Is there anything this actress can't do? I went into the film to see a woman deal with the social pressures of a period, maybe a film that reminded me of "The Age of Innocence", a time where women had to sit, listen, and maybe "obey" the social conventions. The preview was a bit elusive because it made you forget that you are dealing with France, Paris, and the unexpected, and that's exactly what you get.
By the end, the main character has grown tired and despondent, but she has left a mark that earns everyone attention if not respect, and the most interesting scene is at the end, in a conversation between her and a leading character that reveals life is not as simple as it appears. This was a period of change, and Therese found a way to at least get on her way to some peace, but nothing is perfect.
Therese is a child of privilege. Everything is in place for her set up marriage to improve all of those involved. Unfortunately, as she admits early in the film, she must deal with her own personal conflicts, and this might not be possible. She eventually finds a possible solution to her problems, but this might lead to even more problematic resolutions. What makes the film even more interesting is that her husband eventually becomes the more puzzling of the characters. He is not the standard chauvinistic and domineering standard. There is more to him, and that only leads to Therese becoming even more traumatized.
The film is beautifully scored and photographed, and the art direction/costume design work here is reason enough to sit through the film, but as I said before, it's the entire cast's work that expands on that idea behind "Midnight in Paris", a kernel of a premise that Allen delivered with grace and fun. This is a serious film, and it shows that there is plenty of substance in everyone. Yes, powerful minds can be more than an asset at the right time. Just imagine what the lead character in "Frances" could have been if she had better luck. Therese is lucky she lives in the country, and that there is loyalty in her world. In the end, the film stops at a crucial time of her existence. Things are not over, just a new beginning.
By the end, the main character has grown tired and despondent, but she has left a mark that earns everyone attention if not respect, and the most interesting scene is at the end, in a conversation between her and a leading character that reveals life is not as simple as it appears. This was a period of change, and Therese found a way to at least get on her way to some peace, but nothing is perfect.
Therese is a child of privilege. Everything is in place for her set up marriage to improve all of those involved. Unfortunately, as she admits early in the film, she must deal with her own personal conflicts, and this might not be possible. She eventually finds a possible solution to her problems, but this might lead to even more problematic resolutions. What makes the film even more interesting is that her husband eventually becomes the more puzzling of the characters. He is not the standard chauvinistic and domineering standard. There is more to him, and that only leads to Therese becoming even more traumatized.
The film is beautifully scored and photographed, and the art direction/costume design work here is reason enough to sit through the film, but as I said before, it's the entire cast's work that expands on that idea behind "Midnight in Paris", a kernel of a premise that Allen delivered with grace and fun. This is a serious film, and it shows that there is plenty of substance in everyone. Yes, powerful minds can be more than an asset at the right time. Just imagine what the lead character in "Frances" could have been if she had better luck. Therese is lucky she lives in the country, and that there is loyalty in her world. In the end, the film stops at a crucial time of her existence. Things are not over, just a new beginning.