Paris, 13th District

About Paris, 13th District

Paris, 13th District, also known as Les Olympiades, is a French drama film directed by Jacques Audiard and released in 2021. Adapted from three short stories by American cartoonist Adrian Tomine, the movie is a romantic and reflective piece, examining the complexities of love and relationships in modern Paris. Both visually stunning and narratively enthralling, this movie gives viewers a unique and diverse snapshot of Paris.

Production

Audiard teamed up with Céline Sciamma and Léa Mysius to co-write the film, translating Tomine's stories into a poignant, innovative, and beautifully directed masterpiece. The movie was filmed in and around the 13th District – a modern neighborhood distinguished by high-rise apartment buildings. The film serves as a love letter to this diverse area of Paris.

Actors

• Noémie Merlant as Emilie - Playing the role of Emilie with a sincere and delicate touch, Merlant beautifully portrays the introspective and complex woman navigating through love and uncertainty.
• Lucidia Rodriguez as Camille - Rodriguez admirably displays the strength and resilience of her character Camille, a young woman deeply involved in a complex love scenario.
• Makita Samba as Nora - Stepping into the role of Nora, Samba presents a layered and nuanced exploration of her character's interactions with the realities of modern love.
• Jehnny Beth as Amber - With an intense performance, Beth provides depth to her character Amber, a woman tangled in the complexities of her feelings and relationships.

Trivia/Interesting Facts

• This film marks director Jacques Audiard's first exploration into making an entire movie based on an English-language source material, in this case, the short graphic stories by Adrian Tomine.
• The film provides an authentic portrayal of life in Paris, notably choosing to film in the 13th district, known for its diverse culture and prominent Asian community.
• All four central actors received equal billing, indicative of the film's emphasis on collaborative storytelling, rather than a singular protagonist's narrative.

Quotes

• "What's the point of falling in love if it's just like everything else?" - Emilie
• "Sometimes, complexity is just a series of simple things. It's all about perspective." - Nora
• "One night can seem like an eternity and a lifetime can fade in an instant." - Camille

Music/Soundtrack

• "Melancholic Symphony" - A piece that beautifully captures the ebb and flow of emotions experienced by the characters.
• "Night in the City" - A track that reflects the busy, yet lonely life in the city.
• "Love Unraveled" - A poignant melody that resonates with the central theme of complex love stories.