Film Club to screen most popular movie of 2011

June 21, 2012

The North West Theatre Company on Sunday will present one of the highlights of its 2012 season. “Midnight in Paris” is widely accepted worldwide as the most popular film of 2011 – a romantic comedy from the masterful Woody Allen.

This was Woody Allen’s 41st film, and as much an anthem to Paris as his New York films were to that city. For anyone fortunate enough to have visited Paris it will produce poignant memories, while those who have not will move Paris straight to the top of their travel list.

“Midnight in Paris” tells the story of Hollywood screenwriter Gil Pender, a successful but distracted screenwriter visiting Paris with his fiancée Inez and her wealthy, conservative parents. He is struggling to finish his first novel from the frustration of “writers block”, not aided by his soon-to-be in law’s scepticism about his profession. 

The magnificent scenery of Paris provides a constant background to this beautiful film.

The other outstanding feature is Allen’s screenplay, which won 4 major awards last year including a Golden Globe. The film was also nominated for four Academy Awards, including Best Picture.

As with many of Woody Allen’s films it is autobiographical – hence the choice of Owen Wilson as Gil. The other major roles are filled to perfection by Rachel McAdams, Marion Cotillard and Kathy Bates, while Kurt Fuller and Mimi Kennedy are terrific as Inez’ obnoxious parents. Watch out also for a cameo from Carla Bruni – wife of the former French President – as a museum guide.

The film made its debut at the Cannes Film Festival on May 11, 2011 and eventually became Allen’s highest grossing movie ever in North America. Altogether, up until the middle of February this year, it had taken 150 million dollars worldwide – a spectacular return against a budget of only 17 million.

Among comments from hardened American critics……….. "Woody Allen writes his films himself, and directs them with wit and grace. Some people take him for granted, although “Midnight in Paris” reportedly charmed even the jaded veterans of the Cannes press screenings." (Roger Ebert).

And ……….. "It is a wonderful film, and one of the best romantic comedies of recent years. It is a love letter to Paris, and the romance it inspires. The actors are uniformly brilliant and the film is full of witty one-liners". (Richard Rooeper).

While here in Australia…… "Wistfully romantic, endearingly funny and deliciously wry. Will have you savouring its comedy long after the credits roll." (The Melbourne Age).

Film Club President John Wearne agrees. “There are on rare occasions films that you could see again the next day. But this was the only time I have sat in a cinema watching the credits and thinking I could stay for the next session!” he told the Advocate.

Club Membership still Open
People are continuing to join the NWTC Film Club which encourages participation from throughout the community. Six months still remain in the 2012 season, including Sunday, and the joining fee is now $36, or $6 per month/film. Joining is simple – register at the Roxy at 3.45 pm on Sunday afternoon, just prior to “Midnight in Paris”.

Each month the film is introduced, shorts and cartoons are included and members stay afterwards for a drink and supper at around 6pm.

From July, films will be “Oliver” (July) , “12 Angry Men” and “The Kid” (August), “Cool Hand Luke” ( September) , “Little Voice” (October) and “The Eye of the Storm" (November).

See you at the movies!