The opening title of We'll Never Have Paris claims that the film is "unfortunately based on a true story." This is ironic since every moment of this comedy rings completely false. This is not to say there isn't a good film here. In fact, I enjoyed watching this story of a man's life slowly crumbling to pieces with awful decision after awful decision adding to the doom. However, considering that this is the passion project of Simon Helberg, a very talented man who is probably best known for his supporting role as awkward scientist Howard on "The Big Bang Theory," it seems to be lacking any sort of depth or reason. Helberg has said in numerous interviews that this was based on his real life story. The film is co-directed and co-produced by his wife, Jocelyn Towne but neither person seems to have any real emotional attachment to the story. Once again, however, I must say that this film did entertain me, which may just be enough to forgive most of its flaws.
The film follows Quinn (Helberg,) a man who has been with only one woman in his life--Devon (Melanie Lynskey,) a sweet and sympathetic professor. Upon being told by his co-worker Kelsey (Maggie Grace) that she's in love with him, he ditches the former in an attempt to make it work with the latter. However, he discovers Kelsey is too bubbly and controlling for his taste. Encouraged by his overly wealthy best friend, Jameson (Zachary Quinto in a scene stealing role,) he flies out to Paris to make things right with Devon.
Helberg is both the best and worst thing about this film. He wrote it, co-directed it and stars in it so everything is up to him. While he's extremely good in the lead (this is a representation of him back in the day, however,) Quinn is such a self-centered jerk that it's simultaneously enjoyable and completely grating to watch him. Nothing about this character can be described as charming and yet Helberg makes it work pretty well. Lynskey is good and allows the script to make her character both a victim and the main cause of Quinn's decision. There's a great scene where Quinn finally decides to confront Devon about breaking off their relationship. Devon is portrayed as being cold and rudely curt in this scene and yet Lynskey (and the script) allow the audience to sympathize with the fact that her boyfriend is a constantly displeased and egotistical jerk. Quinto is the best thing in the film, hilariously playing a man who has been consumed by his own good fortune. However, he, Alfred Molina, Judith Light and Jason Ritter all are given nothing at all to do.
For better and for worse, We'll Never Have Paris reminded me of an old Woody Allen comedy. Close your eyes, just listen to Helberg and you picture Allen's neurotic man act. This is a well made film about a man whose unlikable instincts get in the way of a viewing experience that is fully satisfying.
(3 out of 5 Stars, The film is rated R for sexual content and language)
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