***May Contain Spoilers***
Amelie is a shy waitress that embarks on an ambitious journey to change the lives of those around her with random acts of kindness. Some are devious, some are simple, some are whimsically silly and fun. All the while, she struggles with her own isolation from those around her. None present this to her more than her reclusive neighbor, Raymond, a painter who suffers from a brittle bone condition. His painting become reflections of her isolation, forcing Amelie to consider working on her own life and not just meddle in others lives (with good intentions).*** End Spoilers ***
The rich colors almost make you feel as if you were watching a cartoon; yet, you are very much watching live interaction between Amelie and her surroundings. Director Jean-Pierre Jeunet, who originally started collecting the stories and memories as far back as 1974, (wonderfully) introduces characters with their idiosyncasies and simple pleasures. The Two Windmills is not only staffed, but patronized by a gang of eccentrics, and is a real cafe in the city of Montmartre - the setting of the film. It's not hard to see why Amelie won best film at the European Film Awards, four César Awards (including Best Film and Best Director), two BAFTA Awards (including Best Original Screenplay), and was nominated for five Academy Awards (a feat in itself considering it was entirely in French).
I cannot say enough great things about this little gem - it has remained on my top ten since my initial viewing. A true "feel-good" film, Amelie is imaginative, beautiful, rich in color and plot; and, perhaps one of the most creative films I will ever see.
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2 comments:
You know, this is my favorite movie. :-D
Strange that this was written for Emily Watson--seems that she would've been a bit too old for the part by that time. Still, if the part was originalyl intended for someone a bit older, I think it changes the tone of the movie; it almost would've been MORE poignant. I love this movie, but I never really believed Audrey as the social misfit Amelie was supposed to be. She's too cute :). But then the movie becomes something more stylized with her in the role; that is, I think we're supposed to believe it as a fairy tale.
Did you see the Luhzin Defense? It's got Emily Watson and she's glorious in it.
Sorry for the long response!
xx
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