by Woody Allen is known for his quirky, dialogue-driven films that often explore complex philosophical and psychological themes.
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While his movies have developed dedicated adult audiences, they aren’t always the most obvious choice for family movie night. However, Allen’s 2011 romantic comedy Midnight in Paris has elements that could make it enjoyable even for viewers younger than the standard adult demographic. With its charming story, beautiful visuals of Paris, and thought-provoking exploration of nostalgia and finding purpose, Midnight in Paris offers a unique family film experience.
Parisian Eye Candy
One of the biggest draws of Midnight in Paris is its breathtaking showcase of one of the most iconic and beautiful cities in the world: Paris. From its opening shots panning across the glittering city skyline at night to scenes set in iconic landmarks like the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Louvre, the film transports viewers straight to the heart of the French capital. Younger family members who may not yet have had the chance to travel internationally will be dazzled by the architecture, scenery, and old-world charm on display.
The film was shot on location in Paris, with Allen making use of famous streets and plazas to bring the city to life. Viewers get a real sense of wandering the cobblestone paths of Montmartre or strolling along the Seine. Even for those who have visited before, Midnight in Paris offers a fresh appreciation for Paris’s timeless beauty and romance. Seeing the landmarks in all their lit-up glory at night is particularly magical. The city itself becomes another character that enhances the story.
For families with budding interests in art, history or travel, Midnight in Paris provides a visual feast that could spark new passions. Younger viewers may find themselves inspired to learn more about Paris’s role as the epicenter of early 20th century modern art and literature after seeing scenes set in places like La Rotonde Café, the haunt of Picasso, Hemingway, and other luminaries. Discussing the locations seen in the film could encourage kids to start planning their first trip abroad one day. The Parisian setting alone makes Midnight in Paris an enjoyable family film, even if the plot goes over younger heads.
Universal Themes for All Ages
While Woody Allen’s films are often praised for their witty dialogue and examination of existential questions, Midnight in Paris stands out for addressing themes that can resonate across generations. At its core, the movie explores ideas of nostalgia, finding purpose, and making the most of the present moment – concepts that most people grapple with at some point in their lives, regardless of age.
Gil Pender, the protagonist played by Owen Wilson, is a screenwriter disenchanted by modern times who yearns to have lived in the 1920s Golden Age of Paris. Through his magical time-traveling adventures, he discovers the grass is never greener on the other side and comes to appreciate his own era. Younger family members may not fully understand the philosophical and psychological implications, but they can still relate to Gil wanting to escape problems and find where he belongs.
The film also touches on themes of relationships, family dynamics, and generational differences in an amusing yet insightful way. Scenes between Gil and his fiancée Inez, played by Rachel McAdams, and her parents highlight challenges of communicating across ages. Their bickering, while comedic, shows how nostalgia vs progress and tradition vs change are issues every family faces. These universal themes provide a launching point for family discussions after viewing, even if some concepts go over kids’ heads at first.
Lighthearted Humor
While Midnight in Paris deals with weightier subjects underneath, it maintains an overall light and whimsical tone through Woody Allen’s signature witty and quirky humor. Slapstick is kept to a minimum, focusing more on clever dialogue and amusing situations over crude jokes or physical comedy. This makes the film enjoyable for a wider age range. Younger viewers can appreciate the silliness of Gil’s time-travel antics and interactions with iconic historical figures without being disturbed or confused by more mature content.
Scenes like Gil having drinks with Ernest Hemingway, played by Corey Stoll, and trying to impress him with embellished war stories are laugh-out-loud funny in their absurdity. Likewise, his run-ins with Salvador Dali, played by Adrien Brody, and his surrealist antics provide plenty of comedic moments. The dry, deadpan delivery of lines is also amusing for older kids who enjoy wordplay. While some references may fly over their heads, the lighthearted spirit keeps the film entertaining for all.
Family Dynamics
Beyond its comedic elements, Midnight in Paris also works well as a family film due to its heartwarming exploration of relationships. At its core, the story revolves around Gil and his fiancée Inez vacationing in Paris with her parents. The mild tensions that arise between the generations feeling nostalgic for different eras creates amusing but also poignant moments of recognition for families.
Inez’s wealthy, conservative parents played by Kurt Fuller and Mimi Kennedy want to preserve old traditions and values, while Inez yearns for progress and a more modern lifestyle. Their clashing viewpoints, though played for laughs, showcase challenges all families face in bridging eras. Younger viewers can relate to not fully understanding older relatives’ perspectives or feeling caught between what came before and what’s new.
Likewise, Gil’s doubts about marrying Inez due to their differences in ambition highlight issues anyone experiences in relationships. His journey of self-discovery impacts how he sees Inez by the end. Families watching together can have meaningful discussions about appreciating one another across divides, as well as the importance of personal fulfillment and compromise in partnerships. The heart at the center of Midnight in Paris resonates beyond its witty surface.
Historical Context
For older kids with interests in history, literature or the arts, Midnight in Paris offers a unique window into the early 20th century expatriate scene in Paris through its magical realist framework. Gil’s nightly trips back to the 1920s place him directly in the company of cultural icons like F. Scott Fitzgerald, Ernest Hemingway, Gertrude Stein, Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dali and more.
Younger viewers get to see these influential figures come to life, from their mannerisms to iconic landmarks that shaped their work. Scenes set in places like Gertrude Stein’s salon bring to life the vibrant intellectual culture that drew so many artists and writers to the city during the post-WWI period. Brief glimpses into the personalities and relationships of the luminaries could spark new interests to research their lasting impacts.
While the historical accuracy may not be the focus, Midnight in Paris succeeds in transporting audiences back in time and place in a visually engaging way. Combined with supplemental materials, it serves as an entry point for families to explore further the rich cultural history on display. Even if the details go over kids’ heads, they still come away with a sense of time and place rarely achieved in period films.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, Woody Allen’s Midnight in Paris works surprisingly well as a family film due to its balance of thoughtful themes, lighthearted comedy, and stunning visual tour of one of the most romantic cities in the world. While younger viewers may not grasp all the philosophical layers, they can still appreciate the charming storytelling, witty humor, and glimpses into history in a fun, accessible way.
It’s a film that can be enjoyed by all on some level but also sparks meaningful discussions between generations. The themes of nostalgia, purpose, relationships and cultural appreciation give families a launching point to connect and exchange perspectives. Midnight in Paris offers families the rare chance to be entertained while learning something new together in the process. For the right family, it presents a memorable cinematic experience they may come to appreciate even more with repeat viewings down the road.
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