Once Upon a Twilight!: Movie Review: Paris Can Wait

Paris Can Wait
Director: Eleanor Coppola
Writer: Eleanor Coppola
Cast: Diane Lane, Alec Baldwin, Arnaud Viard
MPAA Rating: Rated PG for thematic elements, smoking and some language
Genres: Comedy | Drama | Romance
Official Sites: Web | Facebook

Anne is at a crossroads in her life. Long married to a successful, driven but inattentive movie producer, she unexpectedly finds herself taking a car trip from Cannes to Paris with a business associate of her husband. What should be a seven-hour drive turns into a carefree two-day adventure replete with diversions involving picturesque sights, fine food and wine, humor, wisdom and romance, reawakening Anne's senses and giving her a new lust for life.

A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of meeting Eleanor Coppola, the wife of the famed Francis Ford Coppola. I got to drink Coppola Wine, eat bruschetta, and watch a movie. It was a great time. Every bit of it was fun. An evening about the little things in life, good company, lovely wine, delicious food, etc. A little escape. That is what I would call Eleanor Coppola’s directorial debut, Paris Can Wait, a little escape.

Paris Can Wait is a smaller, art-house film. If you want to see it, you’re going to have to search it out. I think it’s a worthwhile endeavor. I genuinely enjoyed everything about it. I love all things Diane Lane (as Anne). She is great in this film. There is wonderful chemistry between her and Arnaud Viard (as Jacques). I could have watched another hour of their flirtatious relationship easy. I appreciated that everything felt subtle, nuanced and rather coquettish. In a entertainment universe where everyone is running to throw their clothes off, I appreciated the slower pacing of the leads’ relationship.

It’s all about pacing. It’s in the title. Paris Can Wait. There is an open invitation to stop and smell the roses, to make a three day trip from what should be a three hour drive, and to order a cheese plate after someone has had a full meal. In a fast-paced world, people forget to slow down. Paris Can Wait reminds us.

And oh my goodness, the food. I love foodie films. As a pretend foodie (really, I just like eating), it was visually stunning to see some of the finer dishes offered in the South of France. Every scene contained something new and interesting to behold. Even the roadside picnic looked tastier than the average wrapped sandwiches.

All in all, Paris Can Wait is a great bit of escapism. The scenery is wonderful. The cast is charming. The story is quaint. It’s perfect for a grown-up night out with a great bottle of wine. It complements both red or white wine. Visually, the food and the countryside looked wonderful on the big screen. I’m glad I caught this in the theater. If you want to escape the living room couch for a bit, try Paris Can Wait, playing everywhere now.