to several culinary delights in restaurants available only in small towns, illustrating the French approach to food that emphasizes pleasure and fulfillment over mere sustenance. Each meal they share is an exploration of themselves, their desires, and their values. These culinary sequences serve as a metaphor for the differing worldviews of the characters - Jacques’s wholehearted embrace of sensory experiences versus the result-oriented approach followed by Michael.

The film excels in providing the audience with a treat for the senses, effectively utilizing elements like food and landscape to create an ambiance of old-fashioned romanticism. Cinematographer Crystel Fournier showcases the visual beauty of France, from the lavender fields of Provence to the winding cobbled streets of small towns. The movie, thus, ends up being a celebration of simple pleasures.

As Anne navigates through these unexpected circumstances, her journey signifies more than just getting from one place to another. Instead, it is a trip into her self-discovery, her inherent desires, and her own capacity for joy. The changing dynamics of her relationship with Jacques form a central part of the film, making an intriguing statement on friendship, attraction, and the potential for romance.

Paris Can Wait expertly explores themes of mid-life crises, dissatisfaction, longing, and the need to break out of mundane existence. It is a film that ultimately urges its viewers to take a moment and appreciate the beauty that can be missed in the rush of purpose-driven living.

While it might have its quiet moments, Paris Can Wait delves beneath the surface, revealing layers of narratives that spring from the characters' interactions, their personal histories, and their lived experiences. The movie holds up a mirror, forcing viewers to question their own life choices, their understanding of regret and the ways they find fulfillment.

Overall, Paris Can Wait is a journey of self-discovery, beautifully narrated against the backdrop of the francophone countryside. It creatively combines drama, romance, and travel, seasoned with humor and philosophy, to deliver a thought-provoking movie that is sure to leave you contemplating your own journey.