My Cinema

Paris, by Cedric Klapisch, France 2008

After "L'Auberge espagnole" and "Russian Dolls", Klapisch films "PARIS", a drama-comedy, ode to his beloved city. He focuses again on some of his favourite elements like Paris (already a main character of some of his earlier films (Chacun Cherche son chat), neighbourhood life, “romantic angst”, crossed storylines and… featuring Romain Duris. PARIS is likeable and entertaining but fails however to impress and bring something new. It is well filmed with some interesting sequences such as the opening introduction and is supported by a high level cast in particular Juliette Binoche and Fabrice Luchini. There’s the feeling that much of it is a bit contrived and forced and a bit of a tourist publicity spot, despite some great images of the City of lights served by a good soundtrack (Wax Tailor’s Seize the day, Eric Satie's "Gnossienne No. 3." Etc). Very watchable particularly if you happen to love Paris, like me. And some could see here a parallel to Woody Allen’s "MANHATTAN" knowing that Klapisch has written his thesis on him [3/5]

This is England, by Shane Meadows, UK 2007

It seems that Shane Meadows films here a nearly autobiographical picture about skinheads and would-be skinheads. This story is set in the early eighties of Thatcherism, with the Falklands war in the background. It is a sometimes funny drama about the white working classes left out of the promised Britain’s economy prosperity and alienated with the triumph of the Falklands victory that ends up to violence. This is British cinema at its best and therefore contained and not soapy at any stage. Great acting as well in particular the excellent lead performance by 13-year-old newcomer Thomas Turgoose (as Shaun). [4/5]