Paris Can Wait (2016) Ending Explained
TL;DR
Paris Can Wait (2016), directed by Eleanor Coppola, follows Anne (Diane Lane), a woman stuck in a midlife rut, as she embarks on an impromptu road trip through France with her husband's charming business associate, Jacques (Arnaud Viard). The film's ending sees Anne returning to her routine life, subtly changed by her journey-she rekindles her passion for photography and embraces spontaneity, though she resists Jacques' romantic overtures. The conclusion is intentionally ambiguous, leaving Anne's future open-ended but hinting at a newfound appreciation for life's small pleasures.
The Ending Explained
The final act of Paris Can Wait culminates in Anne's return to her ordinary life after her whirlwind trip with Jacques. Throughout their journey, Jacques, a hedonistic Frenchman, introduces Anne to the joys of fine food, wine, and leisurely exploration, contrasting sharply with her husband Michael's (Alec Baldwin) work-obsessed lifestyle. The ending is less about dramatic resolution and more about Anne's internal transformation. As she reunites with Michael in Paris, she seems unchanged on the surface, but subtle cues-like her renewed interest in photography and her reflective demeanor-suggest a deeper shift. The film closes with Anne smiling at a photo she took during her trip, symbolizing her reconnection with her own desires and creativity.
Jacques' role in the ending is pivotal. While he clearly harbors romantic feelings for Anne, she gently rebuffs his advances, choosing not to cross a physical or emotional line. Their final conversation is tinged with bittersweetness; Jacques acknowledges the fleeting nature of their connection, while Anne expresses gratitude for the experience. This moment underscores the film's theme of savoring life's transient joys without clinging to them. The ambiguity of their relationship-whether it was merely a platonic friendship or an unfulfilled romance-adds layers to the ending, inviting viewers to ponder what might have been.
Michael's presence in the ending is understated but significant. His character represents the life Anne is returning to-one of stability but also emotional neglect. The film doesn't villainize him; instead, it highlights the quiet dissatisfaction of their marriage. Anne's decision to stay with Michael isn't framed as a defeat but as a conscious choice, albeit one that now carries a hint of restlessness. The final scene, where Anne looks at her photos, implies that her journey has given her a new lens (both literally and metaphorically) through which to view her life, even if she isn't ready to make drastic changes.
Unresolved Questions
- Will Anne's marriage to Michael improve?
- Possible answer: Unlikely, unless Michael becomes more attentive. The trip may have awakened Anne's awareness of their issues, but the film doesn't suggest he'll change.
- What was the true nature of Anne and Jacques' relationship?
- Possible answer: A platonic connection that flirted with romance but remained unconsummated, serving as a catalyst for Anne's self-discovery.
- Does Anne regret not pursuing Jacques?
- Possible answer: No-she seems content with the memories but recognizes the impracticality of a relationship with him.
Personal Opinion
Paris Can Wait is a quiet, meditative film that prioritizes atmosphere over plot, and its ending reflects this. While some might find the lack of closure frustrating, I appreciated its realism-not all journeys end with dramatic upheavals, and Anne's subtle transformation feels authentic. Diane Lane's performance elevates the material, making Anne's small but meaningful arc compelling. That said, the film's leisurely pace and lack of conflict won't appeal to everyone. The ending works because it stays true to the story's low-key charm, leaving Anne (and the audience) with a sense of lingering possibility rather than tidy resolution.
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