DANS PARIS (2006)

Written & Directed By: Christopher Honore 
Cinematography: Jean-Louis Vialard 
Editor: Chantal Hymans 


Cast: Roman Duris, Joanna Priess, Louis Garrel, Guy Merchand, Alice Butand, Marie-France Pisier 


Anna has just left Paul who, annihilated by the separation, moves back with his father in Paris. His younger brother Jonathan, a casual student, still lives in his father's apartment and spends most of his time womanizing and fooling around. But what this apparent lightness conceals is a deep wound. Jonathan, in fact, has never been able to overcome the death of his beloved sister. Meanwhile Paul sinks into depression.
This film starring the hottest French stars at the time. Who are now more internationally known now.

This is a kind of melancholy relationship drama with plenty of room for comedy. Where it has a free spirit luckily that makes the film feel more open and fun.

The film has Actress Joanna pries who I remember and became a fan of after her performance in the film MA MERE. Here more the female lead that the main character obsesses over. We see their relationship more through flashbacks that are playful, but you can understand his devotion and feelings for her.

The film tries to be more about the characters then the situations even as his brother spends his days going from one fling to the next. While having one woman so devoted to him that she ends up practically camping out at his father’s apartment waiting for him to return. His character is so flippant about love and his brother is more a romantic.

Though along the way we find out why they might be so messed up and cynical with a family tragedy that gets revealed rather late and their parents contempt for one another.

The film does fit maybe a certain. Cliche about French films being more about relationships on a more psychological and philosophical level. Though it stays entertaining and fun. It hit’s All the right buttons for me. As far as content.

Not exactly a comedy yet certainly lighthearted and full of spirit though a certain melancholy hangs over the film. The material always seems to try to poke holes in it to let the light shine in. As it wants to be taken seriously, But also not be a stick in the mud. conventions or plot dynamics. It seems more about character, philosophy, theory, mood and emotions at times.

This is the type of film that gives the French a kind of deeper romanticism when it comes to films. It makes their culture and characters seem that way while being non-chalant. As they can build their cinema on the subject and be successful and not have to follow more genre

A More realistic romantic comedy without the crowd pleasing moments but the mentality behind them. Though when it comes to his brothers romantic adventures the film feels more whimsical and moves at a more accelerated speed and lightens the mood. Even if there is a bit of a dramatic aftermath.

This movie is like listening to a modern pop album where the songs are familiar and the artists tries to be personal and deep. Where you can follow but don’t necessarily feel it as deep as it was intended.

This is the type of film you might fantasize about and dream of as far as content and French romance. Definitely a fill that you think about and look back upon. Even better if watched with a friend. As it seems to be a film to analyze but also recognize. It’s definitely a conversation starter.

 Grade: B