PARIS PIEDS NUS / LOST IN PARIS (2016)

Summary:

In "Paris pieds nus," known internationally as "Lost in Paris," Fiona, a shy and somewhat clumsy Canadian librarian, embarks on an unexpected journey to the City of Lights after receiving a distressing letter from her 93-year-old Aunt Martha. Martha, an eccentric and spirited woman, claims she is "running out of gas" and intends to end her life. Upon her arrival, Fiona's trip quickly devolves into a series of comedic mishaps, beginning with the loss of her luggage and the mysterious disappearance of her aunt.

Stranded and increasingly disheveled, Fiona's frantic search for Martha across the picturesque streets of Paris leads her into the path of Dom, a charming and persistent homeless man who falls instantly in love with her unique awkwardness. As Fiona navigates the city barefoot and bewildered, dodging increasingly surreal situations, she slowly begins to open up to Dom's unexpected affection. The film unfolds as a whimsical, visually driven comedy, celebrating the beauty of unexpected encounters, the resilience of the human spirit, and the enduring magic of Paris, all while subtly exploring themes of aging, love, and finding joy in life's most peculiar moments.

Keywords: Lost in Paris, 2016, Fiona Gordon, Dominique Abel, Emmanuelle Riva, Comedy, Romance, Slapstick, Whimsical, Paris.

Plot:

The story opens in a snow-covered, desolate Canadian landscape, introducing Fiona, a librarian whose life appears as ordered and quiet as her surroundings. Her routine is abruptly shattered by an urgent, handwritten letter from her Aunt Martha, a 93-year-old living in Paris. Martha’s letter is unsettlingly direct, announcing her intention to end her life, claiming she’s "running out of gas." Despite her inherent shyness and a palpable aversion to travel, Fiona feels an undeniable pull to save her beloved aunt. She meticulously packs a bright red backpack, her sole companion for the journey, and embarks on a transatlantic flight to the bustling, unfamiliar city of Paris.

Fiona’s arrival in Paris is anything but smooth. Stepping off the plane, her first major mishap occurs at the baggage claim. In a moment of distraction, her distinctive red backpack is accidentally swapped with an identical one belonging to an elderly American tourist. This seemingly innocuous mistake quickly escalates into a crisis; her backpack contains not only all her clothes but also her money, passport, and the precise address for Martha’s apartment. Stranded, barefoot (having lost her shoes in the chaotic initial moments), and utterly disoriented, Fiona’s desperate attempts to reclaim her bag lead to a series of escalating comedic chases and misunderstandings, all ending in failure. She is left alone, with nothing but the clothes on her back and a growing sense of panic.

Her immediate priority shifts to finding Martha. With only a vague idea of the street, Fiona eventually locates the apartment building. However, Martha is nowhere to be found. The building’s concierge, a stern and unhelpful woman, offers no solace or information. Fiona, now truly lost and alone in a foreign city, begins to wander the picturesque yet overwhelming streets of Paris, putting up crudely drawn "Missing" posters for her aunt. Her unusual appearance—disheveled, bewildered, and perpetually barefoot—makes her stand out amidst the stylish Parisians, drawing curious glances and occasional sympathy.

It is by the banks of the Seine, as Fiona sits dejected and hungry, that she encounters Dom. Dom is a charming, albeit scruffy, homeless man who lives by the river. He is instantly captivated by Fiona’s peculiar charm and vulnerability. Seeing her distress, he offers her food and attempts to strike up a conversation. Fiona, initially wary and fiercely independent, tries to keep her distance, but Dom’s persistent, good-natured advances slowly begin to wear down her defenses. He is smitten, seeing past her awkwardness to her unique spirit, and decides to make her plight his own, becoming her unlikely guide and protector through the labyrinthine city.

Their burgeoning relationship unfolds through a series of surreal and often slapstick adventures. Fiona, still desperately searching for Martha, is constantly plagued by near-misses and bizarre coincidences. In one memorable scene, she accidentally tumbles into the Seine while trying to retrieve a floating leaflet, leading to Dom comically "rescuing" her, further cementing their bond. They visit a cemetery where Martha's husband is buried, hoping to find clues, only to discover a whimsical, almost dreamlike atmosphere. Another significant moment occurs when they stumble upon an outdoor tango dance class. Despite Fiona's initial stiffness and self-consciousness, Dom gently coaxes her onto the dance floor. Through the sensual, intimate movements of the tango, a profound connection forms between them, expressed more through physical comedy and shared glances than words.

Meanwhile, glimpses of Martha’s own adventures pepper the narrative. Far from being suicidal, Martha is, in fact, reveling in a newfound freedom. She is seen enjoying coffee at sidewalk cafes, dancing with strangers, and revisiting old haunts, completely oblivious to Fiona's frantic search. Her "suicidal" letter appears to have been a playful ruse, a mischievous act designed to inject some excitement into her later years and perhaps even to bring Fiona to Paris. During her escapades, Martha encounters Norman, an old flame, at a café, sparking a sweet, late-life rekindling of romance.

Dom’s affection for Fiona deepens with each shared experience. He is drawn to her unwavering kindness, her endearing clumsiness, and her quiet determination. Fiona, initially resistant and singularly focused on her mission, gradually begins to reciprocate Dom's feelings, finding comfort and genuine joy in his company. Their interactions are tender, often wordless, and imbued with a gentle humor that defines the film's unique tone. The physical comedy, a hallmark of directors Fiona Gordon and Dominique Abel, speaks volumes about their developing bond.

The search for Martha leads Fiona and Dom to the iconic Eiffel Tower. Fiona, convinced she has spotted her aunt, embarks on a frantic climb, with Dom close behind, concerned for her safety. The chase up the tower is a classic slapstick sequence, culminating in Fiona realizing she has once again been chasing a phantom, or merely missing Martha by a matter of seconds. It's a moment of both frustration and growing acceptance for Fiona, as she begins to understand that Martha might not be in peril after all.

The narrative culminates at the Philharmonie de Paris. It's revealed that Martha, a lover of music, has planned to attend a special concert featuring Ravel's Boléro, a piece that holds deep sentimental value for her and her late husband. Through a series of delightful coincidences and a final, inspired guess, Fiona and Dom also find themselves at the concert. Inside the grand hall, amidst the swelling crescendo of the music, Fiona finally spots Martha. Her aunt is not frail or despondent, but vibrant, alive, and utterly engrossed in the performance, a look of serene joy on her face. Martha catches Fiona’s eye and offers a knowing, mischievous smile, acknowledging her niece's presence but clearly indicating that she is perfectly fine and has been enjoying her own Parisian adventure.

With Martha found and clearly not in any danger, Fiona is finally free to fully embrace her feelings for Dom. The film concludes with Fiona and Dom dancing by the Seine, a quiet, joyful moment that symbolizes their acceptance of each other and their shared, whimsical future. The ending is not a grand, dramatic resolution, but a tender, understated affirmation of life's unexpected gifts and the beauty of finding love and connection in the most improbable circumstances. "Paris pieds nus" is a heartfelt ode to the eccentricities of life, the resilience of the human spirit, and the enduring magic of Paris as a backdrop for both comedic chaos and tender romance.

Cast (Lead Roles):

• Fiona Gordon as Fiona
• Dominique Abel as Dom
• Emmanuelle Riva as Martha
• Pierre Richard as Norman

Crew:

• Directors: Fiona Gordon, Dominique Abel
• Writers: Fiona Gordon, Dominique Abel
• Producers: Charles Gillibert, Fiona Gordon, Dominique Abel
• Cinematography: Jean-Christophe Polien
• Editing: Sandrine Deegen
• Music: Philippe Rombi

Release Info:

• Original Release Date: September 2, 2016 (Telluride Film Festival) / March 8, 2017 (France)
• Language: French, English
• Genre: Comedy, Romance, Slapstick, Whimsical
• Running Time: 83 minutes
• Accolades: Nominated for César Award for Best Actress (Emmanuelle Riva, posthumously); Critically acclaimed for its charm, originality, and performances.