2 Days In Paris DVD Review
If you’ve seen either Before Sunrise (1995) or Before Sunset (2004), then you have some idea of what to expect with 2 Days in Paris, which is also the writing and directing debut of actress Julie Delpy.
Delphy plays Marion, a French woman who lives in New York but calls Paris home—and her home is full of skeletons in the form of past lovers. Currently, Marion is in a relationship with Jack (played with neurotic brilliance by Adam Goldberg)—they met in New York (where Jack is from) and they’ve been together for two years now.
The film begins at the tail end of what was supposed to be a very romantic vacation in Italy for the couple, and they are stopping in Paris on the way home so Jack can meet Marion’s family and friends, and just maybe come to appreciate Paris the way Marion does.
A mere two days in Paris just might be more than their relationship can stand, however, as the days are full of ex-lovers (Marion’s), language barriers (Jack’s) and too-close, awkward family relations.
In the film, Delpy manages to wear her multiple hats well, as she not only wrote and directed the film, but also stars in it and produced it, as well as composed the music, and even sings the song that plays over the closing credits.
The DVD is presented in widescreen with a 1.85:1 aspect ratio, and the audio is mixed in 5.1, with optional English and Spanish subtitles. Extras include a 16-minute interview with Delpy regarding the production of the film, as well as five extended scenes.
From hypochondria, to infidelity, to jealousy provoked or otherwise, 2 Days In Paris is an often uncomfortable but utterly relatable look at a relationship that is either set to fall apart, or ready to overcome and solidify.
The fact that Delphy and Goldberg dated years ago makes me wonder how much of this film is based on their relationship, and how much of it is a work of pure fiction. In either case, 2 Days In Paris is funny in the same way life is funny, and anyone who’s ever been in a strained relationship may very well recognize themselves in at least one of the characters.
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