As Rick says to Ilsa at the end of Casablanca, "We'll always have Paris." And January's Watch List is dedicated to films set in and around Paris
An American In Paris (1951) directed by Vincente Minnelli: Jerry is an ex-pat living in Paris trying to make it as an artist. Jerry is of course played by Gene Kelly in this sweeping musical with songs by George and Ira Gershwin.
Marie Antoinette (2006) directed by Sofia Coppola: Sofia Coppola's stylish retelling of the story of France's most iconic queen features an anachronistic soundtrack, a shot of converse sneakers mixed in with the fineries of the time, and Kirsten Dunst's deeply human portrayal of this reigning force of pop culture.
Anastasia (1997) directed by Gary Goldman and Don Bluth: the tale of the little Romanoff who lived. Or did she? Disney's take on Anastasia sees the orphan on a journey to Paris to be reunited with her family. Featuring an incredible voice cast including Meg Ryan, Angela Lansbury, Christopher Lloyd, and Bernadette Peters.
Moulin Rouge (2001) directed by Baz Luhrmann: Spectacular! Spectacular! On the cusp of the 20th century inside the nightclub the Moulin Rouge, a poor poet falls in love with one of the club's most famous stars. This is a musical of Luhrmann classic style, filled with medleys of instantly recognizable songs you'll now forever associate with this film.
Hugo (2011) directed by Martin Scorsese: An orphan Hugo, lives inside the walls of a Paris train station. His task? To maintain the clocks. But he is much more interested in solving the mystery of this broken automaton and notebook, all he has left from his late father. While on the surface this film might seem outside of the classic Scorsese wheelhouse, Hugo is a loveletter to film as an artform.
Want more than 5 movies for this month? Does Paris hold the key to your heart? Become a Margo Channing member today!
