Movie review by Andrea Karen Hammer
Lost in Paris (2016) is a zany and funny film experience, which Fiona Gordon and Dominique Abel shape with their whimsical physical comedy.
From the start of the movie, viewers instantly know that they are exploring new cinematic territory. They watch, with astonishment, as the door opens and blows frigid air through Fiona’s equally responsive small-town Canadian library. This scene sets the tone for a series of catastrophic events, as the gangly and sometimes child-like librarian sets off, with a massive backpack, to care for her ailing Aunt Martha in Paris.
Somersaults Through Misfortunes: Sympathy and Laughs
As she literally somersaults through unexpected misfortunes, Fiona Gordon manages to elicit profound sympathy while making viewers laugh.
While trying to recover her belongings, a trip to the Canadian embassy lands her a meal voucher and first encounter with the vagabond Dom (Dominique Abel). After they dance their own rendition of a remarkably angular and contorted tango, they hysterically toast to “owning” the same sweater, which Dom is now wearing.
Fiona’s mystified looks, trying to process a convoluted maze of intertwined events and Dom’s similarly innocent fascination and attachment to his new friend, propel the couple through a come-here-go-away loop.
Five-Star Seated “Dance” on Bench With Fred Astaire References
One of the film’s standout scenes, with Fred Astaire references, involves Aunt Martha’s”foot dance” on a bench. In perfect timing with an old friend who is also wearing a bathrobe and slippers, she matches his fancy footwork, which the camera focuses on in full frame.
Fiona’s spirited aunt is also featured in another memorable but sad scene, sitting atop the Eiffel Tower with her niece and Dom. As the quirky trio holds hands amid the backdrop of sparkling lights, Aunt Martha says that one of her lifelong dreams has finally been fulfilled.
As a film that is simultaneously touching, hilarious and sometimes outlandish, Lost in Paris helps viewers find and experience a completely new cinematic land.
