2 Days in Paris
2 Days in Paris is a 2007 romantic comedy film written, directed, produced, edited, and scored by Julie Delpy, who also stars alongside Adam Goldberg as a bickering American-French couple whose two-year relationship faces strain during a stopover in Paris to visit her family.[1][2] The story follows Marion (Delpy), a French photographer, and Jack (Goldberg), an American interior designer, who detour to Paris after a disappointing vacation in Venice, only for Jack to grapple with cultural clashes, Marion's outspoken liberal views, and encounters with her numerous ex-lovers, culminating in revelations that threaten their romance.[2] Delpy drew inspiration from her own experiences in intercultural relationships, infusing the narrative with authentic dialogue and personal touches, including casting her real-life parents, Marie Pillet and Albert Delpy, in the roles of Marion's parents.[1] Filmed primarily on location in Paris in 2006 with a modest budget secured through European financing, the film blends humor, drama, and social commentary on topics like racism and fidelity.[1] Upon its release in August 2007 by Samuel Goldwyn Films, 2 Days in Paris received positive critical acclaim for Delpy's multifaceted contributions and its witty subversion of romantic comedy tropes, earning an 87% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 118 reviews, with critics praising its "thought-provoking" and "refreshing honest" take on love.[2] The film grossed approximately $4.4 million in the United States and resonated with audiences for its relatable portrayal of relationship neuroses, holding a 71% audience score from over 50,000 ratings, though some noted its intensity in handling mature themes like infidelity and political arguments.[2] It marked a significant directorial debut for Delpy, following her acting roles in films like Before Sunset, and led to a 2012 sequel, 2 Days in New York.[1]Plot and cast
Synopsis
Marion (Julie Delpy) and her American boyfriend Jack (Adam Goldberg), a couple in their mid-30s who have been together for two years, conclude a strained vacation in Venice—marked by silence, Jack's hypochondria-induced illness, and his incessant photography—with a two-day layover in Paris to visit Marion's parents before returning to their home in New York.[3][4] Upon arrival by train, they settle into Marion's childhood apartment above her parents' bohemian home in the Marais district, where Jack immediately grapples with cultural shock and language barriers.[5] At their first family lunch, Marion's eccentric father Jeannot (Albert Delpy) quizzes Jack on French literature—confusing writers with painter Auguste Renoir—while serving braised rabbit that exacerbates Jack's stomach issues, and her mother Anna (Marie Pillet) eagerly washes his underwear, heightening his discomfort amid the family's casual nudity and open discussions.[4][6] As the couple wanders Paris's streets, Jack's insecurities intensify when Marion casually runs into multiple ex-boyfriends, revealing her extensive romantic history and prompting explosive arguments about fidelity, cultural clashes, and trust.[3][5] Early encounters include the overly familiar Manu at a market, who kisses Marion and invites them to a party, and a flirtatious exchange with young admirer Mathieu via text messages that Jack intercepts, fueling his paranoia about her "fantasist" tendencies.[6][5] The tension peaks during a confrontational run-in with Marion's ex Lukas (Daniel Brühl) at a café near Père Lachaise Cemetery, where she physically attacks him over a past betrayal involving a group sex trip to Thailand, leaving Jack stunned by the raw intensity of her history.[4][7] Comedic yet fraught moments punctuate their outings, such as Marion's heated argument with a racist taxi driver who insults Jack's heritage, and Jack's awkward attempts to navigate French social norms while photographing everything obsessively.[3][4] The visit culminates in a chaotic family dinner attended by Marion's sister (a child psychologist) and extended relatives, where heated debates about politics, infidelity, and American versus French attitudes erupt, exposing the couple's deepening rifts—Jack accuses Marion of emotional unavailability, while she defends her independence and resents his jealousy.[6][5] As the two days draw to a close, the emotional toll leads to a night of introspection and raw honesty, with Jack confronting his prejudices and Marion acknowledging the strain on their relationship.[3] In a tentative resolution, the pair boards their flight to New York with a fragile reconciliation, choosing to persevere despite the revelations, underscoring their love amid irreconcilable differences.[5][4]Cast and characters
The film stars Julie Delpy as Marion, a free-spirited French photographer living in New York who navigates cultural clashes and past relationships during her visit home.[8] Adam Goldberg portrays Jack, Marion's neurotic American interior designer boyfriend, whose insecurities are exacerbated by encounters with her exes and family.[9] Daniel Brühl plays Lukas, one of Marion's former lovers whom she unexpectedly runs into on the streets of Paris.[10] Supporting the leads are Marie Pillet as Anna, Marion's outspoken and unconventional mother, and Albert Delpy as Jeannot, her laid-back father; notably, both actors are Julie Delpy's real-life parents, adding authenticity to the familial dynamics.[11] Alexia Landeau appears as Rose, Marion's sister, who provides comic relief amid the couple's tensions.[10] Additional supporting roles include Adan Jodorowsky as Mathieu, another of Marion's ex-boyfriends in a cameo appearance, and Alexandre Nahon as Manu, a friend who interacts with the protagonists.[10]| Actor | Character | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Julie Delpy | Marion | Free-spirited French photographer based in New York.[8] |
| Adam Goldberg | Jack | Neurotic American interior designer and Marion's boyfriend.[9] |
| Daniel Brühl | Lukas | Marion's ex-boyfriend encountered during the trip.[10] |
| Marie Pillet | Anna | Marion's mother; played by Delpy's real mother for authenticity.[11] |
| Albert Delpy | Jeannot | Marion's father; played by Delpy's real father.[11] |
| Alexia Landeau | Rose | Marion's sister.[10] |
| Adan Jodorowsky | Mathieu | One of Marion's ex-boyfriends in a cameo role.[10] |
| Alexandre Nahon | Manu | Friend of Marion.[10] |