Paris Je Taime

PARIS JE TA'IME

This is an ambitious project, combining effort of 18 directors around the world trying to do a 5-mins story based on different area around Paris, the City of Lights or in the premise of this film, the city of love. OK, spoilers ahead.... dun blame me for revealing each of the story line but I will keep the twist unrevealed.

1. Montmartre - Bruno Podalydes

The area reminded me of one of my favourite movie, Amelie from Montmartre. Simple story with the male lead comparing his lacklustre love life with the parking lots in Paris. It planted a smile in my lips watching how the Parisian park their cars, just as how notorious is the Italian driving.

2. Quais De Seine - Gurinder Chandha

Taking a cue from the recent "hijab" wearing controversy, the story is simple yet beautiful about a gal in hijab with a budding relationship with a local boy. The story blends in the element of tolerance and also the stereotypical look at the Muslims and their lifestyle.

3. Le Marais - Gus Van Sant

2 boys met in the artsy-fartsy area of Paris and engaged in a one-sided monologue. Feelings felt but communication failed them. Satirical look at the language-barrier but effectively captured by the famous director known for its introspective view.

4. Tuileries - Joel & Ethan Coen

Helmed by the extremely funny brothers and Steve Buscemi as the leading cast, this is one of the funniest story. No city portrayal is complete without a story in its tube (UK) or underground train and in this case Paris with its metro. Funny look at the dependence of travel guide book as well. Avoid eye-contact in the City of Love? Ironic.

5. Loin Du 16^ - Walter Salles and Daniela Thomas

Catalina Sandino Morela, Oscar nominee for Maria Full of Grace helmed this simple look at the class difference of the Parisian, touching story about a mother who left her own child at nursing care home to take care of the children of the rich-suburbia family under the direction of the Brazilian Salles.

6. Porte De Choisy - Christopher Doyle

One of the quirkiest contribution, from the reknowned 'cinanized' Aussie, a regular cinematographer for Wong Kar Wai, 杜可风. Nice color and image complimented by a stylised story telling of a Chinese neighbourhood in Paris strongly themed on self identity. Blond or black?

7. Bastille - Isabel Coixet

The most melodramatic contribution about a man who wished to dump his wife but ended up nursing her till her death after knowing her terminal illness. "By acting like a man in love, he becomes a man in love again" Sad.

8. Place Des Victoires - Nobuhiro Suwa

For me, it's the weakest and dull contribution though was perfectly saved by Juliette Binoche. About a mother who lost her son and how her grief affected her family. Binoche is as engaging as her performance in Breaking and Entering. William Dafoe cameo as the imaginary cowboy.

9. Tour Eiffel - Sylvain Chormet

One of the contribution I loved most. Cute little boy with enormous school bag talking about his parents who are mimes. Classic French feel with strong dose of Charlie Chaplin essence.

10. Parc Monceau - Alfonso Cuaron

Nice little story with twist revealed only at the end with Nick Nolte as the lead. This Mexican director captured the tense in this smart story with the casts walked all the way only to find out that the suspected scandal was not as it is, indeed it's a father-daughter and her lesbian lover. Smart.

11. Quartier Des Enfants Rouges - Olivier Assayas

My fave actress Maggie Gyllenhaal stars in this as an American actress filming in Paris and her yearning for the street gang member who provides "substance" for her. Gyllenhaal charmed as usual.

12. Place Des Fetes - Oliver Schmitz

Very touching story about a black man and his dream-date which he wanted to have a cup of coffee with. Sad ending. Funny thing is the lame dialogue/pick up line used.

man : Can I massage your feet?

gal : Why would I let you do so?

man : Because it hurt. (pause....) You were running in my dream all night. (Lame or not?)

13. Pigalle - Richard LaGravenese

No city portrayal is complete with its red light district though it's not Amsterdam that we are talking about here. Aged couple trying to spice up their love life by having a little rendezvoux in the red light district of Pigalle. Sweet ending. Nice song too...

14. Quatier De La Madeleine - Vincenzo Natali

Most "different" with the Gothic outlook with the Sin City or Gotham City feel thrown in about a backpacker (Elijah Wood) falling in love with a blood-thirsty vampire.

15. Pere-Lachaise - Wes Craven

Oscar Wilde's grave was the star in this contribution with Emily Mortimer and Rufus Sewell as the lead. Nice dialogue pondering on love. Watch out for a cameo of Alexander Payne as Wilde.

16. Faubourg Saint-Denis - Tom Tykwer

Natalie Portman is a such a joy to watch in this sweet and romantic contribution about a blind guy who reflects on his past relationship after a call from his girlfriend (Portman). Made me wanna look for Tykwer other works.

17. Quatier Latin - Frederic Auburn & Gerard Depardieu

With Gena Rowlands, it's about a meeting between a couple who's in the process of getting a divorce reminiscing their now-dead relationship and their respective current partners. Nice dialogue and Rowlands expressions are just priceless.

18. 14^ Arrondissement - Alexander Payne

Another favourite of mine about an American mail-delivery woman who saved her money and visit Paris to practise her badly-Americanised French. Ends up loving Paris and having Paris loved her too. Who won't love Paris, the City of Love? Moi for one, love Paris and B.

Another great thing I love about this movie is its theme song La Meme Histoire by French Canadian Feist. It's perfecto... ohhhh pardon my Italian.

B, Paris Je T'aime. It's where I want to be.