2 Days in Paris
Written and directed by Julie Delpy
This is not Julie Delpy’s first film. Apparently she starred in Before Sunrise but until the arrival of 2 Days in Paris I’d not heard of her. Which is all the more surprising for having written, produced, directed and starred in this film it is clear that she is a remarkable talent.
This is a lovely film held together by razor sharp dialogue, reminding one of Woody Allen in his Annie Hall, Manhattan prime. Marion (Julie Delpy) and her neurotic American boyfriend (Adam Goldberg) are returning to New York from a romantic break in Venice. En route they decide to stop off for “2 days in Paris” where Marion has bought an apartment above one owned by her parents. From the outset, when we see Goldberg sending a gaggle of American tourists off in the wrong direction (so that he can get first in line at the cab rank), it is full of smart comedy. Central to this is the way Delpy uses Goldberg’s lack of French, to create missunderstanding. One scene around the dinner table, with Marion’s parents, crackles with rude put downs.
And through the humour there are also some touching observations about relationships and reaching a point in ones life when you have to decide whether your current beau, is to be the choice for life. Goldberg has a wonderfully expressive face and, together with Delpy’s kooky Marion, the two of them combine to create a delightful film.
Rating 4/5.
CA
