FORGET PARIS

US, 1995, 101 minutes, Colour.
Billy Crystal, Debra Winger, Joe Mantegna, Cynthia Stevenson, Richard Masur, Julie Kavner, William Hickey, Robert Costanzo, John Spencer, Cathy Moriarty.
Directed by Billy Crystal.

Forget Paris is definitely a Billy Crystal film - he directs, writes and stars (and some of the dialogue has Debra Winger praising his talents). But, that reservation having been voiced, the film is an entertaining look at what seems to be a mis-match and how he and she try to come to terms with their marriage. The screenplay uses the device of flashbacks, but with the story told by a succession of voices, Billy Crystal's and then from his friends, all building to the audience wanting the marriage to work.

Billy Crystal is a very talented comedian even if he does hog the limelight. Debra Winger tends to be a serious screen presence but she contrasts well with Crystal. And there are some attractive pictures of Paris. Will the marriage work?

1. A romantic comedy for middle-aged audiences? And for fans of Billy crystal?

2. The American settings, basketball matches, airports, restaurants, homes? The contrast with Paris and its atmosphere? The familiar sights? The songs about Paris? The score?

3. The cast, its range, and their sharing the narrative?

4. The basketball opening, the match, Mickey as referee, last-minute decision, the anger of the players, the crowd? The radio and television commentators?

5. Mickey as a character, sport, the death of his father, his antagonism, the decision to take the body to Paris the burial? All the mistakes? In Paris, his attitude, the staff? His being anti-French? His waiting in the airport?

6. Meeting Ellen, as a character in herself, her job, American, charming, in Paris, helping Mickey? The bureaucratic types? Her going to the funeral and the support?

7. His invitations to go out, the meal, the boyfriend? The interactions, walking around Paris, his sense of humour, the response?

8. As a couple, chatting, the relationship?

9. The story told by the different couples waiting for Mickey and Ellen to turn up? Their own characters, relationships, Liz and her not knowing the couple, and then kept in suspense? The remarks of the couples, the stories leading into the others? Different views?

10. The waiter, the humour, his descriptions of the menu, drinks?

11. The marriage, Ellen, coming to America, her decisions, love? The difficulties of living with Mickey, his travelling over the country for basketball? Mickey and his exasperation with Ellen’s father and his repetitions and absentmindedness? Issues of fertility? The semen, hurrying to the clinic? The range of domestic jokes?

12. Yet growing exasperation, the couple trying to deal with it? The arrival of the meal?

13. Audience anticipation, sympathy with the couple, hoping that everything would work well?