Paris, Je T'Aime

Subtitled "Little neighborhood romances," this anthology film is a colorful quilt of 18 five-minute vignettes of love and romance set in 18 distinctive Arrondissements (neighborhoods) of Paris. Some are simply colorful larks (Sylvain Chomet's comedy of mimes in love), and some can't support the weight of their ambition (Juliette Binoche as a mourning mother in Nobuhiro Suwa's heavy drama). Most, however, are modestly but richly sculpted pieces, a feeling carved out of a brief slice of time and place, the discreet suggestion of a relationship in just a couple of minutes. Gérard Depardieu directs Gena Rowlands and Ben Gazzara in what could be a modest coda to their John Cassavetes roles. Bob Hoskins and Fanny Ardant role-play in Richard LaGravenese's playfully grown-up "Pigalle." Alexander Payne's bittersweet finale, a melancholy postcard monologue with Margo Martindale, soars with a small but profound intimate personal triumph. It's a sublime end to a lovely journey to the city of lights and love. Other contributors include Joel and Ethan Coen, Gus Van Sant, Alfonso Cuarón, Olivier Assayas and Tom Tykwer. The 24-minute "At the Heart of Paris je t'aime" is a lively sketch of the making of the film, featuring most of the directors and many of the stars. A two-disc limited collector's edition features a bonus disc with 18 behind-the-scenes featurettes and split-screen storyboards.