Film Review: Diane Lane Hits the Blacktop in ‘Paris Can Wait’

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CHICAGO – The cache of “Paris Can Wait” is what immediately makes it attractive. It’s Diane Lane road tripping through France on the way to Paris, guided by the script and direction of Eleanor Coppola, in her narrative film debut (at age 80!). Along the way there is food, seduction, incredible sights and Alec Baldwin. That formula was destined to work.

HollywoodChicago.com Oscarman rating: 4.0/5.0
Rating: 4.0/5.0

Lane is the wife of a famous filmmaker in the story, which sounds strangely familiar. This is autobiographical, a trip like this actually happened to Coppola, not in the same fashion, but with the same atmosphere. By creating a scenario of seduction and high level food, the question of will-she-won’t-see becomes apparent beyond the cliché level. Diane Lane is simply wonderful in the role, knowing just how to balance it. Lane is one of those performers that observers tend to take for granted, because even with less than stellar material, she absolutely shines. The material of “Paris Can Wait” is as savory as the various food encounters the travelers have, and Lane delivers it like a master chef at a State Dinner.

It is sometime right after the Cannes Film Festival in France, and prominent filmmaker Michael (Alec Baldwin) is hot on the trail of his next project. His wife Anne (Diane Lane) is shuffled aside in a sense, as Michael carries out the schmoozing and the endless phone calls. They would be off to Paris, but suddenly Michael cannot go there yet.

But Michael also comes up with a solution. He will take the chartered plane to his meeting destination, and Anne will travel by car to Paris – an appropriately eight hour trip – with Michael’s producer friend Jacque (Arnaud Viard). Anne hopes they can make it in one day, but Jacque has other plans. He is a foodie, and must stop at every great restaurant along the way, and it becomes clear that he hopes to seduce the reluctant Anne.

”Paris Can Wait” continues its nationwide release in Chicago on May 19th. See local listings for theaters and show times. Featuring Diane Lane, Alec Baldwin and Arnaud Viard. Written and directed by Eleanor Coppola. Rated “PG

StarContinue reading for Patrick McDonald’s full review of “Paris Can Wait”

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Through the Lens with Anne (Diane Lane) in ’Paris Can Wait’
Photo credit: Sony Pictures Classics

StarContinue reading for Patrick McDonald’s full review of “Paris Can Wait”

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