As a frequent traveler and someone who has spent considerable time in the City of Lights, I must say that Emily in Paris presents a rather rosy, if not overly romanticized, picture of the city. The show’s portrayal of Paris as an impeccably clean metropolis with everyone dressed to the nines is more fantasy than reality.
The series titled “Emily in Paris” follows a character named Emily (performed by Lily Collins), a marketing professional from Chicago who seizes an opportunity to relocate to Paris after her boss becomes pregnant. In this foreign city, Emily takes on the role of social media strategist for Savoir, a French advertising agency catering to high-end brands. However, she quickly encounters challenges as she navigates the contrast between Chicago and Parisian cultures.
Fundamentally, “Emily in Paris” thrives on the allure of an American’s initial enchantment with a renowned European city. Yet, it raises doubts about how much of this portrayal is truly reflective of reality. The Paris depicted in the series may not always align with the actual city. Despite this, as seasons have passed, efforts have been made to create a more complex balance between fact and imagination.
8 Not Everyone in Paris Speaks Perfect English
Emily shows up in Paris with limited knowledge of French, an unexpected move considering her assignment. However, it appears this sudden trip was arranged due to Emily’s boss, Madeline, becoming pregnant at the last minute. Luckily for Emily, most people she encounters in Paris are fluent in English. Unfortunately, Patricia seems to struggle with understanding her.
Parlez-vous Francais?
It’s quite common that Parisians have a good command of English due to frequent interactions with tourists and catering to English-speaking audiences, as seen on this particular TV show.
However, it seems a bit far-fetched that Savoir’s entire team, for the sake of one individual, would always communicate in English during their meetings. It’s also unusual that even casual characters like Emily encounter, who speak fluent, grammatically correct English without much explanation or cultural diversity.
7 Parisians Sometimes Do Work Long Hours
At eight thirty in the morning, Emily reaches the office, yet discovers it won’t open until two hours later. This may hint at the fact that the French typically work fewer hours compared to Americans, with a standard workweek of 35 hours instead of 40.
Of Course, it All Depends On the Place of Employment
While it’s true that French law sets a standard workweek at 35 hours, there are exceptions to this rule. For instance, part-time workers and freelancers in France can request additional hours. Additionally, management is often expected to put in more than the stipulated time. Consequently, it’s not uncommon for some employees to work beyond what’s officially recorded. The amount of overtime an employee works seems to be largely influenced by the nature of their employer.
6 The Show Barely Acknowledges the Paris Métro
In the show, Emily usually travels by foot, commuting to and from work, suggesting that Paris residents walk more than suburban dwellers. Every now and then, she employs taxis, cars, or motorbikes. Nevertheless, it’s worth noting that in reality, Parisians are more accustomed to using public transit.
Emily Should GIve the Metro a Second Chance
I’ve found myself frequently navigating the bustling Paris Metro, which ranks as Europe’s second busiest system, trailing behind Moscow’s only slightly. This metro is also renowned for its density among global networks. The show occasionally references the Metro, hinting that characters might utilize it even when offscreen. Interestingly, Emily admits to getting lost within its labyrinthine tunnels once, suggesting she may have some apprehension about using it again. Conversely, a frequent Parisian pedestrian in heels could find merit in reconsidering the Metro’s convenience.
5 Emily’s Apartment Isn’t Exactly a “Chambre De Bonne”
Emily’s initial dwelling in Paris is initially referred to as a “chambre de bonne,” which are traditionally small apartments previously designed for domestic help. Essentially, it translates to “maid’s room.” However, Emily’s accommodation exceeds typical Parisian standards, boasting a luxurious kitchen and expansive windows.
There’s Also the Matter of Cost
I’ve been pondering about something: How is it that Emily manages to live in such a lavish apartment? Initially, it seemed like the company she works for was leasing the place, providing a plausible explanation for her stylish wardrobe. But then, during the third season, things get intriguing as Emily parts ways with her job. This raises questions about how she’s still maintaining such an upscale lifestyle post-employment.
4 Fast Food Isn’t All That Uncommon
Whenever Emily feels a touch of homesickness, she’s generously treated to lunch at Ralph Lauren’s restaurant, offering her a glimpse of a beloved cheeseburger once more. Overwhelmed with joy from the nostalgic treat, Emily snaps a picture of someone else’s cheeseburger to share on social media, tagging it “#cheeseburgerinparadise.”
McDonald’s Eventually Makes an Appearance
Realistically, there are plenty of restaurants that do sell burgers in France. Even when upscale restaurants sell something different than the American version, there are still plenty of fast-food places in Paris that could accommodate someone in need of a burger. Interestingly, during the third season, McDonald’s appears in the show, with Emily trying to win their account to promote the McBaguette in France. Emily even gets invited to see a French McDonald’s by Gabriel.
3 Paris Isn’t Always Clean & Sunny
As a film enthusiast, I’d say that “Emily in Paris” beautifully captures the radiant and charming essence of the City of Lights. In essence, it paints a picture of a city where dreams unfold, a city that sparkles with an unparalleled allure. Interestingly, Paris is consistently portrayed as immaculate, save for Emily occasionally treading on dog waste. It’s almost as if trash cans are nonexistent in this enchanting cityscape.
With Great Tourism Comes Great Responsibility
Due to its high popularity among tourists, it’s understandable that a bustling city like Paris would have some areas that are less than pristine. This is true of any major city, as they often struggle with issues such as poverty and litter. However, there are numerous service workers who diligently work to keep the city clean. At one time, an organized task force even used motorcycles to collect dog waste. Despite this effort, the portrayal of Paris in media sometimes gives the impression that it’s always impeccably clean, which might not be entirely accurate.
2 Not Everyone in Paris Cares About Fashion
The show portrays Paris as a city for high-society, where people are always impeccably dressed and indulge in luxuries such as champagne. Many characters, despite their realistic financial limitations, are shown wearing costly, lavish attire. Interestingly, even Emily, who is known for her extensive walking in the series, often dons high-heeled shoes, which adds an unexpected twist to her character.
Granted, it Depends On the Time & Place
Just like any other city, Paris has its mix of prosperous and less fortunate neighborhoods. Contrary to popular belief, it is quite common for people in Paris to wear casual attire such as jeans and sneakers, even in upscale areas. In fact, given some of the cobblestone streets found in Paris, wearing sneakers might be a more practical choice than heels.
1 The Real Paris Is Much More Diverse
Initially, just two significant characters of color, Julien and Mindy Chen (originally from Shanghai), were part of the lead cast in the series. In the second season, Alfie was introduced as a recurring character, eventually elevating to a main role by the third season, and becoming Emily’s romantic interest as well.
Paris Is One of Europe’s Most Multicultural Cities
In actuality, Paris is an incredibly diverse metropolis that ranks among Europe’s most culturally mixed cities. Approximately one-fourth of its residents were born elsewhere, a testament to its global appeal. A significant portion of the populace hails from North Africa, although this aspect often goes unmentioned. For instance, when Emily and Camille visited a traditional Moroccan spa (hammam), or in the character of Ahmed, portrayed by Younes Bouab, in “Fashion Victim,” these instances highlight the presence of North Africans in Paris.
All 4 seasons of
Emily in Paris
are currently streaming on Netflix.
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2024-08-28 01:32