Midnight in Paris
The movie
There are some days when I don’t get any writing done, and Wednesday was one of those days when my husband was off work and we took in an afternoon movie: Midnight in Paris
When goofing off with your spouse a movie is the best place to go. Structure. Character. Setting. Dialogue. Story. I always learn something from every movie I see. It’s amazing how the format of the script follows that of writing. And this Woody Allen film was definitely written for authors, or anyone wanting to be an author. It also held a deeper meaning...
Follow your dreams and don’t sell out for easy because it’s profitable. As the author of Midnight in Paris (I feel safe to say) Woody Allen believes that writing a novel is far more difficult than script writing. Woody Allen's heart spoke volumes in this fun and insightful movie. I also believe his dream had always been to write a novel.
Then the humor, that all writers can appreciate, is embedded throughout—Owen Wilson asks Hemmingway if would read his novel. Hemmingway’s reply: “No. I won’t read it because I’ll hate it. I’ll either hate it because the writing is bad, or I’ll hate it because it’s good and I’ll be jealous. Writers can never critique another writer’s work because we’re all in competition.”
Times have certainly changed from the 1920’s to today. But the art of story has not, or the dream of writers to runaway to Paris and write.
If you met Hemmingway, F. Scott Fitzgerald, or T.S. Eliot, what would you ask them? Better yet, how would they respond to that question?
Enjoy the Journey.
~ Karlene
I absolutely loved that movie, Karlene, and am going to go back and see it again. The literary references are everywhere: it's hard to catch them all. Woody's representation of Hemingway was hilarious, and that comment you reported was perfect for him. My fave, when Owen Wilson (a thin disguise for Woody Allen himself) asks Hemingway—who only speaks in short declarative statements—about a female protagonist, Hemingway says something like, "Yes, a woman can be brave. A woman can die." Ahh, so true, times have changed, but the art of the story has not.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great question to contemplate! I'd ask them what their writing method is, outlining or by the seat of their pants. I've always wanted to know how the greats did it!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great question! I'd probably be unable to ask anything because I'd just be in awe of them.
ReplyDeleteI also went to a movie with my family on Wednesday, but I was REALLY goofing off, since we went to see Green Lantern! I'd never get my thinks-he's-still-a-kid husband to see Midnight in Paris, but I'll see it when it goes to video since you aren't the first writer I've seen recommend it!
ReplyDeleteerica
Linda, I am so glad you saw that movie! It was so much fun. It made me want to go read about all the characters of history. What an interesting time to live. Thanks for your comment.
ReplyDeleteHeather, you will have to see this movie. Hemmingway would say: "Method? I will eat dirt. I will kill. The brave will write and survive. But you are a writer and if I tell you my secret, you too shall have to die."
ReplyDeleteThanks for the comment!
Lydia, that was Owen's first reaction too! But then he got into it. You would too!
ReplyDeleteHi Erica, I'm fairly lucky in the hubby department and movies. "Yes dear, whatever you want." lol. Seriously, he doesn't care... he loves to see them all. And there is popcorn. Yes... a must see!
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comment!
Like Lydia, I'd be in awe too. Going to have to watch this movie. :)
ReplyDeleteYes... a definite see for the writers in all of us. Thanks for the comment Jessica!
ReplyDeleteHi, Karlene,
ReplyDeleteI heard great things about this movie. I MUST see it.
I love the thought you brought up about meeting great author's from the past.
Thanks Michael, so what would you ask... and how would they answer? Such a different time back then. Thanks for the comment!
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