Don’t let the title fool you – 2 Days in Paris is no sweeping, grand romance in the City of Lights. Rather it’s a funny, realistic look at a relationship in crisis, where two days could mean the difference between making up and breaking up.
Written and directed by Julie Delpy, the story brings French photographer Marion (Delpy) and her American interior designer boyfriend Jack (Adam Goldberg) to the city for two days following a disastrous trip to Venice, before heading home to New York.
Despite the fact that Jack doesn’t know the language Marion wants to share the best of her town with him in the hopes that they can salvage the European sojourn. But the issues that plagued them in Italy soon bubble back to the surface, made worse by the fact that they’re constantly running into Marion’s ex-boyfriends. She assures Jack that it’s all ancient history but he’s not convinced, especially after he finds out that she’s been telling him white lies about her romantic past.
And then there’s the strain of meeting the parents for the first time – made even more awkward by the fact that they don’t speak much English. Jeannot and Anna (played wonderfully by Delpy’s own parents Albert Delpy and Marie Pillet) put Jack through his paces, including a scene where Jeannot quizzes Jack on literature, trying to fool him that painter Auguste Renoir was a famous French writer. Jack doesn’t fall for it, prompting Jeannot to comment to Marion in French that Jack “isn’t like the other morons you bring home.” Anna, on the other hand, walks in on the couple as they’re having sex to find out whether they have any laundry that needs doing.
Writer/director Delpy has a flair for dialogue and 2 Days in Paris is wickedly funny at times. The banter between the leads feels remarkably realistic and natural, and when they’re arguing the tension is palpable. Both Jack and Marion are neurotic and chatter constantly, which can be grating on the viewer but also provides some of the film’s best jokes. Delpy has never felt the need to have a traditional Hollywood acting career, and instead has made her own way in the business. Her talents as a director are obvious and this film, her most personal work to date, could finally bring her a wider audience. Splitting her time between her native France and the United States, Delpy injects 2 Days in Paris with her views on both cultures and the foibles of each are evident in Jack and Marion’s mannerisms.
Goldberg and Delpy trying to save their relationship in 2 Days in Paris
Goldberg, who’s a master at playing nervous, anxiety-ridden types, is a standout in this film, from his character’s cutting asides in English, to his reactions when Delpy’s character is either flirting with amorous ex-boyfriends or fighting with churlish French taxi drivers.
Watching 2 Days in Paris I was reminded of director Richard Linklater’s Before Sunrise and Before Sunset, which starred Delpy and Ethan Hawke. The long, drawn-out discussions between the couple as they wind their way through city streets, the almost improvisational nature of their conversation. But where Linklater’s films were about love, longing, and the promise of what could be, Delpy’s is a more ascerbic and biting look at a relationship and whether, at two years, it’s run its course.
2 Days in Paris (*** out of 5)
Rated: R
Directed and written by: Julie Delpy
Starring: Julie Delpy, Adam Goldberg
Related links: Official site, IMDB page, Apple trailer
Review by Cate Jones
Agree? Disagree? Email Cate at criticizecate@gmail.com
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