A Paris Education

A Paris Education, a film released in 2018 by French director Jean-Paul Civeyrac, draws upon the murky, black-and-white imagery to provide a nostalgic, at times sentimental, depiction of student life in contemporary Paris. The film is led by Andranic Manet as the mild-mannered provincial named Etienne, and supported by Diane Rouxel's charismatic and ambitious Valentina and Jenna Thiam's the bohemian Annabelle. It's a coming-of-age story about ambition, artistic progression, and the intricacies of interpersonal relationships.

The film begins with focus on Etienne, a youngster from the breezy French countryside, who moves to the bustling city of Paris to study film at the prestigious La Fémis. The choice to shoot the film in black-and-white helps to set the tone of the film as one that encapsulates the dreariness and dynamism of a Parisian film student's life. Etienne, buoyed by his innate desire for self-improvement and the exploration of his artistic talent, immerses himself in his new environment.

With Etienne's explorations in the world of French cinema as the background, the narrative of A Paris Education is largely character-driven. The three main characters, Etienne, Valentina, and Annabelle, are as different as chalk and cheese, yet their interactions exhibit a rare kind of chemistry that keeps the viewers engaged. The multi-talented Diane Rouxel plays Valentina, a fellow film student who shares Etienne's passion for cinema but also possesses a unique perspective on life. Jenna Thiam's character, Annabelle, is a free-spirited musician whose unconventional lifestyle contributes to the diversity of personalities central to the plot.

As the characters navigate through their academic and personal lives, the city of Paris serves as more than just a backdrop. The city, with its versatile cultural scene and rich cinematic history, acts as an omnipresent influence, propelling characters towards self-discovery and creative expression. Director Civeyrac goes beyond the cliched representation of Paris as a city of romance and grandeur, shedding light on the less-glamorous yet enchanting everyday life of a Parisian. The black-and-white cinematography only bolsters this representation, ensuring that the monumental beauty of the city does not overpower the complex internal journey of our protagonist and his companions.

A Paris Education is both entertaining and philosophical with a mix of dark humor, intense discussion, and bouts of existential reflections yoked in, along with the trio's day-to-day life. Civeyrac turns a keen eye on the contemporary art scene, with memorable dialogues and minor storylines taking on societal conceptions about creativity, ambition, and success. The film stands out for its depth and originality in tracing the nuanced evolution of Etienne as he learns to cope with the demanding world of art and the rugged path to his aspirations.

Intertwined with the academic exploration, A Paris Education delves into dramatic and emotional territories of love, friendship, and heartbreak – universal sentiments that potentially resonate with audiences of diverse backgrounds. Across the film, the director lets the audience develop a deep affinity with the characters, investing them emotionally in the transformation of these art students.

Andranic Manet, in his role as Etienne, portrays an absorbing study of young adulthood, of grappling with growing ambitions and coming to terms with harsh realities. Diane Rouxel's portrayal of Valentina presents a strong, independent character who brings a refreshingly candid view of the world, and Jenna Thiam's Annabelle is a liberal spirit with a dash of mystery, buoying the narrative with unpredictability.

Through its intimate exploration of personal and artistic ambitions and its intricate love letter to the city of Paris, A Paris Education serves as a rich, slow-burning character study. It's a thoughtful, engaging homage to French cinema and offers considerable insight into the trials, tribulations, and minor triumphs of student life. A must-watch for cinephiles or anyone who enjoys introspective films about youth, art, and the city of Paris.