Watch Paris Blues

Paris Blues is a romantic drama film from 1961 directed by Martin Ritt and starring Paul Newman, Joanne Woodward, Sidney Poitier, and Diahann Carroll. The film takes place in the enchanting city of Paris, where two jazz musicians, Ram Bowen and Eddie Cook, try to make it big in the local jazz scene. Ram, played by Sidney Poitier, is a trombone player who dreams of creating groundbreaking music while Eddie, played by Paul Newman, is a trumpet player who wants to make it big as a soloist.

The two friends spend their days playing gigs in local clubs and spending their nights in their small apartments, but everything changes when they meet two American tourists; Lillian, played by Joanne Woodward, a school teacher in search of romance and Connie, played by Diahann Carroll, a glamorous nightclub singer. Eddie is immediately attracted to Lillian, and the two quickly start a whirlwind romance while Ram and Connie begin to fall in love with each other.

As their relationships deepen, the musicians realize that they have to face the reality of their individual dreams, forcing them to make difficult choices. Ram struggles with his desires to create new and innovative music while trying to maintain his relationship with Connie, who has to choose between following her heart and chasing her dreams. Eddie, on the other hand, finds himself at a crossroads between his commitment to his relationship with Lillian and his desire to pursue his solo career.

Paris Blues highlights the themes of love, passion, and the pursuit of dreams, set against the backdrop of the stunning City of Lights. The film's musical score is an outstanding mix of original compositions and jazz standards, performed by some of the most renowned jazz artists of the time, including Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, and Benny Carter.

The film also showcases Parisian landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Champs-Elysees, and the Notre-Dame Cathedral, which add a romantic and dreamlike quality to the story. Throughout the film, Martin Ritt manages to capture the city's enchanting spirit in such a way that it becomes a character unto itself, adding to the film's overall charm.

As the film progresses, tensions rise as Ram and Eddie struggle to balance their relationships with their dreams. The dialogue is poignant and emotive, accurately portraying the complexities of human relationships and emotions. The characters are fully realised, with detailed backstories that add layers of depth to their motivations and desires.

It is worth noting that Paris Blues is a landmark film for its time, as it represents one of the first movies to feature Black and White interracial relationships in a mainstream cinema context. The film paved the way for more diverse representations on screen in the years to come, highlighting the importance of representation and inclusivity in art.

In conclusion, Paris Blues is a story about friendship, love, and the pursuit of dreams, set against the backdrop of one of the most romantic cities in the world. The performances are excellent, the music is exceptional, and the cinematography is breathtaking. The film's mix of romance, drama, and jazz make for a timeless piece of art that is still relevant today. If you're a fan of classic cinema, jazz music, or the city of Paris, this movie is definitely worth watching.

Paris Blues is a 1961 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 39 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.7 and a MetaScore of 61.