Went to see Midnight in Paris, which is a lovely profiterole of a film. I liked it, but then I generally like Woody Allen. Some of the traditional Woody Allen themes are present:
-Can a man be in love two women at the same time?
-Shoulda/woulda/coulda: At least one character deals with a “what if” question. As in: “What if I had stayed in Paris instead of leaving?”
-The writer struggles, but then gets positive feedback (just like Dianne Wiest’s Holly in Hannah and Her Sisters)
-The past was probably a better place to be, except they didn’t have antibiotics.
This is not an exhaustive list, nor is this a proper movie review. I want to pose a question to those of you who have seen the film.
*SPOILER ALERT* Quit reading now if you haven’t seen the film and plan to do so.
My contention is that Gil, in love with Adriana, should have stayed with her. I know he has a realization that no matter what period of history he’s in, even if it’s his favorite one with his idols, he will eventually be discontented. Alright then, if that’s the case, at least stay with the woman you love. Even if it’s her favorite time in the past and not hers. If you love her, you’ll do that.
Instead, Gil mentions antibiotics, leaves his love and returns to his present. His romantic ideal is trumped by the marvels of modern medicine. He ends up bumping into (again, like the end of Hannah and Her Sisters) the woman who works at the antique shop. She’s cute, but she’s no Marion Cottillard in La Belle Époque.
But that’s Woody for you. He’s smart enough to know that if you’re going to make a romantic movie, end it at the beginning of the relationship. Because we all know that there’s only one way to go after that initial pinnacle of attraction and delight.
PS No one in the theatre laughed louder than I did when Gil said he’s from Pasadena.
West Coast Grrlie Blather 
I haven’t seen it, so of course, I read the entire post.
Not as big a fan as you are, but there are four or five of his films I liked a lot and can remember, practically, scene by scene. Hannah is one.
(Had to look up profiterole. I’ve gone my whole life without ever hearing that word.)
Haven’t seen it yet so I didn’t read. There’s the difference between me and hiker.
@ah – Ha ha, as I was writing “Spoiler Alert” I thought about all the people who would just plow on through. So glad I could introduce you to profiterole. Just wait until you taste one.
@pb – Are you planning to see it? Are you a fan of Woody and/or the profiterole?
Funny: I don’t know if I’m going to see it or not. It would be fine for me to read your post. I should just read it.
Wait. I’m just going to read it while I eat my profiterole.
Oh. Okay, well, no surprises then. It sounds predictably Woody Allen, which is fine, because all romances (as in the modern genre) are predictable. I like profiteroles just fine. They are satisfying for the nonce.
Woody Allen “the heart wants what the heart wants” my favorite line
You failed to mention that the Boz Souvenirs shop is featured. I had to hear that from someone else. I’m heartbroken. Betrayed, even. So, not really. But what more do I need in a movie? Paris, Boz Souvenirs. I don’t even care if there are actors in it.
Cream puffs!
How can a dog stop at, “Quit reading now!”, when u put that cream puff/eclair bait pass that point! 😛
Adriana??? Why stay with a woman who sees love and commercial success intertwined. I know the character is Pasadena but back in my day, you couldn’t throw a rock at a SMHS reunion without hitting an Adrianna. You not only marry her – you marry her parents opinion of you. ick – I’d rather hang with Gertrude
Can’t even tell you how many times I’ve watched Midnight in Paris. I’m a Francophile, so anything having to do with France and particularly Paris is marvelous. I think Gil and Gabriele had more in common that Gil and Adriana. After all, they both think Paris in the rain is beautiful. Adriana jumped from man to man depending on her mood or the lover’s, so don’t think she’d have been a good match for Gil, who seemed to be a one woman kind of guy. Just saying …