French President Emmanuel Macron is undeniably a figure with a packed agenda. However, he has carved out some time to engage with the captivating world of Emily.
This Emily refers to the popular Netflix series “Emily in Paris,” which follows the life of an overzealous American woman who relocates to Paris to fulfill her career aspirations. Recently, hints in the storyline have emerged suggesting that Emily might be contemplating a move to Rome, sparking considerable interest.
Why We Wrote This
“Emily in Paris,” the Netflix phenomenon, cleverly satirizes French quirks while exploiting long-standing stereotypes. The show has captured the French audience’s affection, particularly with the prospect of Emily transitioning from Paris to Rome, which has stirred passionate responses.
“We will fight hard. And we will ask them to remain in Paris!” Mr. Macron declared in a recent interview with Variety magazine. “‘Emily in Paris’ in Rome doesn’t make sense.”
The series is a complex mix of admiration and critique; through the protagonist’s various missteps, viewers gain insight into the numerous ways American tourists manage to vex Parisians, while also confronting a slew of clichéd French stereotypes heavily portrayed in the narrative.
“I’ve watched the entire series even if it’s not highbrow,” shared Agathe, a Parisian employed at Universal Music, conveniently situated next to a restaurant often used as a filming location. “It’s a guilty pleasure.”
Although the potential relocation to Italy may leave French fans disheartened, it’s a different story for many Americans residing in Paris who have grown weary of Emily’s hapless cultural faux pas.
Among them is Emily Omier, an American tech consultant who relocated to Paris. “Every conversation is the same,” she relates. “‘Oh, your name is Emily? Like ‘Emily in Paris’!’ I just say, ‘Yeah, it’s me.’”
The square where “Emily in Paris” is filmed is a popular spot for eager tourists, all clamoring to snap photos of the show’s iconic locations, including the modest brown door that signifies Emily’s Parisian abode.
Currently flourishing in its fourth season, the much-loved series showcases the adventures of Emily Cooper (embodied by Lily Collins), a profoundly enthusiastic Chicago native who lands her dream position at a renowned marketing agency in the heart of Paris.
Why We Wrote This
The show’s blend of humor and cultural commentary resonates with viewership, and as Episode 7 delighted audiences, French President Emmanuel Macron found himself charmed after witnessing his wife, Brigitte, make a cameo appearance.
However, a possible plot twist looms – at the conclusion of the fourth season, the marketing firm Emily works for has announced plans to expand to Rome, triggering a collective outcry from devoted fans of the series and even from President Macron, who feels strongly about keeping her story situated in Paris.
“We will fight hard. And we will ask them to remain in Paris!” Mr. Macron emphatically stated in a recent interview. “‘Emily in Paris’ in Rome doesn’t make sense.”
Indeed, it is largely due to Americans’ long-standing romanticized perceptions of France that “Emily in Paris” has achieved such remarkable success. France has proudly maintained its status as the premier tourist destination worldwide for over three decades, with Paris serving as a key figure in its cultural soft power.
“France’s cultural power is ingrained in the French from an early age,” articulated Fabrice Raffin, a socioanthropologist at the University of Picardie focusing on cultural studies. “Our gastronomy, luxury, fashion, and history are pillars of French identity. There’s definitely something elitist about it.”
While the French may exclaim at their screens as they witness Emily attending yet another lavish cocktail party without experiencing the authentic Parisian struggle of riding the metro, they cannot deny the allure of her sanitized portrayal of their city.
“Paris is amazing, and the show highlights the best parts of it,” commented Elsa, who joined Agathe just outside their workplace. “On Sundays, I enjoy exploring the city, visiting the Eiffel Tower, and indulging my inner tourist.”
Plus, many French viewers admit that, even if the caricatures presented in “Emily in Paris” seem dated, they prick at a vein of truth in their comedic exaggeration.
“It’s obviously an exaggeration, but yes, the French love to complain, and we pretend to be anti-American like [Emily’s boss], Sylvie,” said Anis, taking a stylish cigarette break alongside co-workers Agathe and Elsa. “The stereotypes are funny.”
As much as Emily’s antics might make viewers cringe – from her strikingly extravagant outfits to her obsession with garnering Instagram approval – there remains a hope that she will choose to stay rooted in the land of cheese and what some deem subpar coffee. The mayor of Rome, Roberto Gualtieri, recently advised Mr. Macron to “relax” and turn his focus to matters of greater importance, while even some Italians appear skeptical about Emily’s potential relocation.
“No, no, it has to stay here,” declared Matilde Mudadu, a tourist visiting from northern Italy who came with her family to snap a photo at Emily’s iconic entrance. “I adore Rome, but ‘Emily in Paris’ belongs here in Paris.”
While French viewers might feel sad at the prospect of losing Emily to Italy, many Americans in Paris don’t share the sentiment; they are, in fact, quite exhausted by the cultural blunders characterizing this Chicago native’s journey.
“French people assume you came here for the fantasy or the croissants, and it’s refreshing to them when they hear otherwise,” explained Emily Omier, the American tech consultant who made Paris her new home in May 2023. “I don’t know if the jokes will stop if Emily leaves Paris. Now, every conversation is the same: ‘Oh, your name is Emily? Like ‘Emily in Paris’!’ I just say, ‘Yeah, it’s me.’”
**Interview with Agathe Duval: A Parisian Perspective on “Emily in Paris”**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Agathe. With President Macron’s recent comments about “Emily in Paris” potentially relocating to Rome, what’s your take on how the series represents Paris and its culture?
**Agathe:** Thank you for having me! I find it fascinating how the show highlights both the charm and the quirks of Paris. Yes, it has its clichés, but as a Parisian, I can’t help but enjoy its portrayal of our city. It’s a guilty pleasure, really.
**Interviewer:** President Macron seems very passionate about keeping Emily in Paris. He mentioned, “We will fight hard. And we will ask them to remain in Paris!” What are your thoughts on that?
**Agathe:** I understand his sentiment. Paris is such an iconic backdrop, and Emily’s adventures are tied to its essence. The show captures the beauty and the lifestyle here, even if it doesn’t portray the daily grind of a Parisian’s life. Losing that connection to Paris would change everything.
**Interviewer:** Many viewers have commented on the stereotype of Americans in Paris, and not all are fond of Emily’s character. As someone who shares her name, what’s been your experience with the series?
**Agathe:** Oh, it’s amusing! Everywhere I go, people make the connection. I usually laugh it off, saying, “Yes, it’s me!” But honestly, there’s a bit of frustration because it sometimes oversimplifies our culture. However, it does spark conversations about French life, which is valuable.
**Interviewer:** The blend of humor and cultural criticism is a big part of the series. How do you feel about its impact on American perceptions of Paris?
**Agathe:** I think the show has done wonders for highlighting certain aspects of our culture but at the same time reinforces some stereotypes. It’s important to remember that life here includes the little struggles—like navigating the metro! Still, it certainly makes Paris feel romantic and accessible to an international audience.
**Interviewer:** As the series enters its fourth season, what do you hope to see from Emily’s character in future episodes?
**Agathe:** I hope she continues to stumble through her adventures in Paris rather than moving to Rome. There’s a lot left to explore in Paris, and I believe it would resonate more with viewers who appreciate the depth of our city and its culture.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Agathe, for sharing your insights! It’s always interesting to hear a local’s perspective on how a show can influence global perceptions.
**Agathe:** My pleasure! Let’s hope Emily stays in Paris—it’s where all the magic happens!
S so much more to being a Parisian than what’s depicted. While Emily’s antics can be cringeworthy, they also open up conversations about cultural differences.
**Interviewer:** Do you think the show does a good job of reflecting the reality of living in Paris, or is it more of a fantasy version?
**Agathe:** It’s definitely more of a fantasy. The glamour, the parties, the effortless style—it’s all quite exaggerated. I enjoy it for what it is, but I think many viewers recognize that it glosses over the struggles we face here, like finding affordable housing or dealing with transportation. Paris has its challenges, and Emily often skips over those to focus on the picturesque moments.
**Interviewer:** With the series’ potential shift to Rome sparking debate, how do you feel about Emily possibly leaving Paris?
**Agathe:** I would be disappointed! Paris is such an integral part of the show’s charm. It’s where Emily’s journey began and where she truly learns to navigate her new life. While Rome is beautiful in its own right, I think viewers have fallen in love with the Parisian backdrop. Plus, as a Parisian, I’d love for the world to see more of what our city has to offer, quirks and all!
**Interviewer:** Lastly, what do you think keeps audiences coming back for more of “Emily in Paris”?
**Agathe:** I think it’s the mixture of humor, romance, and that irresistible charm of Paris. It’s light-hearted entertainment that allows people to escape into a ‘dreamy’ Paris without the hassles of reality. Even if it feels clichéd at times, it showcases the joy of living in one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Ultimately, despite its flaws, it strikes a chord with many viewers, both French and American.
**Interviewer:** Thank you so much for your insights, Agathe. It’s been a pleasure talking with you about the series and its impact on Parisian culture!
**Agathe:** Thank you for having me!
