The Myth: A Parisian Flop
The story goes that when “Midnight in Paris” premiered in 2011, the critical establishment met it with a collective shrug, or worse, outright scorn. In this telling, Woody Allen’s magical-realist romp was dismissed as a frivolous, lightweight effort,
another entry in a supposed late-career slump. The perception is of a film that had to find its audience over time, overcoming an initial wave of negative press to become the beloved hit it is today. It’s a compelling narrative: the misunderstood gem that ultimately triumphed. But is it true?
The Reality: Universal Acclaim
The claim that “Midnight in Paris” was panned is, to put it mildly, a fantasy worthy of the film itself. The movie was, in fact, an immediate and resounding critical darling. It holds a 93% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, a score indicating overwhelming praise. On Metacritic, which aggregates reviews from top publications, it scored an 81 out of 100, signifying "universal acclaim." Far from being a disappointment, it was hailed as Allen's best film in years, with many critics celebrating its charm, wit, and romanticism. The Guardian's Philip French called it a "cinematic soufflé that rises to perfection" and Allen's best film in over a decade. The late, great Roger Ebert awarded it 3.5 out of 4 stars, calling it a "treasure of the cinema." The idea of a widespread critical panning simply doesn't hold up to scrutiny.
So Why the Misconception?
No film achieves universal praise, and “Midnight in Paris” was no exception. While the vast majority of reviews were glowing, a few influential critics offered dissenting opinions that may have contributed to the myth. Richard Corliss of Time magazine, for instance, found the film to be a "frayed fantasy" full of "snap judgments." Other critiques pointed to a lack of dramatic depth, one-dimensional supporting characters, or a hero in Owen Wilson's Gil who was seen as passive and unheroic. Some viewers found the opening montage of Paris scenery to be indulgent and boring. These contrarian takes, though a small minority, were sharp enough to create the illusion of a more divided reception than actually existed. It’s a classic case of a few loud, negative voices echoing longer than a chorus of praise.
The Audience and Awards Had the Final Say
If any doubt remained about the film's reception, its commercial and awards-season performance erased it. “Midnight in Paris” became Woody Allen’s highest-grossing film of all time in North America, earning over $151 million worldwide on a modest $17 million budget. Its success wasn't just commercial; it was a major awards contender. The film earned four Academy Award nominations, including for Best Picture and Best Director, and took home the Oscar for Best Original Screenplay. This level of industry recognition is the antithesis of a film being "panned." It was a bona fide phenomenon that resonated with moviegoers and the Academy alike, cementing its status not as a slow-burn success, but as an out-of-the-gate smash hit.
