144 Paris

The plane's soft landing heralded their arrival in Paris, a city synonymous with light and romance. As Lucas disembarked, he was immediately wrapped in the city's unique charm—a blend of the scent of fresh pastries and a brisk, inspiring breeze.

While gathering their luggage, Lucas felt a friendly pat on his back. Turning around, he saw Tom Hiddleston, his familiar grin in place.

"Ah, Lucas," Tom began, his tone playfully serious, "you must tread carefully in this city; it's famous for its romance. You might end up captivated by a local beauty during the night."

Lucas chuckled. "Tom, maybe you've been watching too many old movies. Don't worry, I'll be careful. You should focus on yourself, though."

Corey, standing nearby, let out a chuckle at their exchange.

Exiting the airport, they were met by a line of cars ready to whisk them away. Through the windows, Paris unveiled itself - its historic stone bridges, age-old buildings, and contemporary flair unfolding before Lucas's eyes.

Their rented accommodation was nestled in a picturesque quarter of Paris, chosen not just for its easy access to filming sites but also for its quintessential Parisian feel.

As they approached, Lucas couldn't help but admire the structure, "This building has such a classic, almost artistic look to it..."

"What did you expect? This is Europe, after all," Tom chuckled, nudging Lucas playfully.

Corey joined in, "Ah, Europe. It's all just so different here—less rush, more history, you feel it in the air."

Inside, the crew and cast engaged in their own conversations, absorbing the character of their temporary Parisian residence.

As they began settling into their new base, the team convened briefly, not for a formal meeting, but to align on logistics and schedules in a relaxed manner.

After a brief period of rest, the key crew members convened to discuss the upcoming filming details with Woody, the project's esteemed writer and director. Meanwhile, Lucas and the other cast members seized the opportunity to immerse themselves in the vibrant life of Paris, eager to absorb everything the city had to offer.

Lucas found himself strolling through the historic streets alongside Adrien Brody, Marion Cotillard, Rachel McAdams, and a few other co-stars, separated for the moment from his newfound friends Tom and Corey. Their excursion was more than mere tourism; though they admired the sights with the keen interest of visitors, their walk was also an artistic pilgrimage. They aimed to soak in the ambiance, the architecture, and the bustling life of Parisians, seeking inspiration that would breathe authenticity and depth into their roles for "Midnight in Paris." Understanding the city's rhythm, its lights, and shadows was crucial for them to genuinely portray characters intertwined with the essence of Paris.

Lucas and the group could explore iconic areas such as Montmartre, with its bohemian history and the stunning Sacré-Cœur Basilica, or the picturesque streets of Le Marais, which reflect the old-world charm juxtaposed with modern-day Paris. Strolling along the Seine, visiting landmarks like Notre-Dame, or walking through the vibrant Latin Quarter could offer them a tangible sense of the city's layered history and dynamic culture—elements central to the film's narrative.

Later, in a quaint café nestled in one of these historic neighborhoods, Lucas sat with Adrien and Marion, while other cast and crew members ventured to different locales. The ambiance was a perfect backdrop for reflective conversation.

Marion, sipping her coffee, turned to Lucas with a genuine smile. "It seems your career is doing very well, Lucas," she noted, her tone both complimentary and curious. "Now you've even landed the role of the protagonist in Woody's film."

Lucas responded with a modest smile, a hint of pride in his voice, "After '127 Hours' received such acclaim, I did start to get more interesting offers. This project with Woody was one that really stood out..."

Adrien, with a knowing chuckle, interjected, "I mean, it's a Woody Allen film, right? Any actor would jump at the chance." He leaned back, adding thoughtfully, "What drew me in was not just Woody's involvement but the compelling script."

Marion nodded thoughtfully before turning to Lucas. "I've heard about your breakout role in '127 Hours' but haven't seen it yet. They say your performance was rather remarkable?"

Before Lucas could respond, Adrien jumped in, "Oh, Marion, it's a must-watch. Lucas was extraordinary in it."

Marion offered a considerate smile, "Hmm, I'll have to add it to my list then."

Lucas, unable to resist, teased Adrien with a chuckle, "Seems like you're not quite cut out for the endorsing game, Adrien. Marion doesn't seem sold."

Adrien's laughter was light, "Haha, you should feel lucky I'm promoting your film without a fee. Imagine what my manager and agent would say if they found out I was giving out endorsements for free."

Lucas joined in the laughter, while Marion watched the exchange, her face lit up with an amused smile.

During their light-hearted banter, Lucas mentioned, "I'm thinking of heading to Shakespeare and Company. Diving into some classic literature might just spark some inspiration."

Adrien was quick to show his interest, "I've been meaning to visit as well. Count me in."

Marion, not wanting to miss out, chimed in, "I'll join you both." With that, after enjoying their café ambiance a bit longer, they rose and made their way to the bookstore.

Shakespeare and Company wasn't just a bookstore; it was a haven for the writers and readers, literature fans. It made perfect sense for Lucas, embodying Gil, a writer enchanted by the literary greats and the allure of the past, to seek inspiration within its storied walls.