The Many Faces of Paris

Paris reeks of history.

The Parisii were the first inhabitants of the banks of the Seine. Under Roman rule, the place transformed into a prosperous community. (The Arènes de Lutèce was a reminder of the Romanized culture of Gaul.) Montmartre was once known as the Mountain of Martyrs, alluding to the introduction of Christianity in Western Europe. Paris was the site of the St. Bartholomew's Day massacre, a turning point in the French Wars of Religion. The capital was among the first European cities to adopt gas street lighting, earning its nickname "City of Lights".

If the above trivia weren't enough, then "Paris, je t'aime" would satisfy the doubters. This collection of 18 short features, from different filmmakers from all over the world, represents the 18 districts of Paris. A letter carrier from Denver, for instance, was on a holiday in the French capital. She was resting on a bench somewhere in the 14th arrondissement, when she started musing about the highlights of her trip. And she wasn't staring at the Eiffel Tower.

Back in 1888, the Parisians were startled at the construction of the Eiffel Tower. It was too modern for their taste. Alexandre Gustave Eiffel, whose company designed the tower, was criticized for it. But he knew what he was about to do. The landmark would have many representations depending on the viewers. This cultural icon would embody Paris.

Paris in fiction

There have been countless books set in Paris, but a handful would provide valuable insights into the heart and soul of the metropolis. Henry James, a native of New York who spent most of his adult life in Europe, witnessed the clash of the romantic Old World and the brash New World. He depicted the dilemmas in "The American", about a young heir looking for love in the continent. The thirstysomething fellow knew matrimony was the final frontier, but the unwritten customs on courtship baffled him. These made Paris special, even if it won't delight everyone.

As for the other features, let's have a look:

The Hunchback of Notre-Dame (1831) by Victor Hugo. This tale has been told countless times, even depicted in animated pictures. No one could tell if the author was retelling a real incident or he was inspired by the Gothic features of the Notre Dame de Paris. It could be the lifelike sculptures, which would play tricks on the mind. This may be what stirred Hugo.

A Tale of Two Cities (1859) by Charles Dickens. The author of "Great Expectations" depicted the lives of several characters in Paris and London. There was growing tension in the French capital, a result of demoralization by the aristocratic classes. It was no different in the British capital. (Dickens should knew, as he came from a humble background.) The outcome would be different, but they have far-flung effects. Only a perceptive writer like Dickens could draw similarities (and conclusions). There was a connection somewhere.

Of Human Bondage (1915) by M. Somerset Maugham. This masterpiece was based from the author's life. Philip Carey was searching for his true calling, which was a painful process. He thought he could be a great artist, prompting to live in Paris. Alas, this was the same thought of other aspiring artists. Many were too late to figure out that only a few would be lucky to witness the fruit of their endless labor. But Philip sensed it. He had a sensible lover somewhere.

Belphégor (1927) by Arthur Bernède. A case of robbery in the Louvre Museum was disguised as the mysterious visit of a phantom to the historic monument. He was the only one who knew about the hidden treasure. Suspense, drama, action, all of these can be experienced by visitors. But a romantic soul can think of such things and much more.

Gigi (1944) by Colette. Those who have seen Vincente Minnelli's adoption of the novella would be misled by the songs and bright set. It was about a dying tradition, which dated back to the Renaissance period. A young lady was being groomed to be a courtesan, an important figure in the upper-class society in Paris. Maybe this custom was lost in the major cities of France, but not in places where the ways of the bourgeoisie are still upheld.