Review And Analysis: Amélie (2001)
Amelie is a 2001 film directed by Jean Pierre Jeunet. The film is different from a typical American film. The main character Amelie is portrayed in a way that the audience can easily get lost in her world. This film is a rawer film, with fewer special effects. This film was a bit out of the comfort zone for me. The film is very similar to other independent films that I’ve seen, but the language barrier was a concern. Despite the language barrier, I was able to follow the story and understand the message.
Amelie was made in France. The language of the actors, as well as the narration in the film, is French. The film’s mise en scène also confirms its French origin. Sets use famous landmarks from Paris, France in order to establish the film’s location without using the Eiffel Tower every time. East Station is used frequently as a set when Amelie needs to get on a train. Amelie also walks through the streets of Paris, past markets, apartments and narrow streets. Some shots include iconic Parisian buildings and bridges. Props are used to emphasize the French nationality. Transportation is done by using small cars and motorcycles. Bicycles are also used. The costuming in the film is also French. The younger characters wore more trendy and modern clothing compared to older characters who wore more traditional clothes. The costuming reflects the age of the characters making it more realistic to mix characters from different ages in a town. Certain props have been used to reinforce the time period. In the film, you can see the old style cars and motorcycles as well as the electronic gadgets from the 90s. Amelie’s mise en scène reinforces the fact that it is a French film, but also includes cultural references.
Amelie has many similarities to silent films. The film Amelie has a lot dialogue, but it also uses multiple reactions shots and close ups during the conversations. The actors are able to use body language, facial emotions and other means of communication without being able to understand what is being said. In both silent and foreign films, facial expressions are emphasized.
Amelie uses music and sound to enhance many aspects of the movie. When Amelie is out and about, she uses the sounds of nature, cars passing, and horns. Each scene is more authentic when the background sounds are those heard on French streets. The score of the film is dominated by French melodies, which are used in many scenes to help reinforce the authenticity of the French culture. Amelie’s childhood is shown in the first scene. A French melody is played in the background.
The French version of Amelie does not compromise the quality of the story or the overall film. A film can be made that transcends language by combining the right mise en scene of location and time period, cultural references and body language, facial expressions and musical score with certain editing techniques.
