Lost in Paris

Writer-directors Dominique Abel and Fiona Gordon are modern masters of physical comedy in the tradition of Chaplin, Keaton, Tati, and Pierre Richard (who has a small role here). Fiona (Gordon) is an Olive Oyl-like Canadian librarian who travels to Paris to help her aunt Martha (Emmanuelle Riva), but winds up losing her absurdly large red backpack sporting a Canadian flag (and containing her passport), which is subsequently fished out of the Seine by Dom (Abel), a disheveled tramp living in a little tent. Fiona and Dom eventually meet and together they search for the now-missing Martha, sharing plenty of madcap adventures along the way, including a hilarious dance sequence in a restaurant. Most of the humor here is slapstick, although the occasional bit of dialogue zings—such as a scene in which Dom offers up a hilariously inappropriate eulogy in a chapel. The City of Lights cinematography is naturally beautiful and the film revels in big and bold primary colors coupled with cartoon-y special effects (that are entirely human-produced—such as the exaggerated reactions of Canadian library staff members when the door opens to let in a wintry blast of air). A delightful, heartwarming romantic comedy, this is highly recommended. [Note: DVD extras include the short films by costar/filmmakers Dominique Abel and Fiona Gordon “Walking on the Wild Side” (14 min.) and “The Tent” (3 min.), a “Quest for Burlesque” video essay (11 min.), and a Belgium TV set interview with the filmmakers (7 min.). Bottom line: a fine extras package for a winning romantic comedy.] (R. Pitman)