Paris (2008 film)

Paris

Company type	Film
Industry	Motion picture
Founded	20 February 2008
Founder	Cédric Klapisch
Products	Comedy-drama film

Paris is a 2008 French comedy-drama motion picture crafted by writer-director Cédric Klapisch. Showcasing a diverse ensemble cast, the narrative delves into the intertwined experiences of various individuals living in Paris. Production commenced in November 2006, with the film premiering in France on 20 February 2008 and later releasing in the United Kingdom in July 2008.

Plot

Primarily set in Paris, with a subplot unfolding in Africa, the story interlaces multiple character journeys over several months:

• Pierre, a cabaret performer diagnosed with a critical heart ailment necessitating a transplant, steps away from dancing to contemplate his life while awaiting a donor. He reconnects with a former lover and takes note of young women such as Khadija and Laetitia.

• Élise, Pierre's sister and a social worker, juggles union negotiations alongside caring for Pierre after his diagnosis. She organizes a gathering to lift his spirits and reflects on her own single life.

• Roland Verneuil, an academic at the Sorbonne specializing in Parisian history, envies the seemingly ordinary existence of his brother Philippe. Presented with an attractive television offer to host a series about Paris, he accepts despite some hesitation. Roland also courts Laetitia, one of his students, through anonymous text messages.

• Jean, who sells produce at a vegetable market and is separated from Caroline, becomes attracted to Élise. Meanwhile, Caroline starts dating Franky, another market employee.

• Philippe Verneuil, Roland’s brother and a successful architect, deals with the pressures of overseeing a major urban development while expecting his first child with his wife Mélanie.

• Khadija, a North African student searching for employment, finds work at a bakery despite the proprietor’s biases. Pierre notices her presence there.

• Laetitia, a Sorbonne student and briefly Roland’s romantic interest, begins dating Rémy. Élise investigates Laetitia’s relationship status with intentions to introduce her to Pierre.

• In Cameroon, Benoît works at a resort hotel and befriends Marjolaine, a model from Paris. Motivated by postcards sent by his brother Mourad in France, Benoît embarks on an illegal journey to Paris involving bus and boat travel across the Strait of Gibraltar.

Soundtrack

Released by Warner Music France in 2008, the soundtrack includes original compositions by Kraked Unit, mainly created by Robert Burke and Loïc Dury. It achieved the position of number 44 on French music charts.

Track listing

1. Kraked Unit – "Munivers De Paris"
2. Wax Tailor (featuring Charlotte Savary) – "Seize the Day"
3. Artur Nunes – "Tia"
4. Kraked Unit – "L'air Des Cendres"
5. Rosemary Clooney – "Sway"
6. Quincy Jones – "Comin' Home Baby"
7. Philippe Katerine – "Louxor J'adore"
8. Wilson Pickett – "Land of a Thousand Dances"
9. Grant Phabao pres. Carlton Livingston and the Lone Ranger – "Running for My Life"
10. Kraked Unit – "Douala Paris"
11. Kraked Unit – "I Love Bidoche"
12. Kraked Unit – "Ah Hum Babe"
13. Adrag – "I Don't Give a F..."
14. Kraked Unit – "Les Fleurs Du Slam"
15. Erik Satie – "Gnossienne N°1"

Reception

According to review aggregator platforms, the film holds a 66% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, derived from 71 critiques with an average rating of 6.5/10. The critical consensus characterizes it as an inconsistent yet frequently captivating ensemble dramedy that serves as an homage to its namesake city. On Metacritic, it has earned a score of 68 out of 100 based on 21 reviews, indicating "generally favorable" feedback.

Stephen Holden of The New York Times lauded it as a "sumptuous Gallic comedy" featuring engaging characters, drawing comparisons to Woody Allen's Manhattan and Robert Altman's Short Cuts. Additionally, the film received the Radio-Canada Audience Award at the 2009 Cinéfranco film festival.

External links

• Official site
• Article on AlloCiné
• Trailer featuring English subtitles