Step into the enchanting world of Midnight in Paris (2011)—a whimsical romantic comedy that takes you through 1920s Paris, meeting famous writers and artists of the past. This magical film is perfect for expanding your English vocabulary in themes like art and literature, time travel, romance, and emotions.

Watch the official trailer on YouTube and visit the IMDB page for Midnight in Paris to immerse yourself in this nostalgic masterpiece before diving into the vocabulary.

More Vocabulary Lists

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Art and Literature Vocabulary

• Surrealism /səˈrɪə.lɪ.zəm/
  Definition: A 20th-century artistic movement focusing on dreamlike and irrational themes.
  Example: Salvador Dalí’s surrealism is vividly depicted in Midnight in Paris.
• Muse /mjuːz/
  Definition: A source of inspiration, often for artists and writers.
  Example: Gil finds his muse in the beauty and culture of Paris.
• Novelist /ˈnɒv.ə.lɪst/
  Definition: A writer of novels.
  Example: Ernest Hemingway, one of history’s greatest novelists, is a character in the film.
• Impressionism /ɪmˈprɛʃ.ən.ɪzəm/
  Definition: An art movement characterized by small, visible brushstrokes and an emphasis on light.
  Example: Gil admires the Impressionist paintings at the art museum.
• Expatriate /ɛksˈpæt.ri.eɪt/
  Definition: A person who lives outside their native country.
  Example: Many of the artists in 1920s Paris were American expatriates.

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Time Travel Vocabulary

• Nostalgia /nɒsˈtæl.dʒə/
  Definition: A longing for the past, often with sentimental feelings.
  Example: Gil’s nostalgia for the 1920s takes him on a magical journey.
• Era /ˈɪə.rə/
  Definition: A distinct period in history.
  Example: The film explores the era of the Lost Generation in Paris.
• Alternate Reality /ˈɔːl.tɜːrnət rɪˈæl.ɪ.ti/
  Definition: A different version of the world or history.
  Example: Gil steps into an alternate reality where he meets historical figures.
• Golden Age /ˈɡoʊl.dən eɪdʒ/
  Definition: A period of great happiness, success, or achievement.
  Example: Gil believes the 1920s was the golden age of art and culture.
• Timeless /ˈtaɪm.ləs/
  Definition: Not affected by the passage of time or changes in fashion.
  Example: The beauty of Paris feels timeless to Gil.

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Romance Vocabulary

• Engagement /ɪnˈɡeɪdʒ.mənt/
  Definition: An agreement to marry someone.
  Example: Gil is engaged to Inez, but their relationship is strained.
• Attraction /əˈtræk.ʃən/
  Definition: A feeling of being drawn to someone emotionally or physically.
  Example: Gil feels a strong attraction to Adriana, an artist’s muse.
• Compatibility /kəmˌpæt.əˈbɪl.ə.ti/
  Definition: The ability to live or work together harmoniously.
  Example: Gil begins to question his compatibility with Inez.
• Affection /əˈfɛk.ʃən/
  Definition: A gentle feeling of love or liking.
  Example: Adriana’s affection for the 1890s parallels Gil’s love for the 1920s.
• Infatuation /ɪnˌfætʃ.uˈeɪ.ʃən/
  Definition: A strong but short-lived admiration or passion for someone.
  Example: Gil’s infatuation with Adriana grows as they spend more time together.

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Emotions Vocabulary

• Melancholy /ˈmɛl.ənˌkɒl.i/
  Definition: A deep feeling of sadness or longing.
  Example: Gil feels a sense of melancholy as he walks the streets of Paris.
• Inspiration /ˌɪn.spəˈreɪ.ʃən/
  Definition: A sudden brilliant idea or motivation.
  Example: The city of Paris gives Gil the inspiration to write his novel.
• Frustration /frʌˈstreɪ.ʃən/
  Definition: A feeling of being upset or annoyed due to an inability to achieve something.
  Example: Gil’s frustration with his modern life drives his longing for the past.
• Wonder /ˈwʌn.dər/
  Definition: A feeling of amazement or admiration.
  Example: Gil feels wonder when he first steps into 1920s Paris.
• Disillusionment /ˌdɪs.ɪˈluː.ʒən.mənt/
  Definition: A feeling of disappointment when something turns out to be less ideal than imagined.
  Example: Gil experiences disillusionment as he realizes every era has its flaws.

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Practical English Tips

• Watch Midnight in Paris with subtitles to identify the vocabulary in context.
• Write a journal entry imagining a time period you’d like to visit to practice the vocabulary.
• Discuss the film with friends or classmates to use your new words in conversation.