Directed by Pierre Morel (renowned director of ‘Taken’) and based on a story from Luc Besson (famed writer/director of ‘La Femme Nikita’ and ‘The Fifth Element’), ‘From Paris With Love’ came bearing laudable credentials. A buddy-cop movie with a twist, the movie fell flat with theatrical audiences but has since found its home on Netflix. It portrays Reese, a rookie CIA agent with a strict moral code, looking to rise. Reese leaps at the chance to partner with the experienced Charlie Wax, an aggressive, unabashed agent and polar opposite of Reese. Despite clashing often, the two join forces to take down a terrorist cell with a sinister plan. The movie stars John Travolta, Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Kasia Smutniak, and Richard Durden.
In ‘From Paris With Love,’ the city is as much a protagonist as Travolta and Meyers themselves. Morel showcases everything from the city’s high-end, upscale locales to its dark underbelly. Did director Morel stay true to the city of love and film on location? Or were scenes from the film shot elsewhere? Let’s find out.
Paris With Love Filming Locations
Paris, France
‘From Paris With Love’ would be lacking if it were not shot in the titular city. Paris, France, imbues a charm and allure that is unique to itself. Several scenes from the film were shot in Paris to depict the city in all its glory. The movie would also be amiss if it didn’t shoot at the heart and soul of Paris – the Eiffel Tower. Scenes showcasing the Eiffel Tower were filmed on location. An easter egg that almost went unnoticed in the film is that Travolta’s wife and daughter, who were visiting the world-renowned landmark for the first time, actually featured as extras in the scene.
Director Morel revealed that the public Eiffel Tower shoot, complete with inquisitive tourists, proved the most difficult. Morel elaborated, “It’s a beautiful place. I love it, but it’s the most visited monument in the world. Millions of people visit every year, and there is no way to shut it down. Nobody’s privatized that, so you have to deal with thousands of people peeping and trying to look at what you’re doing.” Meyers seconded Morel’s opinion, but for a very different reason: he revealed that shooting at the Eiffel was a break-the-bank task and involved several scenes worth several grand.
Next, some scenes depicting the showdown at a Chinese restaurant were filmed at 46 Avenue d’Ivry, Paris 13, Paris, France. The ensuing scene, a high-octane chase featuring a Chinese waiter, was filmed at Rue Baudricourt, Paris 13, Paris, France. Scenes that featured the US Ambassador and delegation were shot at Observatoire de Paris, 77 Avenue Denfert-Rochereau, Paris 14, Paris, France. A high-speed car chase was filmed at Autoroute A41, au nord d’Annecy, Annecy, Haute-Savoie, France. The final scene in ‘From Paris With Love’ was filmed at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, Roissy-en-France, Val-d’Oise, France.
Read More: Will There Be a From Paris With Love 2?
