Paris

1. Paris

2. Overall Group Brief The purpose of the project, that will be undertaken, is to uncover the truth of Paris and discover more about the circulation and reproduction of Parisienne myths in popular imagination via: - the way these myths are represented in popular media forms such as film, literature, song as well as online forms. - the way these myths play out against the real, physical geography of Paris. - the way in which Paris has been conceived and reconceived intellectually and historically. - the extent of which modern day commercial structures reconfigure some of these hegemonic myth of Paris as part of “The Paris Experience” - the use of Paris as a symbolic space.

3. Aims and Objectives • Investigate Paris as a City Space, asking questions of the city, - what is important to the Parisians? • Investigate the popular Parisian myths and how these are represented in everyday media. • Investigate whether these representations are true and how Paris acts upon these representations. • To explore the City from different perspectives in order to understand the true Paris.

4. Methodology • Primary and Second Research • Time Management • Reliable Sources • Data Collection

5. Itinerary • Day to Day Plan • Time Schedule • Maps • Travel Plans

6. Blog • Documenting the progress • Uploading work http://paris380mc.wordpress.com/

7. Individual Brief - Tamsin I will focus on the historical and political side of Paris. France is understood to be proud of its history and the popular myths include stories of the Revolution. As part of the investigation the group visited many historical landmarks important in these myths and in Parisian history and politics. We wanted to assess how important these cultural values are to the city today and how it has shaped the city of Paris and look into examples of how Paris celebrates their cultural Identity or ‘Frenchness’

8. Individual Brief - Emma • Investigation into the physical structure of Paris • What is the importance of each landmark • Architecture of Paris • The difference between the suburbs and city of Paris

9. Individual Brief - Lucy • The social change of Paris • How is the social structure presented? • Influence of tourism on the city • How is leisure seen in Paris? • What is the appeal of Paris? • How is Paris represented?

10. Individual Brief - Ross After Studying film and learning the importance of French film I decided that I would look at the importance of film whilst visiting Paris.

11. Individual Brief - Sean During my field trip to Paris I set out to investigate the Parisian music scene and how this adds, if anything, to the myth surrounding the French capital. As long as music has been part of popular culture, Paris has been a destination and inspiration for some of the most elite musicians. So why is Paris so special? It is influencing the world of music, but how about a little closer to home... Experiencing music in the City first hand... Is the myth just a myth?

12. Outline of Findings

13. Early Paris 1914-1918 Bombarded by big bertha German Cannon 1792 Monarchy Abolished proclamation of republic 1431 Henry VI becomes King of France 1958 De Gaulle Heads 5th republic 1830 Louis Phillip crowned 1981 President Mitterand 1848 Louis Phillip over thrown 2nd republic led by napoleon III 1437 Charles VII regains Control 1337 – 1453 Hundred Year War France and England 1807 Napoleon Crowned Emperor 1940 Nazi occupy Paris –liberation 1944 1977 Jacques Chiraq Mayor

14. French Republic ‘A state in which supreme power is held by the people and their elected representatives, and which has an elected or nominated president rather than a monarch’ Google Definitions The French Republic was a sign of the rise of freedom in Paris. Political Leaders important to Paris and the French Republic include Charles de Gaulle ‘During his lifetime, de Gaulle attracted great devotion from those who regarded him as the two-time (1940 and 1958) savior of France and as a political Genius’ (Hughes and Reader, 2002: 259) ‘At the end of the century there is near consensus in France that he was the countries greatest twentieth century leader’ (Hughes and Reader, 2002: 259)

15. Arc de Triomphe The Arc de Triomphe is an important landmark in Paris. Situated on one of the busiest streets in Paris it stands as a memorial to the people who fought in War. Burial Ground of The Unknown Soldier, where a flame burns all day every day to remember him. The Arc takes an important Part in French Culture being the location for The annual Celebration of Bastille Day (14th July)

16. Paris Now It is interesting to explore how this history has had an affect on Paris as a City and how we from other cultural backgrounds have differing opinions on cultural situations. For Example One recent article from ‘The Sun’ Shows the arrest of a protester to the new law banning the wearing of Burkas. Visiting Paris from the perspective of an English person, it seems to be a city proud of it’s History and Also very celebratory in its own culture.

17. Haussmann's Plan • Haussmann's plan was a modernisation of Paris which was commissioned by Napoleon III • Georges-EugèneHaussmann was the man who led the rebuilding of Paris • The construction of Paris took place between 1852-1870

18. Suburbs of Paris • Suburbs represent the traditional and historic Paris • Haussmann’s Plan revolutionised the city into a modern era. • The medieval capital was modernised

19. Architecture of Paris • French Gothic architecture- is a style of architecture which was widely seen across France from 1140 till 1500. • Buildings in France today can be seen to still have the gothic feel. • In Paris buildings are mixed with the old and new • Parisian architecture is very fond of pillars and statues on there buildings.

20. Landmarks of Paris • Eiffel Tower- Built in 1889 for the opening of the world fair, was later kept for communication purposes . • Arc de Triomphe- Finished building in 1836 , it honours those who fought and died for France in the French Revolutionary and the Napoleonic Wars. • Musée du Louvre- opened in 1793 on the first anniversary on the monarchy's demise, the glass pyramid outside the Louvre was constructed in 1989 and was made because of entrance problems. • Notre Dame- finished construction in 1345, was originally built because the Paris cathedral, Saint-ÉtienneinParis had become the "Parisian church of the kings of Europe“ and so Bishop Maurice de Sully deemed that cathedral unworthy and so the Notre Dame was built. • Sacré-CœurBasilica- completed in 1914 was consecrated to the Heart of Christ in penitence for sins committed.

21. Social Structure of Paris “Technological, social, political, and economic changes in Paris, as seen through different representations; the change from an aristocratic to a modern, bourgeoisie society realized in Baron Haussmann's massive building program of the 1860's.” • 19th Century modernisation • Social Class distinctions • Appeal to society and availability of amenities “Urbanization and industrialization increased the standard of living for the average Parisian, but the wealth gap between rich and poor remained very wide. Social classes diversified, fragmented, and expanded to accommodate many newly created occupations.” (Fleck, 1999)

22. Tourism in Paris • Channel Tunnel has opened up Paris to the whole of Europe, attracting over 83% of European travellers to the city. • Multitude of attractions • Leisure time has become escapism – however it is ruled by financial transactions

23. Leisure Time • Eco (1978) Talks about Disneyland and the controlled environment exists. • Why does society hate queuing – but during leisure time it seems acceptable? • Free time – gives the impression of the individual taking control and doing something different to the usual routine – but in reality society is still very much controlled. • Contemporary leisure is very much controlled by the organiser rather than the person carrying out the leisure activity.

24. Representation of Paris • Perceptions can be determined by an individuals opinions and experience. The myths that are created are from expectations arisen through the past. • Modern Paris provides a different experience . • The Media continue to promote ‘The City of Romance’ – however reality is much different. “During the 18th and 19th centuries Paris had a renowned reputation for being the social, intellectual, and cultural centre of the world. It was said to always have an eye to its future. ”

25. Cahiers Du Cinema • Cahiers Du Cinema is an influential, and possibly the worlds best known, film magazine. Founded in 1951 in Paris, I wanted to see how it effected the world of cinema in Paris. • A big factor in French cinema is the new wave. There were five ‘core’ directors. They were Claude Chabrol, Francois Trauffant, Jean-Luc Godard, Eric Rohmer and Jacques Rivette. They graduated to film-making by way of the influential journal cahiers du cinema. (French Cinema: A Student’s Guide, Arnold, 2002 : page 20/21) • The critic and film theorist, Andre Bazin, is an important figure also, as he was the ‘major intellectual and personal influence on them (the five core directors)’. Bazin was a ‘passionate advocate of realism, mise-en-scene, and deep focus’. Bazin was co-founder of Cahiers Du Cinema, along with Jacques Doniol-Valcroze and Joseph-Marie Lo Duca. • Is the significance and importance of French film still evident today, in Paris? • I believe that it is as Film and cinema seemed to be constant feature in Paris. Film posters were seen everywhere, although that is the same as any busy city. There was a large amount of actual showing theatres in Paris and all were vey large, almost like arenas. Going to the cinema felt more like a pleasure in Paris and not just something to do.

26. Film Locations in Paris • Why do film makers see Paris as an ideal location for filming? • Paris has a very unique landscape and its architecture is particularly unique. • One recent film to take advantage of Paris as a film location is Christopher Nolan’s Inception. • Paris is rife with filming all year round but in August of each year, a proportion of the Paris population move away for the summer. This is when even more film directors move in and take full advantage to Paris. • “The Paris city council has a special division that helps filmmakers to make films about the city. For example, negotiations were allegedly held with Woody Allen so that he put the word « Paris » in the title of his film. In return, tax breaks are on offer. It’s a working arrangement which helps promote the city. One of the advantages for us is that the official Paris site – paris.fr – lets us in on the locations used for shooting. “ • Reference - http://www.hotels-paris-rive-gauche.com/blog/2010/07/27/inception-paris-caprio-nolan-visit-sets/

27. Cinema in Paris • Did the cinemas in Paris represent Paris as ‘the city of romance’? • Cinema and film appeared to be held in high regard in Paris. Cinema’s were large and well presented. • The particular cinema that I visited was on the champs-elysees. This one cinema had chandeliers and red carpets. It was presented more like a expensive hotel than a cinema. From the image below, you wouldn’t guess that it was a cinema. • After visiting many different cinemas in different areas, they did always appear very busy, especially at night. This was not necessarily with couples though. It didn’t appear to be a place of romance, it wasn’t represented in a romantic way. They revolved mainly around the films, which seems obvious as its cinema, but the posters and advertisements were huge and the cinemas always stood out.

28. Film experience in Paris • After visiting many different cinema’s in different areas, we decided to view a film in Paris. • As previously mentioned it felt more like a pleasure to go to the cinema, more than just ‘something to do’. • All the cinemas appeared very modernised. Very well presented, clean and managed to conjure the idea that you as the customer were taking part in a spectacle. • Due to the way they were presented the cinema did appear like a place to take somebody you are romantically involved in. • The difference is I don’t believe that the cinema’s aimed to drag in romantic couples and people in relationships. Instead they were more passionate about the showing of the film.

29. Jim Morrison, front man of the American rock band The Doors, gave up his celebrity and moved to Paris in 1971. He was quite happy walking the streets of Paris alone, writing poetry and drawing. He is buried in Pere’ La Chaise. Paris as an Influence In the absence of your love, and in the absence of a human touch, I have decided I am throwing my arms around all of Paris because only stone and steel can accept my love – Morrissey. My heart is yearning but Paris is burning, tell me the truth, is it love or just Paris? – Ladyhawke.

30. What I found… • Whilst in Paris, I expected to discover a bohemian city that I had heard so much about through popular music. I found plenty of music, however only once did I find home grown, native music which was part of street theatre. However, a homeless alcoholic laughing, spilling drink and being shooed away like a dog crushed any form of romance. • Before leaving for Paris, I found the following quote interesting. French romantic poet Victor Hugo says of music ‘it expresses that which cannot be put into words and cannot remain silent.’ Mysterious, mythical and romancing the idea of music and the expression it obtains. To set the scene of the live music circuit I found… Friday night in a ‘live music bar’ showcased 4 middle ages men in AC/DC t-shirts playing Beatles covers, badly. • I went with the idea that music is different when its incarnation is set in different geological locations. Take a modern example of Arctic Monkeys. Renowned for their sharp witted tales of inner city life in Yorkshire. Could teenagers from Paris create this same sound? Only one way to find out. She’s a Boy.

31. From Global Success To a Means To An End • On the Saturday night Band of Horses played La Cigale in Pigale for a 2000 strong sell out audience. 28.50 euro a ticket nets 57,000euro. • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UehBSKoK5qI • The setting was inspiring, an old opera hall. • In the heart of the sex district, very little romance • In contrast, earlier on in the day I witnessed a man on the metro playing a trumpet to approx. 16 people, me being the only one who tipped him, 50cents. No romance whatsoever. But the contrast in France is drastic. There is not much to offer in the middle.

32. Conclusion • It is possible Paris had a bohemian element to everyday life in the past, however it doesn’t seem apparent in this day and age. • I believe after my time in the city that it has a very thin outer shell of Romance. This is highlighted in popular culture but it doesn’t take long to realize it’s romance is long gone. • I believe Paris is a double bluff. It is a myth, around a myth.

33. In Conclusion... • What have we found • Has our experience change our perceptions

34. http://paris380mc.wordpress.com/ • http://www.google.co.uk/search?client=safari&rls=en&q=dictionary&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&redir_esc=&ei=Pva2TZidG4iw8QPCyPg2#hl=en&client=safari&rls=en&q=republic&tbs=dfn:1&tbo=u&sa=X&ei=Yfa2Tc_zJYWq8AO6kLVN&ved=0CBwQkQ4&fp=169663d2f2d1ee7b (accessed 26th April) Google Definitions • Hughes A,. & Reader K. 2002. Encyclopaedia of Contemporary French Culture. Routlege: London & New York • Flower J.E,. 1997. France Today. Hodder & Stoughton: London • Camille, Michael (2009) The gargoyles of Notre Dame: Medievalism and the monsters of modernity. The university of chicago press, London. (Electronic Resource) • Sacred Destination,2009. Sacré-Coeur Basilica, Paris. [online] Available at: http://www.sacred-destinations.com/france/paris-sacre-coeur [accessed 19th April 2011] • The scared-heart basilica of montamarte, 1999. The basilica [online] Available at: http://www.sacre-coeur-montmartre.com/us/basilique.html [accessed 19th April 2011] • Arc de triomphe- Paris, 2009. Arc de triomphe- Paris [online] Available at: http://www.arcdetriompheparis.com/[ accessed 19th April 2011] • Paris Pages,2007. Tour Paris[online] Available at: http://www.parispages.com/Monuments/Eiffel/ [accessed 19th April 2011] • Parisama,2003.Paris in the 19th Century: the walled city to city. Haussmann[online] Available at: http://www.parisrama.com/thematiques/pages_histoire/haussmann.htm [accessed 19th April 2011] • Go Paris, 2011.History of the Louvre [online] Available at: http://goparis.about.com/od/parismuseums/a/louvre-museum-history.htm [accessed 19th April 2011] • Discover France,1997. French art and architecture[online] Available at: http://www.discoverfrance.net/France/Art/DF_art3.shtml [accessed 19th April 2011]

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